Abstract: To absorb a volatile substance from a gas phase in a liquid absorbent, the gas phase is brought into contact with a film of an absorbent which comprises an ionic liquid and a wetting-promoting additive. The process can be used in absorption refrigerating machines.

Abstract: A degassing module is adapted for degassing a liquidous fluid at relatively high throughput flow rates. The degassing module includes a tubular separation membrane that is helically wound within an interior chamber of a degassing module housing. The helically wound tubular separation membrane is disposed in an axial flow gap of predetermined proportions that maximizes fluid flow dynamics in reducing the gas transport resistance from the liquid phase across the membrane. Typically, the helically wound tubular separation membrane is positioned in the gap with radial spacings to surfaces bounding the gap, thereby forming axial flow channels circumaxially inwardly and/or outwardly of the wound tubular membrane.

Abstract: A holding tank cover includes a gas permeable insulating membrane and a gas impermeable cover layer sized to overlay and conceal the gas permeable membrane. Together, the gas permeable membrane and the gas impermeable cover layer facilitate a controlled transmission of gas between an interior of the holding tank and an environment external to the holding tank.

Abstract: One aspect of the present teachings includes a separation membrane arranged in a hollow case. A particular component concentration chamber and a particular component dilution chamber are arranged in series in the hollow case. The particular component concentration chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component dilution chamber is capable of increasing concentration of the particular component by not allowing permeation of the particular gas through the separation membrane. The particular component concentration chamber and the particular component dilution chamber are configured such that only a gas containing the particular component and permeated through the separation membrane or only a gas containing the particular component not permeated through the separation membrane in one of the chambers disposed on an upstream side (i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for purifying a process water, which can comprise providing a process water comprising a first concentration of a first dissolved gas and a first concentration of a first dissolved ion, filtering the process water to create a filtered process water comprising a second concentration of the first dissolved gas, and evaporating the filtered process water to create a water vapor comprising a second concentration of the first dissolved ion that is less than the first concentration of the first dissolved ion.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the concentration of a selected gas in a liquid, the apparatus comprising a flow chamber through which the liquid is passed and which comprises a wall comprising a planar separation membrane, the separation membrane being substantially impermeable to the liquid and permeable to the selected gas, characterized in that the separation member extends beyond the flow chamber and provides a seal between components of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful for degassing liquids, for example HPLC eluents and analysis samples.

Abstract: A system for separating fluids of a fluid mixture including a filter element operatively arranged for enabling a first component of a fluid mixture to flow therethrough while impeding flow of at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. An additive is configured to improve a first affinity of the filter element for the first component relative to a second affinity of the filter element for the at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. A method of separating fluids is also included.

Abstract: A conditioner for conditioning fuel passing therethrough includes a deoxygenator having a body in which oxygen is removed from the fuel, and a heat exchanger attaching directly to the body for moderating a temperature of the fuel.

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.

Abstract: A method and porous multi-component material for the capture, separation or chemical reaction of a species of interest is disclosed. The porous multi-component material includes a substrate and a composite thin film. The composite thin film is formed by combining a porous polymer with a nanostructured material. The nanostructured material may include a surface chemistry for the capture of chemicals or particles. The composite thin film is coupled to the support or device surface. The method and material provides a simple, fast, and chemically and physically benign way to integrate nanostructured materials into devices while preserving their chemical activity.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment can be a process for sweetening natural gas to liquefied natural gas specifications. The process can include providing a membrane contactor having a lumen side and a shell side. A feed natural gas is introduced to the lumen side of the membrane contactor. An absorption solvent is introduced to the shell side of the membrane contactor. CO2 and H2S are removed with the absorption solvent from the feed natural gas resulting in a sweetened natural gas containing less than 50 ppmv CO2 and less than 4 ppmv H2S. Corresponding or associated systems for such sweetening of natural gas are also provided.

Abstract: In order to control bubble removal or mixing in a flow channel, bubble transfer between flow channels (1, 2) is controlled by disposing first flow channel (1) for flow of a first fluid of liquid or gas and second flow channel (2) for flow of a second fluid of liquid with, interposed therebetween, gas exchange unit (5) through which while no liquid can pass, a gas component can be transferred, and by providing a pressure difference between the flow channels (1, 2) with the gas exchange unit (5). By rendering the pressure of the second flow channel (2) higher than that of the first flow channel (1), any bubble transfer from the first fluid to the second fluid is prevented, or bubbles within the second fluid are transferred into the first fluid to thereby attain deaeration.

Abstract: A vortex separator includes a vortex chamber having a circular cross section, an inlet for delivering a fluid to the vortex chamber, a gas outlet through which gas present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber, a membrane positioned to substantially prevent liquid from passing through the gas outlet, and a liquid outlet through which liquid present in the fluid exits the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A venting device for a housing, for example, a battery housing, has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane attached to the housing so as to close off a venting opening of the housing. The membrane has a membrane section that overlaps and covers the venting opening. The membrane section has a predetermined bursting pressure. The membrane section deforms without being destroyed when pressure differences between the interior of the housing and the environment occur that are below the bursting pressure and when gas passes through the membrane section.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for debubbling or degassing a liquid. The apparatus includes a tube with a hollow lumen and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable wall surrounding the lumen. Also disclosed is a method for performing the debubbling or degassing, wherein the liquid is passed through the tube and gas is allowed to escape through the wall of the tube. The application additionally discloses a system for debubbling or degassing a liquid, wherein a pump is connected to the upstream end of the tube and a device to impede the flow of liquid out the tube is connected to the downstream end.

Abstract: A pumping system configured to pump fluid from the ambient environment to a target reservoir, the pumping system including: a fluid pump configured to statically mount to a rotating surface, the pump configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a pump reservoir statically coupled to the fluid pump and configured to fluidly couple to the target reservoir, the pump reservoir including a collection area defined along a portion of the pump reservoir radially outward of the axis of rotation; and a liquid separation member arranged along a portion of the collection area, the liquid separation member including a membrane configured to preferentially permit liquid flow therethrough.

Abstract: The instant application relates to a high pressure spiral-type hollow fiber membrane fabric-containing module or contactor, comprising: a high pressure module housing or vessel; a pair of end caps; liquid end ports and at least one gas port; and at least one membrane cartridge, wherein each module or contactor has one or more shims, spacers, protrusions, and/or the like on a cartridge shell exterior, on a module housing interior, on the cartridge shell exterior and on the module housing interior, and/or between the shell and the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100, 200) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100, 200) comprises a filter (12) which has a membrane (16) that separates a blood region (14) from a gas region (18). The extracorporeal flow of blood is passed through the blood region (14) of the filter (12). Likewise, a gas flow of a purge gas is passed through the gas region (18), the purge gas being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. Further, the invention relates to a method for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood in which likewise an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is used as a purge gas.

Abstract: A degassing module for removal of air and other gases during operation of a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The degassing module has a flow-through first chamber that has a hydrophobic vent membrane that has an exterior and interior side forming a portion of the flow-through chamber. The hydrophobic vent membrane is positioned at a higher elevation on the flow-through chamber than a fluid outlet. Fluid flows through the flow-through chamber in a downward direction relative to the hydrophobic vent membrane. A flow-through chamber has a cross sectional area configured to provide for a downward flow velocity of the fluid to be less than the upward rise velocity of a smallest bubble to be removed from the fluid.

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. The carbon dioxide then desorbs from the liquid sorbent using hollow-fiber contactors as a source of heat to liberate the carbon dioxide further separated by the hollow-fiber contactors from the liquid sorbent.

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.

Abstract: A modular degassing device (40) is disclosed. The modular degassing device (40) comprises outer clamping plates (330, 340) with at least one degassing module (200) arranged therebetween, wherein the degassing module (200) comprises two modular plates (310, 320) adjacently arranged, both modular plates (310, 320) having a first channel on sides facing a membrane (46) placed therebetween, wherein the first channel of one modular plate (310, 320) is a fluid channel (224) on one side of the membrane (46), and the first channel of the other modular plate (310, 320) is a vacuum channel (212) on the other side of the membrane (46).

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.

Abstract: A passive phase separator separates and traps gases that may be present in a liquid flowing through a system. The phase separator includes an inlet in fluid communication with a first separator chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with a second separator chamber that is disposed annularly about the first separator chamber. Gas introduced into the first separator chamber is pushed downstream through the first separator chamber to a gas storage chamber. Once gas is trapped within the gas storage chamber it remains there for the entire operational life of the phase separator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for treating natural gas that contains methane, comprising: a) at least one degassing module (1) and/or at least one percolator, and b) at least one gas exchanging module (2). The invention is characterized in that the degassing module (1) and/or the percolator and the gas exchanging module (2) are connected in a water circuit and arranged successively in the flow direction of the water. The water is degassed in the degassing module (1) and/or percolator, and the degassed water absorbs undesired gases from fed natural gas in the gas exchanging module (2). The fed natural gas is fed to the at least one gas exchanging module (2) in countercurrent to the degassed water. The invention further relates to a method for treating natural gas that contains methane, said method being carried out in the system according to the invention.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to contactors, modules, components, systems, and/or methods of manufacture, and/or methods of use including degassing liquids. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the contactor or module is integrally potted, has planar, disc shaped end caps, and a cylindrical housing or shell receiving and supporting a membrane structure. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, each of the planar disc shaped end caps has a central opening therein adapted to receive a liquid end port or nozzle, another opening therein adapted to receive a gas end port or threaded pipe, and is held in place in the housing or shell by at least one retaining element such as a retaining or locking ring. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the integrally potted membrane structure is potted in place in the housing or shell by an inverted potting process involving the use of a removable plunger or plug to recess the potting.

Abstract: A planar degasser comprises (1) a flow plate comprising a flow channel, (2) a planar separation membrane comprising a membrane transmission section which has a first major surface and a second major surface, the flow channel being at least in part bounded by the first major surface of the membrane transmission section,(3) a supporting member which supports the second major surface of the membrane transmission section when the pressure on the first major surface is greater than the pressure on the second major surface, and (4) structural features which enable liquid to flow through the flow channel when the pressure on the first major surface is equal to or less than the pressure on the second major surface, for example when there is no longer a vacuum on the second major surface of the membrane transmission section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.

Abstract: Described is the application of layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic assembly techniques to electrospun nanofibers in order to fabricate novel, breathable electrospun fiber-based chemical and biological detoxifying protective fabrics and filters. The combination of layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly and electrospinning technique allows one to take advantage of high specific surface area, light weight and breathability of electrospun fiber mats while simultaneously providing the versatility to incorporate different functional polyelectrolytes to achieve multifunctional coatings for both chemical and biological protection together. The functionalized fiber mats can be incorporated into breathable chemical and biological protective fabrics, filters and masks. In addition, LbL electrostatic coating of porous non-woven materials provides the versatility to generate multifunctional polymer-based membrane materials for other applications.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.

Abstract: A helium separation junction is provided for separating helium gases entrained in aqueous fluids. The junction includes a body, an inlet for receiving an aqueous feedstock having helium entrained therein, a helium outlet for allowing a helium gas stream, an aqueous fluid outlet for allowing a water stream having a reduced helium content relative to the feedstock, a helium filter cartridge that allows for the passage of helium while resisting the passage of water and an aqueous fluid filter cartridge that allows for the passage of water while resisting the passage of helium.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger, for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification, includes a bundle of tubes arranged vertically and parallel to each other in a shell chamber through which a fluid heat-transfer medium flows. The upper end of each tube is fixed in an upper tube sheet and the lower end of each tube is fixed in a lower tube sheet, and the polymer solution flows through the tubes in the direction of gravity. One feature is that a multilayer woven wire fabric is attached to the top of the upper tube sheet. The finest meshed layer of the fabric has a mesh width of 50 ?m to 1000 ?m. The invention also relates to a method for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and use of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for separating gases in a mixed gas feed stream, and to an apparatus for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.

Abstract: A system (1) for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream by bringing the gas stream into contact with a circulating ammoniated solution stream such that CO2 is absorbed in said ammoniated solution, characterized in that the system comprises a membrane purifier (17), said membrane purifier having a first compartment (18) and a second compartment (19), wherein said first and second compartment are separated by a semipermeable membrane (20), a method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream by bringing the gas stream into contact with a circulating ammoniated solution stream such that CO2 is absorbed in said ammoniated solution, said method comprising the step of separating trace components from a circulating solution using a semipermeable membrane, and the use of a membrane purifier having a first and a second compartment, wherein said first and a second compartments are separated by a semipermeable membrane, for reducing the trace component and/or water content of a circulating solution stre

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for degassing a liquid. The system includes a first chamber, where a liquid flows through the first chamber. The system also includes a second chamber, where the second chamber is configured to contain a gas. The system further includes an ejector, where the ejector is configured to move the gas within the second chamber. The system additionally includes a membrane, where the membrane allows a gas to pass between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A gas and liquid mixture separation and collection system for zero gravity operation that can be applied to a urinal toilet is disclosed. There is an inlet to receive the gas and liquid mixture. The mixture is directed to a filter having an air side. A vacuum pump on the air side of the filter generates a pressure delta to force the inlet flow. A peristaltic pump is used to transfer liquid away from the filter surface. In doing so, the flow on the liquid side of the membrane filter may contain some gas left over from the inlet flow mixture, but there is substantially less gas than in the gas and liquid mixture at the inlet. The filtered mixture is directed to an expandable collection bag that is attached to the air side of the filter so the filter process can be repeated to remove more gas from the mixture.

Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes a drum and an open-loop airflow pathway originating at an ambient air inlet, passing through the drum, and terminating at an exhaust outlet. A passive heat exchanger is included for passively transferring heat from air flowing from the drum toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the ambient air inlet toward the drum. A heat pump is also included for actively transferring heat from air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the drum. A heating element is also included for further heating air flowing from the heat pump toward the drum.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to a degassing device for removing gas bubbles from a liquid drug stream and an ambulatory infusion system are disclosed. The degassing device may comprise an inlet chamber with an inlet opening, an outlet chamber with an outlet opening, and a degassing opening. A hydrophilic membrane and a hydrophobic membrane, wherein the hydrophilic membrane fluidically couples the inlet chamber with the outlet chamber, enabling a transfer of liquid from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. The hydrophobic membrane fluidically couples the inlet chamber with the degassing opening, enabling a transfer of gas from the inlet chamber to the degassing opening. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes being joined along a joint to establish a joined membrane, such that a contact line of a liquid-gas phase separation on the joined membrane does not coincide with the joint independent of an orientation of the degassing device with respect to gravity.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: A conditioner for conditioning fuel passing therethrough includes a deoxygenator having a body in which oxygen is removed from the fuel, and a heat exchanger attaching directly to the body for moderating a temperature of the fuel.

Abstract: A pleatable, high efficiency composite gas filtration media is provided. The media includes an essentially boron free chopped strand glass backer layer and media layer comprising a synthetic material. The composite media exhibits excellent pleatability, low boron out gassing, and low organic out gassing, with filtration performance comparable to existing commercial membrane composites.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to contactors, modules, components, systems, and/or methods of manufacture, and/or methods of use including degassing liquids. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the contactor or module is integrally potted, has planar, disc shaped end caps, and a cylindrical housing or shell receiving and supporting a membrane structure. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, each of the planar disc shaped end caps has a central opening therein adapted to receive a liquid end port or nozzle, another opening therein adapted to receive a gas end port or threaded pipe, and is held in place in the housing or shell by at least one retaining element such as a retaining or locking ring. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the integrally potted membrane structure is potted in place in the housing or shell by an inverted potting process involving the use of a removable plunger or plug to recess the potting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Ink in an ink tank is fed through a dissolved gas control filter to a printer head. A gas pressure changing mechanism reduces pressure in a gas pressure control tank. In response, the dissolved gas control filter removes gas dissolved in the ink. The gas pressure control tank is placed under pressure corresponding to a sum of the pressure reduced by the gas pressure changing mechanism and the pressure of the gas having been removed from the liquid. A gas pressure measuring part measures the sum of these pressures as pressure in the gas pressure control tank. Then, a controller determines when time of exchange of the dissolved gas control filter has come based on the magnitude of a gradient of gas pressure variation in the gas pressure control tank.