The present invention relates to methods of generating highly concentrated protein solutions, e.g., an antibody solution, a therapeutic protein solution, etc. The methods of the invention include membrane evaporation, such as evaporation of protein-free solvent from the protein solution, which concentrates the protein. The methods of the present invention result in protein solution concentrations not previously achievable by conventional ultrafiltration methods, e.g., protein solution concentrations of greater than about 260 grams of protein per liter of solution.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for removing carbon dioxide from a target fluid, such as, for example, blood, to treat hypercarbic respiratory failure or another condition. A device is provided including first and second membrane components for removing dissolved gaseous carbon dioxide and bicarbonate from the fluid, which can be done simultaneously. The device can be in the form of a cartridge configured for use in a dialysis system. A method of treatment is also provided, involving drawing blood from a patient and bringing the patient's blood in contact with a first membrane component having a sweep gas passing therethrough, and a second membrane component having a dialysate passing therethrough. The dialysate's composition can be selected such that charge neutrality is maintained.

A multi-stage sweeping gas membrane distillation (MS-SGMD) system and a method of use are provided. The MS-SGMD includes a plurality of modules, wherein each module includes a feed chamber fluidically coupled to a feed line and a carrier gas line, wherein the feed line introduces a liquid feed into the feed chamber from a liquid feed tank, and wherein the carrier gas line introduces a carrier gas into the feed chamber. Each module includes a sweeping gas chamber fluidically coupled to a sweeping gas line and a sweeping gas return line, wherein a sweeping gas is passed through the sweeping gas chamber. Each module further includes a membrane separating the feed chamber from the sweeping gas chamber, wherein the membrane allows transportation of vapor from the feed chamber to the sweeping gas chamber while blocking liquid from moving from the feed chamber to the sweeping gas chamber.

A water desalination system including a sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD) unit in integration with a Jet Impingement Condenser (JIC) unit. The SGMD unit includes a water heater and a water pump connected through an inlet and an outlet to a semi-permeable membrane placed inside a distillation unit. The SGMD unit further includes an air compressor coupled to a humidity sensor, a pressure gauge, a temperature probe, and a flow meter. The JIC unit includes an air accumulation enclosure with an inlet, an air compressor outlet, and a coolant. The JIC unit further includes a perforated plate, and a condenser surface in contact with a sweeping gas inlet. The water desalination system further includes a power unit connected to the water heater and the coolant.

A method for treating aqueous saline streams, specifically saline effluents, by means of membrane distillation with pre-treatments, in order to remove total calcium hardness and permanent calcium hardness and the presence of sulphates in saline effluents, more specifically in residual brines from desalination plants. The system makes it possible to concentrate brines above 37% by weight, i.e. above the saturation level, which makes it possible to reduce the volume of brine considerably, making it suitable for other industrial uses and producing pure water.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of separating a volatile siloxane from a liquid mixture. In various embodiments, the method includes contacting a first side of a first hydrophobic membrane with a liquid feed mixture including a polymer and at least one volatile siloxane. The method can also include contacting a second side of the membrane with a sweep medium including at least one of a sweep gas, a sweep liquid, and a vacuum, to produce a permeate mixture on the second side of the membrane and a retentate mixture on the first side of the membrane, wherein the permeate mixture is enriched in the volatile siloxane, and the retentate mixture is depleted in the volatile siloxane.

Internally reheated sweep gas-aided membrane gas separation module in which the sweep gas is expanded retentate that is warmed through heat exchange with non-expanded retentate within the module.

Disclosed herein are membrane-based gas separation methods and systems. The methods and systems may, in particular, be used for separating a feed stream comprising methane and carbon dioxide (such as for example a biogas feed stream) in order to provide a methane product stream (such as for example a biomethane stream).

A gas separation membrane module includes at least one hollow fiber membrane element and a casing. The hollow fiber membrane element includes hollow fiber membranes and a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body extends in a longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membranes, and accommodates the hollow fiber membranes. The hollow fiber membrane element includes sweep gas introduction ports and mixed gas discharge ports. A first supply chamber, a first discharge chamber, a second supply chamber, and a second discharge chamber are positioned between the casing and the hollow fiber membrane element. The first supply chamber, the first discharge chamber, the second supply chamber, and the second discharge chamber are partitioned off from each other.

Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting processing of solutions are described. The techniques can be applied to provide diluted solution (i.e. purified solvent), concentrate solution or each. A variety of specific equipment, example systems and processes are depicted and described.