Abstract: Disclosed herein are membrane separator modules. The membrane separator module includes a plurality of hollow fibers arranged as an annular shaped bundle defining a bore, wherein each of the plurality of hollow fibers includes a lumen; a first manifold attached to a first end of the plurality of hollow fibers and a second manifold attached to a second end of the plurality of hollow fibers; a fluid inlet port disposed on the first manifold and in fluid communication with a first interior volume thereof, and a fluid outlet port disposed on the second manifold and in fluid communication with a second interior volume thereof, wherein a fluid path is defined through the inlet port, the first interior volume, the lumens of the plurality of hollow fibers, the second interior volume, and the outlet port; and an impeller operable to drive fluid flow over exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fibers.

Abstract: Described here are blocky PEEK copolymers and corresponding synthesis methods. It was surprisingly found that synthesis of blocky PEEK copolymers in a non-solvent environment with respect to PEEK produced blocky PEEK copolymers with high degrees of functionalization and crystallinity. The blocky PEEK copolymers had an increased blocky structure, relative to corresponding PEEK copolymer synthesized with other known methods. Moreover, membranes formed from the blocky PEEK polymers are particularly desirable in fuel cell applications. For example, the membranes formed from the blocky PEEK polymers had surprisingly large ion conductivities as well as significantly improved chemical and thermal resistance, at least in part, to the improved functionalization and crystallinity.

Abstract: A method may include: introducing a fluid comprising a first immiscible phase and a second immiscible phase into a contacting vessel comprising multiple contact stages: flowing the fluid through a first fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel; separating at least a portion of the first immiscible phase from the second immiscible phase; and flowing the separated portion of the first immiscible phase through a second fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel.

Abstract: Device to dry a damp compressed gas, whereby the device (2) is provided with a dryer that is provided with a liquid desiccant and configured to bring compressed gas in contact with the aforementioned desiccant that is capable of absorbing moisture from the compressed gas, characterised in that the dryer is a membrane dryer (11); the device (2) to dry compressed gas contains a circuit (20) in which the aforementioned liquid desiccant is placed and means to allow the circulation of the desiccant in the circuit (20), consecutively through the membrane dryer (11) with a membrane (13) that forms a partition between the compressed, gas on one side and the liquid desiccant on the other side of the membrane (13), whereby the membrane (13) is impermeable or virtually impermeable to the gas in the compressed gas but selectively permeable to the moisture in the compressed gas; a heat exchanger (29} to heat up the liquid desiccant; a regenerator (22) used to remove at least partially the moisture absorbed in the liquid d

Abstract: Electroplating systems according to the present technology may include a two-bath electroplating chamber including a separator configured to provide fluid separation between a first bath configured to maintain a catholyte during operation and a second bath configured to maintain an anolyte during operation. The electroplating systems may include a catholyte tank and an anolyte tank fluidly coupled with the two baths of the two-bath electroplating chamber. The electroplating systems may include a first pump configured to provide catholyte from the catholyte tank to the first bath. The electroplating systems may include a second pump configured to provide anolyte from the anolyte tank to the second bath. The electroplating systems may also include an oxygen-delivery apparatus configured to provide an oxygen-containing fluid within the electroplating system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen generation via ammonia decomposition that utilize a fixed bed reactor configured to receive inflows of NH3 and oxidant and to produce an outflow of high purity H2. The fixed bed reactor contains a fixed bed of a NH3 decomposition catalyst wherewith the NH3 decomposes to form N2 and H2; a plurality of ceramic hollows fibers with a high surface to volume ratio disposed in the fixed bed, the hollow fibers having an H2 selective membrane disposed thereon for extracting H2 from N2 and to form a permeate of the high purity H2 and a retentate of primarily N2; and a catalytic H2 burner also disposed in the fixed bed, the catalytic H2 burner for burning a portion of the H2 with the oxidant to provide thermal energy for the NH3 decomposition.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane sheet-like object in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is aligned in parallel with each other and fixed to each other while both end faces of each of the hollow fiber membranes in a longitudinal direction are open, wherein at least one belt-like binding portion made of an elastic body having an elongation percentage (E) stipulated by JIS K6251 of 100% or more and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed at each of both end portions of the hollow fiber membrane sheet-like object, and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes is fixed to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head plate, fixing the end of a tube bundle with a number of, in particular, porous tubes with a membrane in sealing manner. The head plate is made from a metal or a metal alloy with a melting point lower than the lowest failure temperature for a tube material and/or the membrane.

Abstract: A hollow fiber fluid separation device includes a hollow fiber cartridge, comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a central tubular core, a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective distal ends of the hollow fiber bundle. The tubesheets have boreholes in fluid communication with bores of the hollow fiber membrane. In at least one of the tubesheets, the boreholes are formed radially and are in communication with the central tubular core. The hollow fiber fluid separation device can be utilized in liquid separation applications such as ultrafiltration and in gas separation processes such as air separation. The design disclosed herein is light weight and compact and is particularly advantageous at high operating temperatures when the pressure of the feed fluid introduced into the bores of hollow fibers is higher than the pressure on the shell side of the device.

Abstract: An array of hollow fibers including a plurality of hollow fibers of a predetermined diameter configured to receive a gas having oxygen therein and transfer the oxygen to a fluid and/or transfer carbon dioxide in the fluid to a gas. The array is configured in a predetermined pattern having a predetermined packing density that is a fraction of a total cross-sectional area of the array occupied by the hollow fibers.

Abstract: Desalination plant containing a plurality of membrane trains each having a plurality of RO membrane units and a plurality of NF membrane units. The ratio of RO membrane units to NF membrane units in each membrane train is in the range of 2:1 to 40:1, and each membrane train is provided with (a) a feed line for a source water that divides to provide a feed line for the RO membrane units and a feed line for the NF membrane units, (b) a permeate line for the RO membrane units and a permeate line for the NF membrane units that combine to provide an injection water line; (c) a retentate line for the RO membrane units and a retentate line for the NF membrane units; and (d) a flow controller and pressure let-down valve on the NF feed line.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a means for easily replacing palladium alloy capillaries in a hydrogen purification device formed by using hydrogen separation membrane formed from the palladium alloy capillaries. The hydrogen purification device can be easily disassembled into a palladium alloy membrane unit and a storage structure thereof. A palladium alloy membrane unit is provided with a plurality of palladium alloy capillaries, a disk-shaped tube sheet supporting the palladium alloy capillaries, a pure hydrogen discharge pipe having a cylinder being in close contact with a periphery of the tube sheet at one end, a joint connecting with a pure hydrogen outlet of the storage structure at the other end, and preferably a joint being in close contact with an opening of a container of the storage structure at a position between the cylinder and the outlet joint.

Abstract: A gas separation method includes flowing a gas feed along a feed flow path within a housing directionally from a product end to a feed end of a gas separation membrane. After the feed flow path, the gas feed flows along a membrane flow path defined by the membrane from the feed end to the product end. The feed flow path is counter to the membrane flow path. Heat may be exchanged between the feed flow path and the membrane flow path and increase separation efficiency. Also, heat exchanged may compensate for some temperature drop in the membrane due to enthalpy of gas separation. A gas separation module includes a feed flow path within a housing extending directionally from a product end to a feed end of a membrane. The feed flow path is counter to a membrane flow path defined by the membrane.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes at least one inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Individual fibers have a feed end and a product end with a retentate interior side and a permeate exterior side. The module includes a feed tubesheet within the shell segregating the at least one inlet port and the permeate side of the fibers. The feed tubesheet includes a matrix and at least one segment joint. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another. A formation method includes positioning a hollow fiber membrane material in association with at least one tubesheet segment joint and applying a matrix. The method includes forming a feed tubesheet from cured matrix and the segment joint and forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes from the fiber material. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another.

Abstract: A shell-side feed, hollow fiber, fluid separation module arranged for counter-flow includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle with each individual hollow fiber membrane in the bundle having an open fiber end and a sealed fiber end. The open fiber ends are encapsulated in a tubesheet located toward the permeate fluid outlet end of the module. The sealed fiber ends are tubesheet-free, uniformly spaced, and located toward the non-permeate fluid outlet end of the module.

Abstract: A household appliance having a drying apparatus, such as a dishwasher, a washer-drier, a washing machine or the like, is shown according to the invention, wherein a contact zone is provided in a contact chamber for extracting moisture out of the air, which originates from a working chamber of the household appliance, by means of contact between the air and a hygroscopic liquid and wherein a separating element is present for separating hygroscopic liquid out of the air, characterized in that a separating surface is formed downstream of the contact chamber in the direction of flow by the surface of the wall of an air duct.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for storing and preserving previously sectioned, snap-frozen, and desiccated biological tissue samples at ambient conditions. Also disclosed are devices and systems for ambient storage of biological tissue sections, and methods for forming said devices.

Abstract: The tube assemblies are joined together into a matrix by a plate. The plate has a first surface, an opposite second surface and a plurality of holes. Each hole has a countersunk region that descends into the plate from the first surface. Tube assemblies are provided. Each tube assembly has a first end, an opposite second end, and a flare structure. The flare structure is sized to be fully received within the countersunk region. The tube assemblies extend through the holes in the plate. The flare structure of each tube assembly is welded to the plate within the countersunk region of each hole through which each tube assembly passes.

Abstract: An array of hollow fibers including a plurality of hollow fibers of a predetermined diameter configured to receive a gas having oxygen therein and transfer the oxygen to a fluid and/or transfer carbon dioxide in the fluid to a gas. The array is configured in a predetermined pattern having a predetermined packing density that is a fraction of a total cross-sectional area of the array occupied by the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising a bundling tube including a body part and head parts placed at both terminals of the body part and O-rings with which the bundling tube is fitted into a housing being attached to outer circumferential surfaces of the head parts, wherein at least one of the head parts are divided into two in a place closer to a terminal of the bundling tube than places where the O-rings are attached while maintaining a cylindrical shape of the head part, and the divided parts have a slidable structure while maintaining a coupled condition therebetween that forms the cylindrical shape. The hollow fiber membrane module is capable of preventing damage effectively on a hollow fiber membrane or the bundling tube due to expansion or contraction of the hollow fiber membrane to be caused by change of an external environment such as temperature.

Abstract: A water recovery device that allows a first gas to flow inside hollow fiber membranes and a second gas to flow outside the hollow fiber membranes, and that exchanges moisture between the first gas and the second gas, includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which plural pieces of the hollow fiber membranes are bundled, a storage case housing the hollow fiber membrane bundle in its inside, and a housing having an introduction hole and a discharge hole of the first gas and an introduction hole and a discharge hole of the second gas, and housing the storage case in its inside. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a first gas bypass passage that penetrates through an internal part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle in an axial direction and that has a channel cross-sectional area larger than a channel cross-sectional area inside the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A hollow fiber module of a device for separating fluids has hollow fibers with walls that have partially permeable structures. The hollow fibers are positioned parallel to each other. At least one areal fluid-permeable spacer medium with a structure that is self-supporting an areal state of the at least one spacer medium is provided and arranged between the hollow fibers such that the at least one spacer medium surrounds at least partially circumferentially a first one of two neighboring hollow fibers at least on a side of the first hollow fiber that is facing the second one of the two neighboring hollow fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for passive capture of ammonia in an ammonia-containing liquid effluent. The invention allows for the passage of ammonia through microporous hydrophobic gas-permeable membranes and its capture in a circulated stripping solution with concomitant production of a concentrated non-volatile ammonium salt.

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: An air separation module has an inlet for receiving a source of air. The inlet communicates with an inlet manifold and the inlet manifold communicates with a plurality of canisters. The canisters are provided with hollow fibers constructed such that oxygen can permeate the fiber and nitrogen passes through the fiber. A jacket manifold surrounds the canisters and the jacket manifold receives oxygen that has permeated the fibers. The canisters extend to a downstream end, and to an outlet. The jacket manifold communicates with a jacket outlet manifold and an outlet for separated oxygen. The outlet for the jacket manifold is at a downstream end of the canisters.

Abstract: A shell-side feed, hollow fiber, fluid separation module arranged for counter-flow includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle with each individual hollow fiber membrane in the bundle having an open fiber end and a sealed fiber end. The open fiber ends are encapsulated in a tubesheet located toward the permeate fluid outlet end of the module. The sealed fiber ends are tubesheet-free, uniformly spaced, and located toward the non-permeate fluid outlet end of the module.

Abstract: A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least one permeate exhaust conduit and at least one concentrate exhaust conduit. Each exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least one permeate carrier layer, and at least one membrane layer. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes sets of manifolds, between which are mounted arrays of membrane modules, the manifolds and membrane modules forming a stack within a pressure vessel or housing. The stacked, manifolded arrangement enables many membrane elements to be fed in parallel with the gas to be treated.

Abstract: A process for producing nitrogen-rich air by feeding high temperature air at 150° C. or more to an air separation membrane module is described. After being placed at 175° C. for two hours, the air separation module exhibits a shape-retention ratio of 95% or more in one embodiment. The nitrogen-rich air can be fed to a fuel tank for an aircraft, for example.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polymeric material includes: providing a polymeric matrix having at least one polymer and at least one porogen; and degrading the at least one porogen at a temperature T?1.1 Tg, where Tg is a glass transition temperature of the polymeric matrix. The degrading step includes exposing the polymeric matrix to thermal degradation, chemical degradation, electrical degradation and/or radiation degradation, wherein the polymeric material has a permeability at least 1.2 times a permeability of the polymeric matrix for a gas, and a selectivity of the polymeric material is at least 0.35 times a selectivity of the polymeric matrix for a gas pair. The method preferably provides gas separation membranes that exceed Robeson's upper bound relationship for at least one gas separation pair. Novel polymeric materials, gas separation membranes and fluid component separation methods are also described.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a flow of steam in a steam generator having a heater for heating fluid in a vessel is disclosed. The method includes: delivering the steam from the steam generator to a first side of a filtering membrane; receiving purified steam from a second side of the filtering membrane, the purified steam having a steam flow rate; determining at least one coefficient of a substantially linear mathematical relationship between the steam flow rate of the purified steam and duty cycle; and configuring the steam generator to control: the duty cycle of the heater based on the determined at least one coefficient and a target steam flow rate; and/or the target steam flow rate based on the at least one coefficient and a target duty cycle of the heater.

Abstract: Carbon molecular sieve membranes having desirable selectivity for ethylene/ethane separations are prepared from a 3,3?,4,4?-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride 5(6)-amino-1-(4?-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindane 4,4-bismaleimidodiphenyl-methane (BTDA-DAPI) precursor solution that is then formed into films or hollow fibers which are pyrolyzed under vacuum or an inert atmosphere to form carbon molecular sieve membranes. Pyrolysis condition variables, including ramp rate, thermal soak time and temperature, are used to optimize the membrane's separation performance.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes sets of manifolds, between which are mounted arrays of membrane modules, the manifolds and membrane modules forming a stack within a pressure vessel or housing. The stacked, manifolded arrangement enables many membrane elements to be fed in parallel with the gas to be treated.

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: An aircraft fuel tank flammability reduction method includes contacting a membrane filter with air feed, permeating oxygen and nitrogen from the air feed through the membrane, and producing filtered air from the filter. The filtered air is produced from the filter as a result of the membrane removing any hydrocarbons containing six or more carbon atoms to produce a total of 0.001 ppm w/w or less. An air separation method includes feeding air into a filter containing a hollow fiber membrane that exhibits the property of resisting degradation due to exposure to hydrocarbons containing six or more carbon atoms. The filter exhibits a pressure drop across the membrane of less than 5 psi. The method includes feeding the filtered air into an air separation module containing a hollow fiber membrane that exhibits a susceptibility to degradation from exposure to hydrocarbons containing six or more carbon atoms.

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 system using membranes for separating a desired component from a liquid or gas mixture to obtain a high-concentration organic solvent, such as in a plant for fermenting a biomass feedstock (e.g., corn or sugarcane) to produce ethanol. A module for removing water from the ethanol/water mixture comprises multiple vessels or elements connected together in series and supported by a frame. Each element includes a number of flow tubes concentrically enclosing a tubular membrane leaving an annular space between the membrane's outer wall and the flow tube's inner wall. The preferred membrane is a hollow ceramic (e.g., zeolite) tube. An ethanol/water vapor is passed through the space between the tube walls, and a vacuum is pulled on the membrane's hollow core. Water molecules selectively move through the membrane. Multiple passes through a series of elements having the concentric tubes and membranes gradually reduces the water content of the ethanol.

Abstract: The tube assemblies are joined together into a matrix by a plate. The plate has a first surface, an opposite second surface and a plurality of holes. Each hole has a countersunk region that descends into the plate from the first surface. Tube assemblies are provided. Each tube assembly has a first end, an opposite second end, and a flare structure. The flare structure is sized to be fully received within the countersunk region. The tube assemblies extend through the holes in the plate. The flare structure of each tube assembly is welded to the plate within the countersunk region of each hole through which each tube assembly passes.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a pump that supplies air to an air purifying unit, a filter arranged at an outlet of the air purifying unit, and pipes and that connect these components. The air purifying unit includes an activated carbon tube constituted by a glass tube filled with granular activated carbon, and a soda lime tube constituted by a glass tube filled with granular soda lime. According to a preferred embodiment, three each of the activated carbon tubes and the soda lime tubes are provided, and the activated carbon tubes and the soda lime tubes are connected alternately in series by tubes so that one activated carbon tube is arranged at a most upstream part and one soda lime tube is arranged at a most downstream part.

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

Abstract: The oxygen transport reactor-based oven is an oven for heating articles, such as bread, using oxygen transport reactor-based combustion in order to recycle carbon dioxide, rather than releasing the carbon dioxide into the environment. The oven includes an upper furnace chamber having a plurality of oxygen transport reactors disposed therein. A mixture of fuel and gaseous carbon dioxide is delivered to the interior of each oxygen transport reactor. Pressurized air is then delivered to the upper furnace chamber, so that oxygen from the pressurized air is driven through an ion transport membrane of each oxygen transport reactor to combust with the fuel. This combustion produces carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat. The generated heat is used to heat the articles to be heated, which are received within a heating chamber positioned beneath the upper furnace chamber.

Abstract: An air separation module includes a housing, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes, and a clam shell axial support assembly. The axial support assembly includes two supportive elements, each supportive element including a flow-through component. The flow-through component includes a plurality of openings through which a supply of fluid (e.g. oxygen enriched air) may pass. The axial support assembly is secured around the bundle of hollow fiber membranes at a position radially inward from the housing and radially outward from the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A gas separation module includes at least one inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Individual fibers have a feed end and a product end with a retentate interior side and a permeate exterior side. The module includes a feed tubesheet within the shell segregating the at least one inlet port and the permeate side of the fibers. The feed tubesheet includes a matrix and at least one segment joint. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another. A formation method includes positioning a hollow fiber membrane material in association with at least one tubesheet segment joint and applying a matrix. The method includes forming a feed tubesheet from cured matrix and the segment joint and forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes from the fiber material. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another.

Abstract: In a gas separation apparatus that separates carbon dioxide and water vapor from a first mixture gas containing a predetermined major component gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, the energy utilization efficiency thereof is improved. Also, by utilizing the function of this gas separation apparatus, a membrane reactor and a hydrogen production apparatus exhibiting high energy utilization efficiency are provided. The gas separation apparatus is constructed to include a first separation membrane 33 and a second separation membrane 34 that are made of different materials. When the first mixture gas is supplied at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, the first separation membrane 33 separates a second mixture gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor that permeate through the first separation membrane by allowing carbon dioxide and water vapor to permeate selectively.

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: There are provided a process for producing a zeolite membrane which, even when large, has few defects and which has higher separation performance than conventional zeolite membranes, and a zeolite membrane obtained by the process. In the process, the structure-directing agent is removed in the atmosphere having an O2 concentration of 22.0 vol % or more. Specifically, the process includes: a particle adhesion step of allowing zeolite particles functioning as seeds to flow down the surface of the substrate by means of the weight of the slurry itself, thereby adhering to the substrate and a membrane-forming step of forming a zeolite membrane on the substrate by immersing the substrate having the zeolite particles adhering thereto in sol containing the structure-directing agent for hydrothermal synthesis, thereby forming a zeolite membrane on the substrate.

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

Abstract: In a separation membrane module in a module main body, an upper horizontal partition plate forms an upper fluid channel, a lower horizontal partition plate forms a lower fluid channel, a plurality of vertical outer tubes are fixed between the upper horizontal partition plate and the lower horizontal partition plate, and vertical tubular membrane elements extend through the respective outer tubes with a gap. An upper end of the gap is in communication with the upper fluid channel and a lower end of the gap is in communication with the lower fluid channel. An upper end opening of each of the membrane elements is open to outside of the module main body and a lower end opening each of the membrane elements is closed. A vertical partition plate is provided in either the upper fluid channel or the lower fluid channel to form an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.

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

Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a fluid separation assembly. The assembly has a hollow fiber bundle with a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The assembly further has a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective ends of the hollow fiber bundle, wherein one of the tubesheets has a plurality of radial through openings formed in the tubesheet. The assembly further has a housing surrounding the hollow fiber bundle and the first and second tubesheets, the housing having a feed inlet port, a permeate outlet port, and a non-permeate outlet port. The feed gas, permeate gas, or non-permeate gas are introduced into or removed from the hollow fiber membranes via the plurality of radial through openings formed in the tubesheet, such that the radial through openings of the tubesheet intersect each or substantially each of the hollow fiber membranes.