A system for remedying deep-sea mine tailings includes a reaction basin in which the solid-liquid ratio of deep-sea mine tailings is adjusted and into which aluminum sulfate is injected as an additive for extraction of heavy metals from the deep-sea mine tailings.

A system for remedying deep-sea mine tailings includes a reaction basin in which the solid-liquid ratio of deep-sea mine tailings is adjusted and into which aluminum sulfate is injected as an additive for extraction of heavy metals from the deep-sea mine tailings.

A fluid conduit includes a first portion having a first porosity, a second portion disposed immediately adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity, and a third portion of the fluid conduit disposed immediately adjacent to the second portion, the third portion having a third porosity that is less than the second porosity. Each of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be integrally formed as a single, continuous piece defining the fluid conduit.

This invention relates to a dual-layer, multifunctional hollow fiber membrane having at least two layers that perform two respective functions: 1) a layer that performs a separative function separating a solvent such as a liquid or gas from its solute species; and 2) a layer that performs the function of generating a magnetic field. The layer generating the magnetic field preferably has magnetic nano or micro particles embedded therein to attract, capture and/or position paramagnetic draw solute particles to maximize their osmotic effect.

A porous support for nano-thickness membranes of less than 100 nanometers local surface roughness, suitable for the support of single-layer membranes of from about 1 to 500 nanometers in thickness, and for multiple layer membranes of up to about 2000 nanometers in aggregate thickness. The support also has a surface pore size of less than 100 nanometers and a surface porosity of less than 50 percent.

A porous support for nano-thickness membranes of less than 100 nanometers local surface roughness, suitable for the support of single-layer membranes of from about 1 to 500 nanometers in thickness, and for multiple layer membranes of up to about 2000 nanometers in aggregate thickness. The support also has a surface pore size of less than 100 nanometers and a surface porosity of less than 50 percent.

A porous support includes a base body, a supporting layer, and a topmost layer. The supporting layer is disposed between the base body and the topmost layer, and makes contact with the topmost layer. A ratio of a porosity of the topmost layer to a porosity of the supporting layer is greater than or equal to 1.08. A ratio of a thickness of the topmost layer to a thickness of the supporting layer is less than or equal to 0.9.

A porous support includes a base body, a supporting layer, and a topmost layer. The supporting layer is disposed between the base body and the topmost layer, and makes contact with the topmost layer. A ratio of a porosity of the topmost layer to a porosity of the supporting layer is greater than or equal to 1.08. A ratio of a thickness of the topmost layer to a thickness of the supporting layer is less than or equal to 0.9.

A method for drying a gas sample comprises flowing purge gas over the exterior of tubes of a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane and flowing the gas sample through interior of tubes, wherein the drying operation is conducted under deep vacuum and with the purge gas flowing at a rate that is typically less than that of the gas sample being dried.

A method for drying a gas sample comprises flowing purge gas over the exterior of tubes of a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane and flowing the gas sample through interior of tubes, wherein the drying operation is conducted under deep vacuum and with the purge gas flowing at a rate that is typically less than that of the gas sample being dried.