Abstract:
A hybrid filter system (10) and a method for filtering process fluid utilizing a backwash (14) containment vessel (12). Tube sheet assemblies (14) designed to hold disposable or backwashable filter elements (20) are utilized to secure either type of filter elements in the backwash containment vessel (12). The tube sheet assemblies (14) are removably mounted in the backwash containment vessel (12), and may be easily swapped for a given filtering application. The hybrid filter system (20) utilizes a backwash containment vessel (12) in conjunction with either disposable filter elements or backwashable filter elements depending upon process flow parameters.
Abstract:
A vibratory separation system having a drive mechanism for imparting a vibratory motion to a membrane module to enhance filtration. The membrane module comprises one or more filter elements secured to one another, each having a permeable membrane. The vibratory motion imparted to the membrane module generates a dynamic flow boundary layer at the permeable membranes. This fluid shear boundary layer, in turn, generates lift, thereby inhibiting fouling of the membranes.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved method of detecting or transferring a biological material whereby a biological material is adhered to a membrane which is then contacted with a detecting reagent, wherein the improvement comprises utilizing a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane which has been subjected to a temperature of at least about 80 DEG C but less than the temperature at which the membrane softens and deforms for a time sufficient to reduce the ability of the detecting reagent to directly adhere to the membrane.
Abstract:
A filter medium comprises metal particulates including at least about 10 % non-linear metal fibers. The metal particulates are sinter bonded to one another and the filter has a voids volume of at least about 35 %. The filter medium may be used in an air bag inflator (14) which includes an inflator housing (22) cooperatively arranged with an air bag to direct gas from the housing (22) into the air bag. A combustible material (24) and an ignitor (26) are disposed within the inflator housing (22). An air bag filter (28) is positioned in the gas flow path between the ports (20) and the combustible material (24) to filter and/or cool the gases before they are propelled into the air bag.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a filter assembly in which a ceramic tube filter (9) may be preassembled with first (2) and second (13) sealing elements prior to installation. The preassembled filter assembly has an advantage in that the seal between the ceramic filter and the metal sealing device may be tested in the manufacturing stage prior to installation in the field. Additionally, a tube sheet including filter assemblies according to the present invention may locate the filter assemblies closer together, thus reducing the pitch between the filter elements.
Abstract:
A dynamic filter system includes a dynamic filter assembly (101) including one or more filter elements (148) and one or more members (151) disposed within a housing. The filter elements and the members are interleaved and arranged to rotate with respect to one another. The dynamic filter assembly preferably includes one or more mechanisms (163, 253, 251) to prevent preferential fouling.
Abstract:
A device and method for processing a biological fluid comprises directing the biological fluid to the first surface (16a) of a separation medium (16) such that a plasma-rich fluid passes through the separation medium (16) and a plasma-depleted fluid passes along the first surface (16a) of the separation medium (16). A pulsating reverse pressure differential is created between the first and second surfaces (16a, 16b) of the separation medium (16), and a portion of the plasma-rich fluid is subjected to the pulsating reverse pressure differential and is thereby directed back across the separation medium (16).
Abstract:
An oil or gas well cleaning method includes inserting tubing, suchas a coiled tubing (60), into a well bore (10), for example, into a production pipe (30) in a well bore (10). A cleaning fluid containing a flocculant is passed into the well and the flocculant in the cleaning fluid is mixed with solid particles (11) in the well bore (10) to flocculate the particles. The cleaning fluid and the flocculated particles are then removed from the well. In one embodiment, the cleaning fluid containing the flocculant is discharged from the lower end of the tubing (60) into the well, and the cleaning fluid with the flocculated particules is removed from the well via the production pipe (30). Alternatively, the cleaning fluid containing the flocculant may be introduced into the well through the production pipe (30), and the cleaning fluid with the flocculated particles may be removed via the tubing (60). The flocculant may also serve as a friction reducer to reduce the friction between the cleaning fluid, the solids, the production pipe (30), and the tubing (60).
Abstract:
An ultrasonic detection apparatus (1) is disclosed for detecting defects in filters (3). The apparatus (1) operates on a wetted filter (3) and includes a housing (2). The wetted filter (3) divides the housing (2) into an inlet side (7) and an outlet side (8). Both the inlet side (7) and the outlet side (8) may be filled with a gas as with a standard forward flow test apparatus. A microphone (4) is disposed in the vicinity of the wetted filter (3). The microphone (4) receives acoustic signals generated within the chamber (any combination of inlet side (7), outlet side (8), inlet tube (5), or outlet tube (6)) as a result of the increased pressure on the inlet side (7). A signal processing device (9) is also included for analyzing the acoustic signals received by the microphone (4) for determining whether a filter (3) is defective. The invention includes multiple methods for determining whether a filter (3) is defective. One method may include the steps of placing a wetted filter (3) in a test housing (2) to divide the test housing (2) into an inlet side (7) and an outlet side (8), pressurizing the inlet side (7) with gas, measuring both the gas flow and the sound volume on the outlet side (8), and thereby determine whether the filter (3) is defective.
Abstract:
A filter includes a cylindrical filter element (10) having a longitudinal axis, first and second end surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats (11). Each of the pleats has a pair of legs with first and second surfaces. The pleats are in a laid-over state in which the first surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the first surface of an adjoining leg and the second surface of each leg is in intimate contact with the second surface of an adjoining leg over substantially the entire height of each leg and over a continuous region extending for at least approximately 50 % of the axial length of the filter element. An impervious end cap (40) is connected to the first end surface of the filter element.