The present invention relates to a method of filtering an oil, the method including the following steps (A) and (B): (A) allowing a hydrophobic gas to permeate through a porous membrane including a hydrophobic polymer as a main component; and (B) allowing an oil to permeate through the porous membrane, in which the step (B) is performed after the hydrophobic gas that has permeated through the porous membrane is confirmed to have a relative humidity of 0 to 60% in the step (A).

To regenerate, by a simple method, an inorganic separation membrane separating non-hydrocarbon gas contained in treatment target gas. Provided in separating the non-hydrocarbon gas contained in the treatment target gas is a regeneration gas supply path supplying moisture-containing regeneration gas to a primary side of the inorganic separation membrane in a separation membrane module. As a result, it is possible to regenerate the inorganic separation membrane by supplying moisture-containing CO2 gas to the inorganic separation membrane and then supplying dry natural gas. Accordingly, there is no need to use dry regeneration gas and the CO2 gas supplied via, for example, a pipeline can be used as it is.

Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, a dead-end filtration system and method includes at least one tank and a plurality hollow fiber membranes positioned in the at least one tank. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.

A regenerable organic contaminant controller includes a carbon hollow fiber module that includes a passage between an inlet and an outlet, on an opposite end of the carbon hollow fiber module from the inlet, such that organic contaminants in contaminated air flowing through the passage are desorbed into pores of the carbon hollow fiber module. The regenerable organic contaminant controller also includes wires coupled to the inlet of the carbon hollow fiber module and to the outlet of the carbon hollow fiber module. The wires heat the carbon hollow fiber module based on a flow of electricity through the wires. The heat causes release of the organic contaminants from the pores of the carbon hollow fiber module.

A peritoneal dialysis apparatus includes a filter and a dialysis fluid circuit in fluid communication with the filter. The peritoneal dialysis apparatus also includes a pump for pumping fresh dialysis fluid to a peritoneum of a patient via the dialysis fluid circuit and pumping used dialysis fluid from the peritoneum of the patient through the dialysis fluid circuit and the filter. The peritoneal dialysis apparatus further includes a selective air access in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit and a control unit configured to control the pump during a peritoneal dialysis treatment and a filter cleaning sequence. The control unit forms a fluid mixture during a filter cleaning sequence by opening the selective air access to mix air with a physiologically safe fluid. The fluid mixture is transferred across insides and/or outsides of the filter at least one time.

Systems and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and systems for buffer exchange may be automated and/or the methods and systems may include mixing during filtering operations.

A renal therapy apparatus includes a blood filter, a blood pump, a treatment fluid pump, and a control unit configured to control at least one of the blood pump or the treatment fluid pump during a filter cleaning sequence. The blood filter includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. During the filter cleaning sequence, a fluid mixture is formed by mixing air with a blood-compatible and physiologically safe fluid. Also during the filter cleaning sequence, the fluid mixture is transferred across insides and/or outsides of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes at least one time. The use of the fluid mixture enables the filter cleaning sequence to be performed during the blood treatment.

A device for monitoring the integrity of a membrane module. The device has a piezoelectric sensor capable of generating a voltage when exposed to vibrations and a light emitting diode electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensor, the piezoelectric sensor and the visual indicator being located sufficiently close to the membrane module to sense a vibration.

A modular header for a filtration module assembly is provided. The modular header includes a main body, a first liquid passageway and a second liquid passageway extending through the main body, and a gas passageway extending through the main body. The gas passageway has a first open end formed at a first side surface of the main body and an opposing second open end formed at a second side surface of the main body. An auxiliary adapter is secured to the main body at at least one of the first and second open ends of the gas passageway.

Systems and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and systems for buffer exchange may be automated and/or the methods and systems may include mixing during filtering operations.