Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A filter medium in the form of a hollow fiber made of a polysulfone having a network structure over the entire thickness from the inner surface to the outer surface, and therefore, having no skin layer, the pores having a maximum diameter as determined by measuring the largest minor axis of a pore opening observed by microscopic inspection of a portion of the filter medium, of 0.1 to 5 μm., the openings of the pores formed in the inner surface having a maximum diameter of 0.01 to 10 μm. and the openings of the pores formed in the outer surface having a maximum diameter of 0.01 to 5 μm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A filter medium in the form of a hollow fiber made of a polysulfone having a network structure over the entire thickness from the inner surface to the outer surface, and therefore, having no skin layer, the pores having a maximum diameter as determined by measuring the largest minor axis of a pore opening observed by microscopic inspection of a portion of the filter medium, of 0.1 to 5 μm., the openings of the pores formed in the inner surface having a maximum diameter of 0.01 to 10 μm. and the openings of the pores formed in the outer surface having a maximum diameter of 0.01 to 5 μm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
147 words
In a process for preparing a hollow fiber filter medium by extruding a solution of a polysulfone in a solvent from a ring nozzle together with an inside coagulating liquid extruded from the inside of the ring nozzle, and immediately or after passing through a dry space of not more than 50 cm., bringing the extrudate into contact with an outside coagulating liquid, the improvement which comprises extruding the solution having a transition temperature at which the viscosity rise changes to the viscosity drop when the temperature of the solution is dropped, said transition temperature within the range of 30° to 150° C. and being maintained at a temperature of not less than said transition temperature, while maintaining at least one of the inside coagulating liquid, the dry space and the outside coagulating liquid at a temperature of at least 10° C. less than said transition temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
147 words
In a process for preparing a hollow fiber filter medium by extruding a solution of a polysulfone in a solvent from a ring nozzle together with an inside coagulating liquid extruded from the inside of the ring nozzle, and immediately or after passing through a dry space of not more than 50 cm., bringing the extrudate into contact with an outside coagulating liquid, the improvement which comprises extruding the solution having a transition temperature at which the viscosity rise changes to the viscosity drop when the temperature of the solution is dropped, said transition temperature within the range of 30° to 150° C. and being maintained at a temperature of not less than said transition temperature, while maintaining at least one of the inside coagulating liquid, the dry space and the outside coagulating liquid at a temperature of at least 10° C. less than said transition temperature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 2, wherein said transition temperature is from 50° to 150° C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 2, wherein the difference between the transition temperature of the polysulfone solution and the lowest temperature among those of the inside coagulating liquid, the dry space and the outside coagulating liquid is at least 20° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter medium of claim 1, wherein the water permeability of the hollow fibers is at least 2.0×10 -3 g/cm. 2 mmHg.min.