The present invention provides, in various embodiments, hybrid single-pass tangential flow filtration assemblies, disposable single-pass tangential flow filtration assemblies, scalable single-pass tangential flow filtration assemblies and adaptable modular single-pass tangential flow filtration assemblies. In other embodiments, the invention relates to processes for recovering proteins from the surface of a filtration membrane in a single-pass tangential flow filtration assembly and for cleaning a tangential flow filtration assembly. In additional embodiments, the invention provides methods of increasing the processing capacity of a single-pass tangential flow filtration assembly.

A method of filtering a liquid feed is described, comprising passing a liquid feed through a single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) system and recovering the retentate and permeate from the system in separate containers. A method of filtering a liquid feed is also described comprising passing a liquid feed through a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system, recovering permeate and a portion of the retentate from the system in separate containers without recirculation through the TFF system, and recirculating the remainder of the retentate through the TFF system at least once. The methods of the invention can be performed using an SPTFF or a TFF system that comprises manifold segments to serialize the flow path of the feed and retentate without requiring diverter plates.

The invention relates to a process for recovering methane from digester biogas or landfill gas. More specifically, the invention pertains to a method for producing biomethane that removes impurities from a compressed digester biogas with staged membrane modules of at least two different types, to produce a biomethane having at least 94% CH.sub.4, below 3% of CO.sub.2, and below 4 ppm of H.sub.2S.

Apparatus for in-line liquid exchanging a biomolecule-containing liquid is provided. The apparatus comprises a means (3) for mixing at least two liquids comprising a multiple inlet flow-controller (2), the means for mixing also comprising an outlet in fluid connection with a tangential flow filtration device (1) configured in single-pass mode.

A bioreactor assembly for treating feed water including: i) a pressure vessel comprising an inner peripheral surface defining an inner chamber having a cross-sectional area, and a first and second port adapted to provide fluid access with the inner chamber, ii) a plurality of bioreactors located within the inner chamber, wherein each bioreactor includes an outer periphery and flow channels extending along bio-growth surfaces from an inlet region to an outlet region, and iii) a fluid flow pathway adapted for connection to a source of feed water and extending from the first port of the pressure vessel, along a parallel flow pattern to each bioreactor, into the flow channels of each bioreactor, and out the second port of the pressure vessel.

A reverse osmosis membrane filtering device includes: a water-collecting member including at least one water collecting pipe, and having a plurality of sections each of which has a plurality of water collecting apertures; at least one filter assembly disposed around the plurality of sections, the at least one filter assembly including a filter member including a reverse osmosis membrane; at least one insertion tube disposed inside the water-collecting member and defining a plurality of permeate-water channels corresponding to the plurality of sections inside the water-collecting member in cooperation with at least one seal member; and a pressure adjusting device configured to increase a pressure of at least one of the plurality of permeate-water channels to a pressure higher than that of another one of the plurality of permeate-water channels.

An ion-exchange and ultrafiltration filter system having an exterior housing having an inlet and an outlet with an ultrafiltration membrane provided within the housing along a central axis about a central portion of the housing with an ion-exchange membrane provided within the housing between the ultrafiltration membrane and the housing. The ion-exchange and ultrafiltration filter system being capable of being configured so as to provide two-step filtration in a plurality of modes, either ion-exchange to ultrafiltration, or ultrafiltration to ion-exchange.

In some embodiments thereof, the present invention describes TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration) filtration devices that utilize tubular membranes for the separation of cells and particles. These devices encompass several innovative features, including the use of membrane tubes with either circular or non-circular cross-sections. These tubes are closely surrounded by both tube housing and filter housing to regulate the pressure of the liquid exiting the filter housing. Additionally, the membrane tubes may feature internal cores within their lumens and/or structures along their inner walls. These internal features serve to regulate flow patterns and pressures within the tubes. One notable aspect of this invention is the inclusion of features on the tube housing or tube core that effectively regulate pressure resistance and feed flow patterns. These features lead to a reduction in the required recirculation rate and contribute to improved transmembrane pressure profiles, making these membrane filters highly effective for cell retention in cell culture and other applications. The patent also introduces various filter designs that incorporate tubular membranes into TFF filtration devices to achieve multiple goals, including a more consistent TMP (Transmembrane Pressure) profile for efficient separation, reduced recirculation rates to generate adequate shear rates, higher packing densities of membrane surface areas within the same filter design, and enhanced manufacturability and recyclability of the filters. Overall, this invention represents a significant advancement in the field of TFF filtration, offering innovative solutions for a wide range of applications in the separation of cells and particles.

The present invention provides for a method for separating starch from processing solutions containing starch containing plants or roots such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, wheat, corn, tapioca, yams, cassaya, sago, rice, pea, broad bean, horse bean, sorghum, konjac, rye, buckwheat and barley to provide commercially acceptable starch while reducing disposal of solid or liquid waste matter into landfills or water treatment facilities.

A filtration system suitable for recovering base stock from used lubricating oil and other applications pass feedstock over nano-filtration membranes assembled as a stack of membranes all experiencing parallel flow. On exiting a first stack of membranes the feedstock passes through an opening in a pressure-sustaining separator plate to flow in the reverse direction past a second stack of membranes and subsequently establish a serpentine flow of feedstock through multiple stacks of membranes. The stacks of membranes all share a common pressure containment vessel. Pressure boosters installed in the flow-through openings of separator plates separating consecutive stacks can serve to restore lost pressure of the feedstock and maintain effective permeation of permeate through the membranes. A pressure control valve at the outlet to the permeate-receiving cavities of a stack can be used to adjust the trans-membrane pressure.