Apparatus For Selective Diffusion Of Gases (e.g., Semipermeable Membrane, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/4)
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Patent number: 7699911Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Shaojun J. Zhou, Stephen F. Yates
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Publication number: 20100092353Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi NODA
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Patent number: 7695550Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventors: Thomas Nikita Krupenkin, Victor Alexander Lifton, Joseph Ashley Taylor, Brijesh Vyas
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Publication number: 20100083836Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen-permeable film having a ceramic material of a nitride or oxide of a metal element belonging to group IVa, Va or VIa and hydrogen-permeable metal particles of at least one kind selected from palladium (Pd), niobium (Nb), vanadium (V), tantalum (Ta) and alloys thereof dispersed in the ceramic material, wherein the ratio of the hydrogen-permeable metal particles in the hydrogen-permeable film is 20 to 70 mass %, and the thickness of the hydrogen-permeable film is 5 to 1,000 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATIONInventor: Katsuhiko Fukui
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Patent number: 7686867Abstract: A degasifier is provided in which the deterioration in sealing property (deterioration in airtightness) is prevented while sealing members to be placed between a container and covers that compose a decompression chamber can be omitted. A degasifier includes a decompression chamber provided with a container and covers, and a gas-permeable tube. The container is a tubular body extending along the central axis. The covers seal the openings of the ends of the tubular body. The gas-permeable tube is contained in the decompression chamber in such a manner that a liquid to be degassed that has entered from the outside of the decompression chamber flows therethrough and the liquid to be degassed that has flowed therethrough flows out of the decompression chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventor: Hajime Ooya
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Publication number: 20100071557Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for producing membranes, the compositions comprising at least 0.1% by weight of highly branched polymer, at least 0.5% by weight of linear polymer and at least 30% by weight of solvent. The present invention additionally describes membranes obtainable from the compositions, and methods of producing these membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbHInventors: Matthias Seiler, Stefan Bernhardt, Rolf Schneider, Roland Wursche, Franz-Erich Baumann
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Publication number: 20100071550Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Francois Hauville
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Patent number: 7682422Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: UBE Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Nozomu Tanihara
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Patent number: 7678181Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Electric Industries, LtdInventors: Satoshi Aoyama, Hiromichi Sato, Takashi Uemura, Osamu Mizuno, Kentaro Yoshida, Tomohiko Ihara
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Patent number: 7678177Abstract: A membrane air dryer includes a proportioning valve for providing sweep air to the dryer. The valve may be located in an easily accessible location and may be oriented so that the movable valve element extends transverse to the length of the shell. The valve may be configured to allow air to flow back from the delivery port to the fibers during a compressor unload cycle to maintain pressure on the fibers, while blocking flow of air from the delivery port to the sweep chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventor: Randall W. Nichols
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Publication number: 20100050875Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: RAUMEDIC AGInventor: Ralf Ziembinski
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Patent number: 7662212Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.Inventors: Daniel Mullette, Joachim Muller, Neeta Patel
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Patent number: 7662218Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takanori Maeda, Hiroshi Yagi, Asako Harayama
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Patent number: 7658784Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum GeesthachtInventors: Detlev Fritsch, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, Dominique De Figueiredo Gomes
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Patent number: 7658788Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignees: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., SOFCO-EFS Holdings LLCInventors: Michael Jerome Holmes, Theodore R. Ohrn, Christopher Ming-Poh Chen
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Publication number: 20100025629Abstract: A device for controlling relative humidity in an environment with a solidified humectant composition. The solidified humectant composition is made from a humectant salt, water, and a carrier. The solidified humectant may be formed into a tablet with the aid of a binder, or it may be contained within a thermoformed felt material, a sachet, or a water permeable canister. In a preferred embodiment, the sachet is made of a micro-perforated polyester/paper/polyethylene material. Preferred humectant salts include CaCl2, K2CO3, LiCl, NaCl, K2SO4, and combinations thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of one or more of: an antimicrobial agent, activated carbon, a volatile organic, a moisture adsorber and an oxygen absorber, in combination with the solidified humectant salt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: MULTISORB TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas Powers, Louis Patrone
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Patent number: 7655075Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: NFT Nonofiltertechnik Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter HaftungInventor: Wilfried Hofmann
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Patent number: 7655183Abstract: A durable Pd-based alloy is used for a H2-selective membrane in a hydrogen generator, as in the fuel processor of a fuel cell plant. The Pd-based alloy includes Cu as a binary element, and further includes “X”, where “X” comprises at least one metal from group “M” that is BCC and acts to stabilize the ? BCC phase for stability during operating temperatures. The metal from group “M” is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Nb, Ta, V, Mo, and W, with Nb and Ta being most preferred. “X” may further comprise at least one metal from a group “N” that is non-BCC, preferably FCC, that enhances other properties of the membrane, such as ductility. The metal from group “N” is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Re, Ru, Rh, Y, Ce, Ni, Ir, Pt, Co, La and In. The at. % of Pd in the binary Pd—Cu alloy ranges from about 35 at. % to about 55 at. %, and the at. % of “X” in the higher order alloy, based on said binary alloy, is in the range of about 1 at. % to about 15 at. %.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: UTC Power CorporationInventors: Raymond C. Benn, Susanne M. Opalka, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt
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Publication number: 20100018393Abstract: A humidity exchanger for exchanging humidity between a first air stream and a second air stream contains a first cavity and a second cavity, which are separated by a structure permeable to water vapor, the first cavity configured to have the first air stream flow through it and a second cavity configured to have the second air stream flow through it. The humidity exchanger also contains a cleaning system having a cleaning module, which provides a liquid, vaporized, or gaseous cleaning fluid to clean the first cavity and/or the second cavity using the cleaning fluid. The cleaning may be supported using shockwaves, soundwaves, and/or ultrasound waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Mentus Holding AGInventor: Urs A. Weidmann
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Patent number: 7651551Abstract: A membrane air dryer includes a housing with an air inlet, an air outlet, a sweep air inlet and a sweep air outlet; and a membrane separator having surfaces extending between and having an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. A sweep air passage in the housing extends between first and second ends of the membrane along and includes surfaces of the membrane. The sweep air passage has an inlet adjacent the air outlet and has an outlet adjacent the air inlet and connected to the sweep air outlet. A volume is concentric to the membrane separator, has an inlet connected to the outlet of the membrane separator and has an outlet connected to the sweep air inlet. The filter may be mounted in a reservoir with the membrane separator extending into the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventors: Eric Wright, Richard Kohar
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Patent number: 7648566Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wei Wei, James Anthony Ruud, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Vidya Ramaswamy, Ke Liu
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Patent number: 7648565Abstract: A filter element (102) comprising a filter media (106) and a membrane (114). The filter media (106) filters impurities (e.g., water and/or contaminants) from a liquid (e.g., a liquid fuel initially containing impurities) as the liquid passes from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element (102). The membrane (114) is permeable to air and impermeable to the liquid and the impurities. The membrane (114) is positioned to provide a bypass from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element whereby air intermixed with the fluid will not accumulate on the inlet side (110) of the filter element (102).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Michael D. Clausen, Peter Popoff, Steven D. Hardison
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Publication number: 20090325019Abstract: A filtration device for a fuel cell system is provided. The filtration device includes a filter adapted to receive a reactant for a fuel cell. The filter includes a molecular sieve material adapted to separate a contaminant from the reactant supplied to the fuel cell. A membrane electrode assembly having the filter integrally formed therewith, and a fuel cell stack having the filter disposed adjacent at least one of the end plates of the fuel cell stack, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Kelly O'Leary, Sean MacKinnon, Michael Budinski
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Patent number: 7637983Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MOF-MMMs) have been prepared by dispersing high surface area MOFs (e.g. IRMOF-1) into a polymer matrix (e.g. Matrimid 5218). The MOFs allow the polymer to infiltrate the pores of the MOFs, which improves the interfacial and mechanical properties of the polymer and in turn affects permeability. Pure gas permeation tests show the incorporation of 20 wt-% of IRMOF-1 in Matrimid 5218 polyimide matrix results in 280% improvement in CO2 permeability without a loss of CO2/CH4 selectivity compared to those of the pure Matrimid 5218 membrane. This type of MOF-MMMs has significantly improved gas separation performance with dramatically high CO2 permeability (>35 barrer) and higher than 29 CO2/CH4 selectivity at 50° C. under 100 psig pressure, which are attractive candidates for practical gas separation applications such as CO2 removal from natural gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Beth McCulloch, Stephen T. Wilson, Annabelle I. Benin, Mark E. Schott
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Patent number: 7637984Abstract: Increasing the economic and environmental compatibility in treatment processes in sour gas production. For 25 yr, Mobil Erdgas Erdoel GmbH (MEEG) has been treating considerable amounts of sour gas in N. Germany. In 9 fields with different gas qualities, there are ca 30 producing wells. The main processes of the sour gas production and treatment are described. The gas is dried at the well site and if the reservoir pressure is not sufficient, compressed for transportation to the central processing facility. In most cases the use of sulfur solvents is necessary at the wells. Natural gas scrubbers for the total removal of hydrogen sulfide and Claus units with downstream units to obtain sulfur are utilized. To increase the environmental compatibility and economics, a number of secondary processes have been introduced for emission control; glycol stripping; and the Purisol, Selexol, Sulfinol, and Claus processes.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Eleftherios Adamopoulos
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Patent number: 7637985Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Randall W. Nichols
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Publication number: 20090317314Abstract: A particle separator and method for removing particles from an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. Differing flow regions having different flow conditions are formed in the particle separator. The differing flow regions are configured such that essentially particles having different, defined sizes and/or masses are adapted to be separated out of the exhaust gas stream in the differing flow regions. The exhaust gas stream is adapted to flow through at least portions of the particle separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Andreas Doring
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Patent number: 7628842Abstract: A purification system and method for purifying a hydrogen stream supplied from a storage tank mounted in a vehicle to produce a purified hydrogen stream for use in a PEM fuel cell system that is utilized within the vehicle. The hydrogen is purified within a membrane separator having hydrogen transport membrane elements having a dense metallic layer such as palladium to separate the hydrogen from the impurities. The separated hydrogen is supplied to the PEM fuel cell. In order to heat the membrane to its operational temperature, heat is recovered from the hydrogen permeate stream of the membrane system in a first heat exchanger and heat is generated by combusting the retentate stream containing residual hydrogen and impurities.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Michael Schwartz, Raymond Francis Drnevich
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Patent number: 7628916Abstract: A hollow fiber cartridge includes a stack of hollow fiber mats. The stack has a major axis and two end faces. Each mat is substantially perpendicular to the axis. An end cap is united to each end face.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Celgard LLCInventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Robert H. Carroll, Tony R. Vido, Timothy D. Price
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Publication number: 20090294366Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing CO2 from air, which comprises exposing sorbent covered surfaces to the air. The invention also provides for an apparatus for exposing air to a CO2 sorbent. In another aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) bound in a sorbent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Klaus S. Lackner, Burton Wright, Matt Wallen, Ursula Ginster, Eddy J. Peters
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Patent number: 7625434Abstract: A gas generating system comprises an air separation module (ASM) in fluid communication with a nitrogen enriched air (NEA) line and an oxygen enriched air (OEA) line. A valve is positioned in the OEA line and an oxygen sensor is positioned in the NEA line. The valve can be modulated in response to the oxygen sensor to create a backpressure forcing more airflow into the NEA line. The OEA line can be backpressured until a predetermined NEA oxygen concentration is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert Tom, Jenny Gu, Ryan Murphy, Benjamin Tang
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Patent number: 7625426Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mong-Tung Lin
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Patent number: 7622086Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane type reactor including a catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction, a selectively permeable membrane which selectively allows a specific component to pass therethrough, and a carrier for disposing the catalyst and the selectively permeable membrane the carrier being a tubular body having two or more gas passage cells partitioned and formed by a partition wall formed of a porous body, the catalyst being individually disposed in some of the cells of the carrier, the selectively permeable membrane being individually disposed in the remainder of the cells, and the cell in which the catalyst is disposed and the cell in which the selectively permeable membrane is disposed being adjacently disposed with the partition wall positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Nobuhiko Mori
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Patent number: 7621982Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-kyun Kang, Xiaobing Luo, Dong-kee Sohn, Hae-kyoung Kim
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Patent number: 7611627Abstract: The membrane module according to the invention is characterized in that it has concrete flanges. This membrane module is made by first sealing a bundle of ceramic fiber membranes at one end using a viscous sealant and then pressing it into a fluid mass of concrete in a mould. After the mass of concrete has hardened the process is repeated with the other end of the bundle. Finally the ends of the fiber membranes are opened by sawing off a slice of the flanges.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Inventors: Rinse Alle Terpstra, Ruud Wilhelmus Johannes Dirrix, Sander Johannes Everstein
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Patent number: 7611568Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes: a housing having an open hole; a gas extracting membrane that covers the open hole and transmits only the gas; a liquid extracting member that defines a first chamber that contacts the gas extracting membrane and a second chamber that does not contact the gas extracting membrane, and selectively transmits the liquid in the first chamber to the second chamber; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the housing; and an outlet that is connected to the second chamber and guides the liquid in the second chamber to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-kyun Kang, Dong-kee Sohn, Woong-ho Cho, Sang-hyeon Choi
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Patent number: 7608131Abstract: An air separation system and method wherein the outlet of a primary air separation module (one or more modules or bundles of fiber membranes) is split into two flow paths, a low flow path and a high flow path. The outlet of a secondary air separation module (one or more modules or bundles of fiber membranes) is split into two flow paths, a mid flow path and a high flow path, the latter being joined with the high flow of the primary air separation module. Flow along the primary low flow passes through a low-flow orifice, flow along the secondary mid-flow path passes through a mid-flow orifice, and flow along the high flow paths of both the primary and secondary air separation modules is joined together for passage through a shutoff valve and a high flow orifice. This configuration allows for three different flow modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Bryan D. Jensen
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Patent number: 7608185Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a seal disposed within the outer case, thereby dividing the interior region into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through the first chamber and the second chamber, where at least a portion of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes have first segments located within the first chamber and second segments located within the second chamber, the first segments being configured to allow vapor transmission therethrough, and the second segments being configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission therethrough, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Xiaohong Liao, Zidu Ma, James R. Irish
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Patent number: 7604681Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide or nitrogen from gas, especially natural gas. The process uses three membrane separation stages without compression between the second and third stages.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignees: Lummus Technology, Inc., Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Malsam, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 7604781Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: John H. Brophy, Bruce F. Monzyk
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Patent number: 7604746Abstract: The present application discloses a composite membrane comprising (a) a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and (b) a cross-linked copolymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer and/or (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, which cross-linked copolymer fills the pores of the support member, the cross-linked copolymer having a permeability for a fluid that is dependent on the polarity of the fluid, wherein the permeability increases with increasing polarity. The present application also discloses a process for the preparation of the composite membrane, a pervaporation apparatus comprising the composite membrane, and methods for the use of the composite material in separation and dehydration processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: McMaster UniversityInventors: Ronald F. Childs, Jie Yu
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Patent number: 7604689Abstract: Device for exchange of moisture, between at least two counter-current gas flows (A, B), comprising a generally closed chamber (1, 101) having an inlet (7, 107) and an outlet (8, 108) for a first gas flow (B), such that the first gas flow flows in a first direction from the inlet to the outlet inside the chamber; and at least one duct (2, 102), which extends inside the chamber, generally in parallel with the first direction, which duct (2, 102) is arranged to conduct a second fluid flow (A) in an opposite direction to the first direction and which duct (2, 102) comprises a duct wall material with high permeability to water.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Air to Air Sweden ABInventor: Johan Siverklev
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Patent number: 7601202Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in air of a closed or partially closed unit of space. The inventive method may comprise the steps of removing an air flow from the unit of space, guiding the air flow in a membrane system that may contain at least one membrane module having a CO2/O2 selectivity of greater than 2, removing the carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane, and returning the air flow that has been depleted of carbon dioxide in the membrane system to the unit of space. The inventive method may be optionally combined with an oxygen enrichment method. The invention also relates to corresponding devices for carrying out the inventive method.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Blue Membranes GmbHInventors: Andreas Noack, Jürgen Kunstmann, Christian Gnabs, Norman Bischofberger, Norbert A. Paul, Jörg Rathenow
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Publication number: 20090249948Abstract: An air-separation system, useful in high-temperature environments, produces a superheated compressed air stream which is sufficiently cool to be applied to an air-separation membrane. Ambient air is compressed, and then cooled by a fan. The cooled compressed air, after being filtered, is passed through a heat exchanger where it is heated by thermal contact with incoming compressed air. The cooled compressed air thus becomes superheated, and can then be conveyed into a polymeric membrane module without damaging the polymer. A valve enables some of the compressed air to bypass the heat exchanger, thus controlling the degree to which the cooled compressed air stream is heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Generon IGS, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Jeffers
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Publication number: 20090249950Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performances 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/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: William J. Koros, David Wallace, John D. Wind, Claudia Staudt-Bickel, Stephen J. Miller
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Patent number: 7597733Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventors: Brian M. Fudge, Patrick Tuxbury, Kirk Johnson
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Publication number: 20090241781Abstract: A hybrid, wet electrostatic precipitator has multiple precipitation zones for removing particulate and contaminants from a flue gas stream. A first precipitation zone has at least one discharge electrode and at least one collection plate made of a metal or a fiber glass reinforced plastic. A second precipitation zone has at least one discharge electrode and at least one collecting electrode which is a porous membrane sheet. The precipitation zones are in series with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Ronald J. Triscori, Albert L. Moretti, Robert E. Snyder, Donald P. Tonn
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Publication number: 20090238741Abstract: An apparatus for removing harmful gas components out of the earth's atmosphere is a free-flying autonomous lightweight aircraft with an onboard gas processing system including gas separation or extraction devices, and inlets and outlets connected to the devices. Solar cells and/or thermoelectric generators provided on the craft produce electrical energy to operate the individual devices. The system may include a cryogenic closed-loop circulation system that participates in liquefying the extracted gas components. The apparatus is preferably a lighter-than-air craft like a dirigible. A method of extracting harmful gas components from the atmosphere involves flying the apparatus at a prescribed altitude level and operating the gas processing system to remove the harmful gas component from the atmosphere, then returning the apparatus to earth to offload the liquefied stored harmful gas component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Astrium GmbHInventor: Detlev Konigorski
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Publication number: 20090233155Abstract: Carbon dioxide or other gases can be separated from gas streams using ionic liquid, such as in an electrochemical cell. For example, a membrane can contain sufficient ionic liquid to reduce ionic current density of at least one of protons and hydroxyl ions, relative to carbon-containing ionic current density. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced on a cathode side, while a source of hydrogen gas can be introduced on the anode side of the membrane. Operation of an electrochemical cell with such a membrane can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: Karl Anthony Littau
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Patent number: 7588628Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making a microporous ceramic material using a metal silicon powder and including a reaction sintering process of the silicon. A material for forming a microporous ceramic material used in these methods includes a metal silicon powder, a silicon nitride powder and/or a silicon carbide powder, and if desired, a yttrium oxide powder and/or an aluminum oxide powder. These methods can make a microporous ceramic material that can be used preferably as a gas or liquid filter, a catalyst carrier or a support of a gas separation membrane.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignees: Noritake Co., Limited, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.Inventors: Yasunori Ando, Seiji Yamada, Hisatomi Taguchi, Yosuke Takahashi, Shigeo Nagaya, Kiyoshi Komura