A separation device for separating a filtrate from a sample fluid, especially for extracting plasma from whole blood, comprising a sample container for receiving the sample fluid and a filter plunger to be introduced under seal into the sample container, which filter plunger has a filter element at its front end and a grip element on the opposite end and will receive in its interior the filtrate obtained. After insertion of the filter plunger into the sample container an annular chamber is formed between the inner wall of the sample container and the outer wall of the filter plunger, which is sealed against the exterior by a sealing lip and in which an air cushion is formed upon introduction of the filter plunger into the sample container, which acts on the sample fluid. A flow connection is provided between the annular chamber and the front side of the filter element after insertion of the filter plunger is terminated.

A separation device for separating a filtrate from a sample fluid, especially for extracting plasma from whole blood, comprising a sample container for receiving the sample fluid and a filter plunger to be introduced under seal into the sample container, which filter plunger has a filter element at its front end and a grip element on the opposite end and will receive in its interior the filtrate obtained. After insertion of the filter plunger into the sample container an annular chamber is formed between the inner wall of the sample container and the outer wall of the filter plunger, which is sealed against the exterior by a sealing lip and in which an air cushion is formed upon introduction of the filter plunger into the sample container, which acts on the sample fluid. A flow connection is provided between the annular chamber and the front side of the filter element after insertion of the filter plunger is terminated.

An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of installing a fluid distribution system in the apparatus. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the method of installing the fluid distribution system in the filter bed is performed by imparting a force to the filter bed to permit the fluid distribution system to be installed in the filter bed without removing media. The fluid distribution system is preferably configured to permit the fluid distribution system to be readily installed in the filter bed and at an optimum orientation.

A microparticle and/or nanoparticle separation, filtration and/or enriching device. The device comprises a flow passage through which can be directed a liquid suspension supporting microparticles and/or nanoparticles therein, and at least one packed bed of particles physically retained within the flow passage through which can pass therethrough the liquid suspension. The device further comprises an ultrasonic actuation system for mechanically activating the or each packed bed during passage therethrough of the liquid suspension.

A water filtration device includes a diffusiophoretic water filter having an inlet and an outlet and for receiving a colloidal suspension at the inlet and flowing the colloidal suspension between the inlet and the outlet in a flow direction; a diffusiophoretic-inducing membrane; a cover, the membrane and the cover defining a plurality of channels extending between the inlet and the outlet; an outlet splitter for the plurality of channels being fixed with respect to the membrane or the cover, the cover and membrane being flexible and configured to permit rolling up of the membrane and the cover. A related method is also provided.

A water filtration device includes a diffusiophoretic water filter having an inlet and an outlet and for receiving a colloidal suspension at the inlet and flowing the colloidal suspension between the inlet and the outlet in a flow direction; a diffusiophoretic-inducing membrane; a cover, the membrane and the cover defining a plurality of channels extending between the inlet and the outlet; an outlet splitter for the plurality of channels being fixed with respect to the membrane or the cover, the cover and membrane being flexible and configured to permit rolling up of the membrane and the cover. A related method is also provided.

A diffusiophoretic water filtration device has a pressurizable gas chamber for receiving a pressurized gas; an inlet manifold for receiving a colloidal suspension including colloidal particles in water; a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the flow chamber for receiving the colloidal suspension at the inlet from the inlet manifold, the colloidal suspension flowing between the inlet and at least one outlet in a flow direction; and a gas membrane separating the gas chamber and the flow chamber, the sheet being made of a gas permeable membrane, the pressurized gas capable of permeating the membrane, the membrane being water impermeable, the gas membrane having a first side facing the pressurized gas chamber, and a second side facing the flow chamber, the flow chamber having a plurality of channels, each channel contacting the second side of the membrane; and an outlet splitter separating a first outlet from a second outlet and splitting the plurality of channels, the first outlet for receiving water having a higher concentration of some of the colloidal particles than the second outlet.

A diffusiophoretic water filtration device has a pressurizable gas chamber for receiving a pressurized gas; an inlet manifold for receiving a colloidal suspension including colloidal particles in water; a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the flow chamber for receiving the colloidal suspension at the inlet from the inlet manifold, the colloidal suspension flowing between the inlet and at least one outlet in a flow direction; and a gas membrane separating the gas chamber and the flow chamber, the sheet being made of a gas permeable membrane, the pressurized gas capable of permeating the membrane, the membrane being water impermeable, the gas membrane having a first side facing the pressurized gas chamber, and a second side facing the flow chamber, the flow chamber having a plurality of channels, each channel contacting the second side of the membrane; and an outlet splitter separating a first outlet from a second outlet and splitting the plurality of channels, the first outlet for receiving water having a higher concentration of some of the colloidal particles than the second outlet.

A water filtration device comprising: a diffusiophoretic water filter having at least one channel having an inlet and an outlet and for receiving a colloidal suspension at the inlet and flowing the colloidal suspension between the inlet and the outlet in a flow direction, the channel being in contact with a diffusiophoretic-inducing membrane. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.

A water filtration device comprising: a diffusiophoretic water filter having at least one channel having an inlet and an outlet and for receiving a colloidal suspension at the inlet and flowing the colloidal suspension between the inlet and the outlet in a flow direction, the channel being in contact with a diffusiophoretic-inducing membrane. Other devices and methods are also disclosed.