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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane formed from a multiple of layers. The layers include a sealant layer, an oxygen permeability layer and a porous backing layer. The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane maximizes the oxygen transfer rate and minimizes the fuel leakage rate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating fluids are disclosed. We have discovered that, surprisingly, providing an open pore structure between a wick and an open flow channel resulted in superior separation performance. A novel and compact integrated device components for conducting separations are also described.

Abstract: A method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide bonded oxygen carrier solution across a separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to the light and a method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide oxygen carrier solution across a hollow fiber separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to light.

Abstract: A fuel system for a gas turbine engine removes oxygen from fuel with a fuel stabilization unit (FSU). The FSU includes a first vacuum stage, where vacuum pressure is created by an ejector and a second vacuum stage where vacuum pressure is created by the ejector and a vacuum pump. The vacuum stream from the first vacuum stage and the second vacuum stage flow through the ejector. The vacuum stream from the second vacuum stage is all that passes through the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Venting systems for use with fuel tank systems are described. An example venting system includes a membrane disposed within a vent line or an emission control component to form a passageway through the venting system. The membrane is coated with a hydrophobic material to substantially prevent the flow of liquid and permit the flow of vapors or gases through the passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, systems and devices for mitigation of bubbles in a micro-fluidic environment. For example, the invention relates to methods, systems and devices for mitigation of bubbles from reagents, solvents, formulations and for improving chemical reactions in micro-fluidic systems, such as for fluorescence detection and polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas separation, in particular to separation of CO2 from CO2-rich liquids, particularly from CO2 absorption liquids used in the removal of CO2 from off-gases or product flows, such as natural gas or synthesis gas. According to the invention, CO2 is separated from a CO2-rich liquid by a method comprising a step wherein, under elevated pressure, said liquid is contacted with a membrane based on polyacetylene substituted with trimethylsilyl groups such that the pressure across the membrane is at least 1 bar and that at least a part of the CO2 is transported from the liquid through the membrane.

Abstract: A sealed enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a membrane vent adapted to mount through a wall of the enclosure, the membrane vent comprising an air permeable tubular membrane, a tubular structural support, wherein the tubular membrane is stretched over the tubular structural support, an air vent fitting attached to the tubular membrane at a first end, and an end cap attached to the tubular membrane at a second end.

Abstract: A device for use in a fluid system includes a flow perturbation element within a fluid channel. The flow perturbation element has a gas permeable surface for removing dissolved gas from passing fluid. A gas permeable membrane is coated on the gas permeable surface and allows the dissolved gas transport out of passing fluid into a gas-removal channel. The gas permeable membrane may be coated on the fuel perturbation elements using any of a variety of methods.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of non-metallic fuel plates, gaskets, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates. Intricate 3-dimension fuel channel structures such as laminar flow impingement elements within the fuel channel dramatically enhance oxygen diffusivity in the FSU. The fuel plates are manufactured from a relatively soft non-metallic material. The non-metallic fuel plates and gasket arrangement provide an effective sealing interface between the fuel plate and oxygen permeable membrane, since compression may be applied to the plates without damaging the relatively delicate oxygen permeable membrane.

Abstract: Compressed air is supplied to a booster after the compressed air at high pressure is dehumidified by means of a hollow thread membrane of a membrane dryer, and a part of the compressed air is used to serve as the compressed air for a boosting operation, and thereby the compressed air is boosted by the booster, and the used discharge air that is used for the boosting operation is caused to flow through a purge flow path formed on an outside of the hollow thread membrane of the membrane dryer, and the discharge air is utilized to serve as purge air.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid supply apparatus including: a liquid supply path which supplies a liquid from an upstream side, which is a liquid supply source, to a downstream side in which the liquid is consumed; a defoaming chamber which is provided in the liquid supply path and defoams air bubbles included in the liquid; and a depressurization chamber which is provided at a position adjacent to the defoaming chamber with a partition interposed therebetween and is depressurized such that the pressure thereof becomes lower than the pressure of the defoaming chamber, wherein the partition allows permeation of gas by the depressurization of the depressurization chamber and restricts permeation of the liquid, and wherein the partition is configured by a partition wall having rigidity.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.

Abstract: The transducer-protector device for medical apparatus comprises a housing formed by two half-shells, a membrane defining a gas-permeable anti-contamination barrier, a female Luer first connection port, a second connection port for connection to a flexible tube, a helical bellows-conformed deformable member. The device, which operates in a service line of an extracorporeal blood circuit associated to a dialysis machine, is for protecting the machine from contaminating agents originating from the circuit. The device is simple and economical to manufacture.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator for use in portable equipments, that can be made small, has a simple structure, can be manufactured at low costs, and carries out separation of gas and liquid with no problems occurring even if there is a change in orientation. The gas-liquid separator receives gas-containing liquid mixed with gas and performs gas-liquid separation into gas and liquid, and includes a gas-liquid separation chamber (8) for performing gas-liquid separation when gas-containing liquid is fed between a liquid extracting member (4) for passing the liquid therethrough while restricting the passage of gas therethrough and a gas extracting member (9) for passing gas therethrough while restricting the passage of liquid therethrough. The height (14) of the gas-liquid separation chamber (8) is set at not more than a maximum bubble growth diameter in the direction of gravity which depends on the surface tension of liquid.

Abstract: The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus oscillates an undiluted solution containing a target material at an ultrasonic frequency to produce mist, and collects the mist to collect a target material containing liquid that contains the target material with higher concentration than the undiluted solution. The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus includes an atomization chamber that oscillates the undiluted solution at an ultrasonic frequency by using a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators to produce the mist; and a collection portion that aggregates and thus collects the mist produced in the atomization chamber. The atomization chamber is divided into a plurality of divided chamber sections so that the ultrasonic oscillators are disposed in the respective divided chamber sections. The ultrasonic oscillators oscillate the undiluted solution supplied into the divided chamber sections to produce the mist.

Abstract: A gas and liquid separation device for use with a fuel tank. The separation device includes a body having at least one passage therethrough in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a gas and liquid separator carried by the body in fluid communication with the at least one passage and being oriented at an angle with respect to horizontal when in use.

Abstract: Degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a support device, a distribution fabric, a gate device, a discharge device, a matrix-material-impermeable barrier layer, which is sealed with respect to the support device by a seal and thus forms a first chamber of the degassing device located around the gate device, as well as a degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a first connection, for conducting the matrix material to be degassed into the degassing device, a second connection for conducting the degassed fluid out of the same, and a third connection for applying negative pressure to the interior of the same, an inner body, a resin-impermeable and air-permeable film, and an outer housing.

Abstract: A liquid separator for a respiratory gas sample analyzer includes a closed container having a liquid trap filter chamber integral with the container. The liquid trap filter chamber includes an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment. The inlet compartment is interposed between a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port and includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable filter element for separating liquid from a gas sample, the liquid separated from the gas sample passing to a collection chamber. The outlet compartment includes a further gas permeable, liquid impermeable trap filter element which is interposed between the collection chamber and a low pressure port, for preventing the flow of liquid through the output compartment to the low pressure port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable liquid housing container and a durable liquid supply apparatus which use a gas-liquid separation membrane. Thus, a gas-liquid separation membrane (2) located at an air vent in a liquid housing container (1) includes a fibril portion (2A) composed of fibrous portions and an annular node portion (2B) which bundles the ends of fibrous portions of the fibril portion (2A) and which is closed so as to surround the fibril portion (2A).

Abstract: An apparatus configured to de-gas a liquid includes a semi-permeable membrane having a first side on which the liquid is provided; and (i) a vaporizer configured to provide vapor of the liquid to a second side of the membrane; or (ii) a gas inlet configured to provide a gas to the second side of the membrane, the gas adapted to dissociate when dissolved in the liquid and an ion exchanger for the liquid downstream of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of fuel plates, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates which define a wave pattern configuration. The wave configuration enhances deoxygenation by increasing the efficiency and integrality due to higher surface volume ration, increase of flow turbulence, and minimal sharp edges which may otherwise damage the oxygen permeable membranes compared to other configurations.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane having a textured surface. A sweep gas and/or vacuum maintains an oxygen concentration differential across the membrane to deoxygenate the fuel. The textured surface increases the surface area of the oxygen permeable membrane. The textured surface of the oxygen permeable membrane is fabricated by pressing the textured surface into the oxygen permeable membrane with a microreplication-based tooling system. Another fabrication method presses the textured surface into a sacrificial film and the oxygen permeable membrane is then formed upon the sacrificial film to transfer the textured surface to the oxygen permeable membrane and the sacrificial film is then subsequently removed. Another fabrication method applies additional material to the oxygen permeable membrane through a porous sacrificial film.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating contact between a liquid and a fluid. Such systems and methods may allow efficient removal of components from the liquid without using undesirable reducing agents. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification of a liquid by passing the liquid and a fluid through a porous medium. The porous medium facilitates mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A partial pressure differential of the component between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the component from the liquid to the fluid in the mixed liquid and fluid. One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of purifying a liquid. The method includes passing a liquid, such as a fuel, and a fluid, such as a non-reactive gas, through a porous medium, the liquid containing a component, such as oxygen gas, therein. The passing causes mixing of the liquid and the fluid and transfer of at least some of the component from the liquid to the fluid.

Abstract: A gas separation system suited for extraction of gas dissolved in pressurized fluid. The system includes a semi-permeable membrane in the form of tubing having an inner core volume with an internal support present within the inner core volume. The internal support provides multiple cylindrical supporting surfaces which are presented to the inside tubing wall surface to prevent collapse of the tubing wall against external pressure. Internal supports may include a coil of spring-like configuration fitted coaxially within the tubing; or multiple filaments that form a longitudinal bundle within the core of the tubing. The response time of the system may be enhanced by the presence of an outer tubular conduit surrounding the semi-permeable membrane tubing and providing a flow path for the external fluid to increase the rate of diffusion of dissolved gases through the semi-permeable membrane. Gas pressures may be a sensed, both total and partial, as well as the identity of respective sampled gases.

Abstract: Provided is an ink container suitable for forming a stable high-quality print image and obtaining stable operation of a printing device by enabling precipitates of coarse-grained ink etc. standing in an ink container body to be left in the ink container body and by eliminating troubles due to the supply of such precipitates of coarse-grained ink etc. to the printing device. A region for residual ink liquid 4 and a sheet-entry preventing member 6 as shape retaining means 5 are provided on the bottom 2a side of a bag-like ink container body 2 formed from a flexible sheet. The region for residual ink liquid 4 is disposed in a position lower than one end 3a of an ink supply opening part 3 fixed to the ink container body 2. When the sheet composing the ink container body 2 moves, the sheet-entry preventing member 6 prevents the sheet from entering the region for residual ink liquid 4, thereby keeping the shape and volume of the region part for residual ink liquid 4.

Abstract: A method for processing flue-gas, in an exemplary embodiment, includes providing an absorber unit having a membrane contactor, channeling a combustion flue gas along a first surface of the membrane contactor, and channeling an ammonia-based liquid reagent along a second opposing surface of the membrane contactor. The method also includes partially separating the ammonia-based liquid from the flue gas such that the ammonia-based liquid and the flue gas contact at gas-liquid interface areas, defined by a plurality of pores of the membrane contactor, to separate CO2 from the flue gas by a chemical absorption of CO2 within the ammonia-based liquid to produce a CO2-rich ammonia-based liquid.

Abstract: Froth is directed through a flow passage bounded by a filter and a non-porous surface, and liquid is drawn from the froth through the filter as the froth flows through the flow passage.

Abstract: A gas distributor, for distributing a gas that contains an entrained liquid, comprises a body with upper (14,16) and lower perforate sections (18,20) and liquid separation means (22,28) disposed within said body between said upper (14) and lower (18) sections that coalesces at least part of the liquid entrained in the gas. A vessel (50), e.g. a catalyst (56) or sorbent vessel comprises the distributor and a process for distributing a gas and the separated liquid to a vessel using the distributor.

Abstract: A gas separation system for extraction of gas from pressurized fluid has a gas sampling interface and gas circulation tubing to pass sampled gas to a gas sensor to determine the character or a property of the gas. The gas sampling interface includes a semi-permeable membrane in the form of tubing having an inner core volume with an internal support that provides multiple supporting surfaces to prevent collapse of the tubing wall against external pressure and provides interstitial spaces for the flow of gas. Internal supports may include a coil of spring-like configuration fitted coaxially within the tubing; or multiple filaments that form a longitudinal bundle within the core of the tubing, or both. An outer tubular conduit surrounding the semi-permeable membrane tubing provides a flow path for the external fluid to increase the rate of diffusion of dissolved gases through the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A fuel stabilization system includes a first deoxygenator and a second deoxygenator both for removing dissolved oxygen from a hydrocarbon fuel. The first and second deoxygenators are arranged in parallel or series to sequentially remove a portion of dissolved oxygen from the hydrocarbon fuel. The arrangement of several deoxygenators for a single fuel stream improves removal of dissolved oxygen and provides for scalability of the fuel system to meet application specific demands. The arrangement also provides for the preservation of partial system functionality in the event of the failure of one of the deoxygenator modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a fluid includes a fluid inlet and a separation chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separation chamber has first and second end portions, with the first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above the second end portion. The apparatus further includes a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in the separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between the first and second end portions. A permeate side of the membrane is exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of a target gas, which second partial pressure is lower than a first partial pressure of the gas in the fluid.

Abstract: A gas separation device for separating a reactive gas from a gaseous mixture comprising porous anode and cathode electrodes separated by an ionic membrane, the anode being impregnated with an absorbent compound or solvent; the cathode being impregnated with an electrically conductive liquid; a power supply for supplying electric charge to the electrodes; an inlet for a gaseous mixture, the inlet communicating with a chamber adjacent the cathode; and an outlet for gas from the chamber so that gas passing from the inlet to the outlet contacts the cathode; wherein reactive gas is absorbed from the gaseous mixture by the absorbent compound and retained in the device and wherein the retained gas subsequently desorbed from the absorbent compound; wherein the absorption, desorption or both are promoted by application of electric charge to the electrodes.

Abstract: In the present invention, a solution containing a target substance is atomized into a mist in an atomizer 1 to produce a mixed fluid of mist and gas. In the collection of the mist from this mixed fluid, a gas transmission membrane 51 of a pore size is used that transmits gas but does not transmit the target substance contained in the mist. In the present invention, the mixed fluid is brought into contact with the primary surface of the gas transmission membrane 51, and the pressure on the primary surface is made higher than the pressure on the secondary surface of the opposite side, whereby the gas in the mixed fluid is let to pass through the gas transmission membrane 51 to separate part or all of the gas contained in the mixed fluid.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel stabilization unit that removes dissolved oxygen from liquid fuel to increase the temperature at which the liquid fuel can be elevated without substantial formation of insoluble products. At least a portion of the fuel with reduced amounts of dissolved oxygen is vaporized prior to entering a combustion device to improve mixing and combustor performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are presented that provide for the separation of hydrogen peroxide from a solution having an acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A pump for use in operably evacuating a chamber in a vacuum degassing apparatus includes one or more pumping cavities that are in fluid communication with the chamber, and a continuous vent channel that has an outlet disposed in fluid communication with a respective one of the one or more pumping cavities. The vent channel is configured to provide dilution gas flow into the pumping cavity of the pump at a rate sufficient to prevent solvent condensation in the pumping cavity during operation of the pump in liquid degassing applications.

Abstract: A deoxygenator includes a plurality of permeable membranes spirally wound about an exhaust tube for removing dissolved oxygen from a hydrocarbon fuel. The permeable membrane is spirally wrapped about the exhaust tube and defines fuel passages and exhaust passages. The fuel passages and exhaust passages alternate such that each fuel passage is bounded on each adjacent side by an exhaust passage. An oxygen partial pressure differential is generated across the permeable membrane to draw dissolved oxygen from fuel in the fuel passage. The dissolved oxygen is then communicated through openings about the circumference of the exhaust tube and out the deoxygenator.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel stabilization unit that receives vibratory energy for mixing fuel within fuel passages to improve the removal of dissolved oxygen from an oxygen containing fuel. A vibration generator transmits vibratory energy into the fuel stabilization unit to induce mixing of fuel. Vibratory energy is directed into the fuel to create enhanced mixing by inducing large-scale secondary flow motions that circulates fuel from a center flow area toward an oxygen permeable surface to improve overall fuel deoxygenation as more of the fuel is placed in adjacent contact with the oxygen permeable membranes.

Abstract: A liquid is degassed with an apparatus including a membrane contactor, where the liquid is drawn through the apparatus by gravity.

Abstract: A metal vent having an aperture for the passage of a fluid, a porous membrane sealing the aperture, wherein the components of the vent are assembled by an interference fit.

Abstract: A fuel system for a propulsion system includes a fuel deoxygenating device and a catalytic module containing catalytic materials. The fuel deoxygenating device removes dissolved oxygen from the fuel to prevent formation of insoluble materials that can potentially foul the catalyst and block desirable catalytic reactions that increase the usable cooling capacity of an endothermic fuel.

Abstract: The deaerator for liquid, comprises: a flow path in which the liquid flows; a pressure reducing deaerating device which removes dissolved gas contained in the liquid inside the flow path by reducing pressure of a deaerating section surrounding at least a portion of the flow path; and a variation device which varies a length of the flow path inside the deaerating section.

Abstract: An example system for processing a material stream includes a deoxygenator for removing dissolved oxygen. Removal of dissolved oxygen provides for the reduction of reactions and processes that can result in the generation of undesirable insoluble materials that can clog or otherwise foul the system. The deoxygenator includes an oxygen permeable membrane to remove dissolved oxygen from the flowing material stream. Because dissolved oxygen can be removed from the material stream essentially without disrupting flow, there is little affect on the overall process. The removal of dissolved oxygen provides significant increases in process efficiencies by reducing or eliminating the formation of undesirable by products within a material stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying water containing dissolved gas comprising a flowmeter for measuring a flowrate of pure or ultra-pure water and a mechanism for controlling a flowrate, a means for adjusting an amount of water which adjusts an amount of the pure or ultra-pure water supplied to the apparatus for dissolving a gas, a tank which receives the water containing dissolved gas in an excessive amount which is not used at a point of use, a piping system through which the water containing dissolved gas glows from the tank towards the point of use and the water containing dissolved gas in an excessive amount returns to the tank, a piping system for supplying the water containing dissolved gas to the tank, and a controlling means for adjusting an amount of water based on a water level in the tank.

Abstract: It is to provide an improved method for preparation of microsphere from an emulsion wherein an organic phase containing an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than that of water and a hardly-water-soluble polymer is emulsified in an aqueous phase by an in-water drying method, which comprises: (1) using an apparatus equipped with a gas separation membrane; (2) supplying the emulsion to be subjected to in-water drying to one side of said gas separation membrane; (3) evaporating off the organic solvent contained in said emulsion to the other side of said gas separation membrane, which can remove the organic solvent with high efficiency and can be carried out in a closed system and hence is favorable from the environmental viewpoint.