A sorbent cartridge device includes an ion-exchange material containing zirconium phosphate and no more than about 0.1 mg of leachable phosphate ions per about 1 g of the ion-exchange material. In one example, the cartridge also includes a phosphate-adsorbing material containing zirconium oxide. In this example, the weight ratio between zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide in the cartridge is from about 10:1 to about 40:1. The zirconium phosphate may be alkaline zirconium phosphate prepared by a process including the following steps: (i) drying acid zirconium phosphate to obtain a dry acid zirconium phosphate; (ii) combining the dry acid zirconium phosphate with an aqueous solution to obtain an aqueous slurry; and (iii) combining the slurry with an alkali hydroxide to obtain the alkaline zirconium phosphate. During step (ii), any free phosphate ions in the dry acid zirconium phosphate leach out into the aqueous phase of the slurry.

Disclosed herein are particulate sorbents, such as sorbents that can be used for mercury removal applications. The absorbent can comprise at least one ammonium phosphate and at least one activated carbon selected from unhalogenated activated carbon and halogenated activated carbon, wherein the halogenated activated carbon contains at least one halogen impregnant on its surface. Also disclosed are methods of making sorbents, and methods of mercury removal, e.g., from flue gas generated by coal combustion.

A water filtration membrane is provided, capable of removing heavy metal ions, filtering out particulates, filtering out bacteria, as well as removing herbicides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. The membrane is composed of a mat of randomly oriented nanoparticle-coated nanofibers. The nanofibers are covalently bonded to a plurality of substantially uniformly-distributed ceramic nanoparticles embedded in or adhered on the surface of the polymer nanofibers through reactive functional groups. The ceramic nanoparticles have a pattern of deep grooves formed on the nanoparticle surfaces. The bonding of the nanoparticles to the nanofibers is sufficient to retain the nanoparticles on the nanofiber surfaces when water flows through the water filtration membrane. The diameter of the nanofibers is 50-200 nm. The size of the nanoparticles is <40 nm, with a zeta potential of 40 to 45 mV in a dispersion medium. The nanoparticle deep grooves have an average size of approximately 1.2 nm or less.

The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for precision recharging of sorbent materials in a sorbent module. The devices, systems, and methods use manufacturing characteristics of the sorbent module to set recharge parameters used in recharging the sorbent material.

Provided is a method of designing a low-pressure chamber that provides a preset air pressure corresponding to a predetermined altitude. The method may include the steps of: calculating a predetermined error range of the preset air pressure, and calculating an amount and types of materials of a getter to be inserted into the low-pressure chamber based on the error range and a total volume of the low-pressure chamber.

Parallel modules for in-line recharging of sorbent materials using alternate duty cycles for a sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can have two or more modules contained therein having connectors connecting each of the modules. One or more of the modules can be reusable and the sorbent materials therein can be recharged.

Methods, sorbent cartridges and cleaning devices are disclosed for refurbishing sorbent materials. In one implementation among multiple implementations, a medical fluid delivery method includes: providing a sorbent cartridge including H.sup.+ZP within a casing for a treatment; and after the treatment, refurbishing the H.sup.+ZP while maintained within the casing via (i) regenerating the non-disinfected H.sup.+ZP by flowing an acid solution through the casing, (ii) rinsing the regenerated H.sup.+ZP while maintained within the casing, (iii) disinfecting the regenerated and rinsed H.sup.+ZP by flowing a disinfecting agent through the casing, and (iv) rinsing the regenerated and disinfected H.sup.+ZP while maintained within the casing. Multiple batch sorbent refubishing implementations are also disclosed.

The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for recharging zirconium phosphate and/or zirconium oxide in reusable sorbent modules. The devices, systems, and methods provide for precision recharging of the zirconium phosphate and/or zirconium oxide to avoid the need of excess recharge solutions. The devices systems and methods also provide for calculation of the volumes of recharge solution needed for fully recharging the zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide modules.

Provided is a method for maintaining a preset air pressure of a low-pressure chamber. The method may comprise the steps of: measuring the inside air pressure of a low-pressure chamber; if the difference between the inside air pressure and a preset air pressure is the same or higher than a threshold value, adjusting the inside temperature of the low-pressure chamber by using a thermal conduction part disposed inside the low-pressure chamber; and by using a getter, making the difference to be below the threshold value by adsorbing or releasing molecules inside the low-pressure chamber according to the adjustment of the temperature.

Cartridges useful in regenerating or purifying dialysis solutions are described as well as methods to regenerate or purify spent dialysis solutions. Dialysis methods using the sorbent cartridges of the present invention are further described.