US4500430A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuously rejuvenated ion exchanger
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-09-22
•
Granted: 1985-02-19
•
Expires: 2002-09-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises (1) a very small diameter helix shaped inner tube of a suitable ion exchanging material having a filament therein and having its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes, and (2) a diametrically slightly larger and longer length hollow outer tube having (a) the helix enclosed therein; (b) inlet and outlet apertures; and (c) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix, and the method of making and using the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Purnendu K. Dasgupta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:47
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J47/00; B01J47/12; B01D; B01D15/00; B01D15/08; B01D15/26; B01D15/36; B01D15/361; B01D15/362; B01D15/363; B01J49/00; B01J49/20; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49881; Y10T29/49908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) an inner tube of an ion exchanging material having: (1) a length of approximately 50 to 200 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 10 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; and (b) a filament within the helix; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the helix; (2) the helix enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) an inner tube of an ion exchanging material having: (1) a length of approximately 50 to 200 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 10 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; and (b) a filament within the helix; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the helix; (2) the helix enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the helix is a polymer tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus of claim 2 in which the polymer tube is strongly acidic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus of claim 3 in which the polymer tube contains sulfonic acid functional groups.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus of claim 3 in which the polymer tube is a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus of claim 2 in which the polymer tube is weakly acidic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus of claim 6 in which the polymer tube contains carboxylic acid functional groups.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 in which the polymer tube contains strongly basic functional groups.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 in which the polymer tube contains ammonium functional groups.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 in which the polymer tube contains weakly basic functional groups.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 10 in which the polymer tube is selected from the group consisting of secondary and tertiary amines.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the helix is less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus of claim 1 in which the filament is a wire.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus of claim 1 in which the filament is an inert polymer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus of claim 14 in which the filament is nylon.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) an inner tube of a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites having: (1) a length of approximately 50 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; and (b) a nylon filament within the helix; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the helix; (2) the helix enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) an inner tube of a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites having: (1) a length of approximately 50 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; and (b) a nylon filament within the helix; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the helix; (2) the helix enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for making an ion exchange apparatus comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a filament into an inner tube of an ion exchanging polymer tubing; (b) winding the filament containing tubing around a support rod to form a helix; (c) tying the ends of the tubing to the support rod; (d) exposing the supported tubing to sufficient heat so that it becomes hardened in the helical shape; (e) removing the support rod and the ties; (f) inserting the terminal ends of the helix into entry and exit tubes; (g) providing an outer tube, having a larger diameter than the helix and having inlet and outlet apertures for regenerating solution; (h) inserting the helix into the outer tube so that the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix extend beyond the outer tube; and (i) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for making an ion exchange apparatus comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a filament into an inner tube of an ion exchanging polymer tubing; (b) winding the filament containing tubing around a support rod to form a helix; (c) tying the ends of the tubing to the support rod; (d) exposing the supported tubing to sufficient heat so that it becomes hardened in the helical shape; (e) removing the support rod and the ties; (f) inserting the terminal ends of the helix into entry and exit tubes; (g) providing an outer tube, having a larger diameter than the helix and having inlet and outlet apertures for regenerating solution; (h) inserting the helix into the outer tube so that the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix extend beyond the outer tube; and (i) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
Method according to claim 17 in which the supported tubing is dipped into boiling water until the helical shape is set.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the filament is a wire.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the filament is an inert polymer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 20 in which the filament is nylon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the polymer inner tube is strongly acidic.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 22 in which the polymer inner tube contains sulfonic acid functional groups.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 22 in which the inner tube is a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the polymer inner tube is weakly acidic.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 25 in which the polymer inner tube contains carboxylic acid functional groups.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the polymer inner tube contains strongly basic functional groups.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 27 in which the polymer inner tube contains ammonium functional groups.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the polymer inner tube contains weakly basic functional groups.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 29 in which the polymer inner tube is selected from the groups consisting of secondary and tertiary amines.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the polymer tubing has a length in the range of approximately 50-200 centimeters.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 17 in which the helix is less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of ion exchange chromatography comprising the steps of: (a) providing a helix shaped inner tube of an ion exchange polymer having a diameter of less than 10 millimeters and its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (b) inserting a filament into the helix shaped inner tube; (c) enclosing the helix in a hollow outer tube having a larger diameter and longer length than the helix and inlet and outlet apertures; (d) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix; (e) connecting the helix entry tube to the vessel containing the solution to undergo ion exchange; (f) releasing the solution to the helical tube; (g) simultaneously directing the flow of an appropriate regenerant solution into the outer tube; and (h) separately collecting the ion exchanged solution at the other end of the helix.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of ion exchange chromatography comprising the steps of: (a) providing a helix shaped inner tube of an ion exchange polymer having a diameter of less than 10 millimeters and its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (b) inserting a filament into the helix shaped inner tube; (c) enclosing the helix in a hollow outer tube having a larger diameter and longer length than the helix and inlet and outlet apertures; (d) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix; (e) connecting the helix entry tube to the vessel containing the solution to undergo ion exchange; (f) releasing the solution to the helical tube; (g) simultaneously directing the flow of an appropriate regenerant solution into the outer tube; and (h) separately collecting the ion exchanged solution at the other end of the helix.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the flow rate of the solution to undergo ion exchange ranges from 0.5 to 5.0 milliliters per minute.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the flow of the regenerant solution is directed counter current to the solution in the inner tube.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the filament is wire.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the filament is an inert polymer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 37 in which the filament is nylon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the polymer inner tube is strongly acidic.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 39 in which the polymer inner tube contains sulfonic acid functional groups.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 39 in which the polymer inner tube is a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the polymer inner tube is weakly acidic.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 42 in which the polymer inner tube contains carboxylic acid functional groups.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the polymer inner tube contains strongly basic functional groups.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 44 in which the polymer inner tube contains ammonium functional groups.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the polymer inner tube contains weakly basic functional groups.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 46 in which the polymer inner tube is selected from the group consisting of secondary and tertiary amines.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the polymer tube has a length in the range of 50-200 centimeters.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 33 in which the inner tube is less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of ion exchange chromatography comprising the steps of: (a) providing an ion exchanging inner tube of a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites having: (1) a length of approximately 50 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (4) a nylon filament contained therein; and (b) enclosing the helix in a hollow outer tube having a larger diameter and longer length than the helix and having inlet and outlet apertures; (c) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix; (d) connecting the entry tube to the vessel containing the solution to undergo ion exchange; (e) releasing the solution to the helical tube so that a flow rate between 0.5 and 5.0 milliliters per minute is established; (f) simultaneously directing the flow of an appropriate regenerant solution in the outer tube counter current to the flow of solution in the helix; and (g) and collecting the ion exchanged solution from the exit tube from the helix.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of ion exchange chromatography comprising the steps of: (a) providing an ion exchanging inner tube of a cation exchange membrane comprising a fluorocarbon backbone with pendant sulfonic acid groups as ion exchange sites having: (1) a length of approximately 50 centimeters; (2) a helical configuration with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters; and (3) its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (4) a nylon filament contained therein; and (b) enclosing the helix in a hollow outer tube having a larger diameter and longer length than the helix and having inlet and outlet apertures; (c) sealing the ends of the outer tube around the entry and exit tubes leading to the helix; (d) connecting the entry tube to the vessel containing the solution to undergo ion exchange; (e) releasing the solution to the helical tube so that a flow rate between 0.5 and 5.0 milliliters per minute is established; (f) simultaneously directing the flow of an appropriate regenerant solution in the outer tube counter current to the flow of solution in the helix; and (g) and collecting the ion exchanged solution from the exit tube from the helix.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) a substantially linear inner tube of an ion exchanging material having its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (b) a filament within the inner tube; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the inner tube; (2) the inner tube enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the inner tube.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for ion exchange which comprises: (a) a substantially linear inner tube of an ion exchanging material having its terminal ends inserted into entry and exit tubes; (b) a filament within the inner tube; and (c) a hollow outer tube having: (1) a larger diameter and longer length than the inner tube; (2) the inner tube enclosed therein; (3) inlet and outlet apertures; and (4) sealed ends around the entry and exit tubes leading to the inner tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3463615A
Cited
US4045352A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-19 | 1988-08-20 | 1989-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-19 | 1992-08-20 | 1993-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-19 | 1996-08-20 | 1997-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |