Spacers for filtration applications

Abstract

A spacer for filtration applications is provided. The spacer for a filtration device includes a substrate comprising a cyclic polyolefin. The substrate includes a plurality of through-holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm. A filtration assembly, a filtration device, and related systems and methods are also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to spacers for filtration applications and related systems, apparatus, devices and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] The presence of impurities on the components of a filtration device is problematic, especially in applications requiring high purity. The filtration process can cause these impurities or extractables to be released from the components, thereby contaminating the filtered fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments relate to a spacer for a filtering device. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a substrate comprising a cyclic polyolefin. In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a plurality of through-holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm.

[0004] Some embodiments relate to a filtration assembly. In some embodiments, the filtration assembly comprises a spacer. In some embodiments, the filtration assembly comprises a membrane upstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the filtration assembly comprises a membrane downstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the filtration assembly comprises membranes upstream and downstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a cyclic polyolefin and a plurality of through-holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm.

[0005] Some embodiments relate to a filtering device. In some embodiments, the filtering device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the filtering device comprises a filtering assembly disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the filtering assembly comprises a spacer. In some embodiments, the filtering assembly comprises a membrane upstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the filtering assembly comprises a membrane downstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the filtering assembly comprises membranes upstream and downstream of the spacer. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a cyclic polyolefin and a plurality of through-holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With particular reference now to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are by way of example and for illustrative purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the description made with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filtering device including a spacer, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration element according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration element according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a polymer fiber comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 is an SEM image of polymer fibers woven into a spacer, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Among these disclosed benefits and improvements, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Moreover, each of the examples provided with respect to various embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0009] All prior patents and publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0010] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings expressly associated therewith herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and "in some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may. Additionally, as used herein, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, but may. It is intended that all embodiments of the present disclosure be combinable without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

[0011] As used herein, the term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for based on additional factors not listed unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, throughout this specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0012] As used herein, the term "alkene" refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. This term includes, among others, C4 to C6 20 Olefins and C4-C 20Non-limiting examples of alkenes include ethene, propene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptane, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene, eicosene, docosene, tetracosene, hexacosene, octacosene, triacontene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 4,6-dimethyl-1-heptene, C4-C6 40 At least one of a diene, an isomer thereof, an alpha-olefin thereof, or any combination thereof. 40 Non-limiting examples of dienes include at least one of 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,7-octadiene, 1,9-decadiene, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of alpha-olefins include at least one of 1-propene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene, 1-docosene, 1-tetracosene, 1-hexacosene, 1-octacosene, 1-triacontene, or any combination thereof.

[0013] As used herein, the term "cycloalkene" refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon ring structure containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond in the ring structure. This term includes cyclic olefins, as well as bicycloalkenes, tricycloalkenes, and tetracycloalkenes. Non-limiting examples of cycloalkenes include at least one of cyclopropene, cyclobutene, cyclopentene (e.g., cyclopentene, 1-methylcyclopentene, etc.), dicyclopentadiene, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene (e.g., 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene, etc.), cycloheptene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene (e.g., 1,5-cyclooctadiene, etc.), cyclononane, cyclodecene, tetracyclododecene, norbornene, norbornene derivatives (e.g., 5-methylnorbornene, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, ethylidenenorbornene, vinylnorbornene, dicyclopentadiene, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0014] As used herein, the term "cyclic olefin copolymer" (COC) refers to a copolymer comprising a cyclic olefin. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin copolymer comprises a copolymer of a cyclic olefin and another monomer. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin copolymer comprises a copolymer of a cyclic olefin and an olefin. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin copolymer comprises a copolymer of a cyclic olefin and an alpha-olefin. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin copolymer is prepared by copolymerization of monomers. Non-limiting examples of cyclic olefin copolymers include those commercially available under the trademark APEL® by Mitsui Chemicals and TOPAS® by TOPAS advanced polymers.

[0015] As used herein, the term "cyclic olefin polymer" (COP) refers to a polymer comprising a cyclic olefin. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin is present in the polymer backbone of the polymer. In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin polymer is prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a cyclic olefin followed by hydrogenation. Non-limiting examples of cyclic olefin polymers include those commercially available under the trademarks Zeonex® and Zeonor® by Zeon and Arton® by Japan Synthetic Rubber (JSR). In some embodiments, the cyclic olefin is attached to the polymer backbone of the polymer, for example, but not limited to, as a pendant group attached to the polymer backbone of the polymer.

[0016] As used herein, the term "cyclic block copolymer" refers to a block copolymer containing a cyclic compound. In some embodiments, the cyclic block copolymer comprises a copolymer of styrene and one or more conjugated dienes. In some embodiments, the styrene is fully hydrogenated styrene. In some embodiments, the cyclic block copolymer is produced by anionic polymerization. Non-limiting examples of conjugated dienes include at least one of 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-cyclopentadiene, or any combination thereof.

[0017] As used herein, the term "cyclic polyolefin" refers to at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer, a cyclic olefin polymer, a cyclic block copolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0018] As used herein, the term "polymeric impurities" refers to at least one of oligomeric impurities, monomeric impurities, or any combination thereof.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to spacers useful for improving the performance of filtration devices and related methods. At least one advantage of the spacers disclosed herein is that, unlike conventional spacers, the spacers disclosed herein have low levels of impurities. As used herein, the term "impurities" generally refers to undesirable substances that are or may be present in the filtered product, for example, through the filtration process. Impurities may be, for example, by-products, residues, or other substances resulting from at least one of spacer fabrication, pre-fabrication processes, post-fabrication processes, or any combination thereof. Examples of impurities include, but are not limited to, at least one of metals, oligomers, monomers, or any combination thereof.

[0020] The spacer may include a substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a plurality of through holes. In some embodiments, the substrate is a nonwoven substrate. In some embodiments, the plurality of through holes is formed in the nonwoven substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate is a woven substrate. In some embodiments, the woven substrate includes a plurality of fibers. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers are woven to obtain a plurality of through holes.

[0021] The substrate may be configured to provide pre-filtration of the fluid before it flows through the membrane. That is, in some embodiments, the substrate is configured to inhibit at least a portion of particles from passing through the spacer (e.g., based on the size difference between the plurality of through-holes and the particles to be filtered). In some embodiments, the substrate is configured to filter particles larger than those filtered by the membrane. In some embodiments, the substrate is configured to filter particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm, greater than 100 μm, greater than 200 μm, greater than 210 μm, greater than 220 μm, greater than 230 μm, greater than 240 μm, greater than 250 μm, greater than 260 μm, greater than 270 μm, greater than 280 μm, greater than 290 μm, or greater than 300 μm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substrate is configured to filter particles having an average particle size between 50 μm and 300 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, the average particle size of the particles to be filtered is 50 μm to 280 μm, 50 μm to 260 μm, 50 μm to 250 μm, 50 μm to 240 μm, 50 μm to 220 μm, 50 μm to 200 μm, 50 μm to 180 μm, 50 μm to 160 μm, 50 μm to 150 μm, 50 μm to 140 μm, 50 μm to 120 μm, 50 μm to 100 μm, 50 μm to 80 μm, 50 μm to 60 μm, 60 μm to 300 μm, 80 μm to 300 μm, 100 μm to 300 μm, 120 μm to 300 μm, 140 μm 300 μm, 150 μm to 300 μm, 160 μm to 300 μm, 180 μm to 300 μm, 220 μm to 300 μm, 240 μm to 300 μm, 250 μm to 300 μm, 260 μm to 300 μm, or 280 μm to 300 μm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the substrate is configured to filter particles having an average particle size between 200 μm and 300 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, the average particle size of the particles to be filtered is 200 μm to 295 μm, 200 μm to 290 μm, 200 μm to 285 μm, 200 μm to 280 μm, 200 μm to 275 μm, 200 μm to 270 μm, 200 μm to 265 μm, 200 μm to 260 μm, 200 μm to 255 μm, 200 μm to 250 μm, 200 μm to 245 μm, 200 μm to 240 μm, 200 μm to 235 μm, 200 μm to 230 μm, 200 μm to 225 μm, 200 μm to 220 μm, 200 μm to 215 μm, 200 μm to 210 μm, 200 μm to 205 μm, 205 μm to 300 μm, 210 μm to 300 μm, 215 μm to 300 μm, 220 μm to 300 μm, 225 μm to 300 μm, 230 μm to 300 μm, 235 μm to 300 μm, 240 μm to 300 μm, 245 μm to 300 μm, 250 μm to 300 μm, 255 μm to 300 μm, 260 μm to 300 μm, 265 μm to 300 μm, 270 μm to 300 μm, 275 μm to 300 μm, 280 μm to 300 μm, 285 μm to 300 μm, 290 μm to 300 μm, or 295 μm to 300 μm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the substrate comprises or consists of a cyclic polyolefin. In some embodiments, for example, the substrate comprises or consists of at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a cyclic block copolymer (CBC), a cyclic olefin polymer (COP), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers comprises or consists of a cyclic polyolefin. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of fibers comprises or consists of at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer, a cyclic block copolymer, a cyclic olefin copolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0025] The plurality of fibers may have an average fiber diameter of from 10 μm to 500 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers may be 10 μm to 475 μm, 10 μm to 450 μm, 10 μm to 425 μm, 10 μm to 400 μm, 10 μm to 375 μm, 10 μm to 350 μm, 10 μm to 325 μm, 10 μm to 300 μm, 10 μm to 275 μm, 10 μm to 250 μm, 10 μm to 225 μm, 10 μm to 200 μm, 10 μm to 175 μm, 10 μm to 150 μm, 10 μm to 125 μm, 10 μm to 100 μm, 10 μm to 75 μm, 10 μm to 50 μm, 10 μm to 25 μm, 25 μm to 5 The average fiber diameter is 00 μm, 50 μm to 500 μm, 75 μm to 500 μm, 100 μm to 500 μm, 125 μm to 500 μm, 150 μm to 500 μm, 175 μm to 500 μm, 200 μm to 500 μm, 225 μm to 500 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, 275 μm to 500 μm, 300 μm to 500 μm, 325 μm to 500 μm, 350 μm to 500 μm, 375 μm to 500 μm, 400 μm to 500 μm, 425 μm to 500 μm, 450 μm to 500 μm, or 475 μm to 500 μm.

[0026] The substrate may have a thickness of from 20 μm to 1000 μm, or any range or subrange therebetween. In some embodiments, the substrate may have a thickness of 20 μm to 950 μm, 20 μm to 900 μm, 20 μm to 850 μm, 20 μm to 800 μm, 20 μm to 750 μm, 20 μm to 700 μm, 20 μm to 650 μm, 20 μm to 600 μm, 20 μm to 550 μm, 20 μm to 500 μm, 20 μm to 450 μm, 20 μm to 400 μm, 20 μm to 350 μm, 20 μm to 300 μm, 20 μm to 250 μm, 20 μm to 200 μm, 20 μm to 150 μm, 20 μm to 100 μm, 20 μm to 50 μm, 50 μm to 1000 μm, 100 μm The thickness may be from 1000 μm to 1000 μm, 150 μm to 1000 μm, 200 μm to 1000 μm, 250 μm to 1000 μm, 300 μm to 1000 μm, 350 μm to 1000 μm, 400 μm to 1000 μm, 450 μm to 1000 μm, 500 μm to 1000 μm, 550 μm to 1000 μm, 600 μm to 1000 μm, 650 μm to 1000 μm, 700 μm to 1000 μm, 750 μm to 1000 μm, 800 μm to 1000 μm, 850 μm to 1000 μm, 900 μm to 1000 μm, or 950 μm to 1000 μm.

[0027] The substrate may have a low level of impurities. In some embodiments, the impurity level can be determined by immersing the substrate in a solution of 10% HCl and isopropyl alcohol for about 24 hours and then measuring the solution for the presence of impurities. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a low level of metal impurities. In some embodiments, the metal impurities include at least one of sodium impurities, magnesium impurities, aluminum impurities, potassium impurities, calcium impurities, iron impurities, zinc impurities, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the metal impurities include at least one of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments, the substrate contains 2 μg or less of metal impurities per gram of substrate, or any range or subrange between 0 and 2 μg of metal impurities per gram of substrate. For example, in some embodiments, the substrate contains 0.001 μg to 2 μg, 0.01 μg to 2 μg, 0.1 μg to 2 μg, 0.2 μg to 2 μg, 0.3 μg to 2 μg, 0.4 μg to 2 μg, 0.5 μg to 2 μg, 0.6 μg to 2 μg, 0.7 μg to 2 μg, 0.8 μg to 2 μg, 0.9 μg to 2μg, 1μg~2μg, 1.1μg~2μg, 1.2μg~2μg, 1.3μg~2μg, 1.4μg~2μg, 1.5μg~2μg, 1. 6μg~2μg, 1.7μg~2μg, 1.8μg~2μg, 1.9μg~2μg, 0.001μg~1.9μg, 0.001μg~1.8μg , 0.001μg~1.7μg, 0.001μg~1.6μg, 0.001μg~1.5μg, 0.001μg~1.4μg, 0.001μg ~1.3μg, 0.001μg~1.2μg, 0.001μg~1.1μg, 0.001μg~1μg, 0.001μg~0.9μg, 0.00 Including 1 μg to 0.8 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.7 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.6 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.5 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.4 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.3 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.2 μg, 0.001 μg to 0.1 μg, or 0.001 μg to 0.01 μg.

[0029] In some embodiments, the substrate contains low levels of polymeric impurities. In some embodiments, the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 2000 g / mol or less, or any range or subrange between 100 g / mol and 2000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1800 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1700 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1600 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1500 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1400 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1300 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 12 ...600 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1700 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1800 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1800 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1800 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 0g / mol~1100g / mol, 100g / mol~1000g / mol, 100g / mol~900g / mol, 100g / mol~800g / mol, 100g / mol~700g / mol l, 100g / mol~600g / mol, 100g / mol~500g / mol, 100g / mol~400g / mol, 100g / mol~300g / mol, 100g / mol~200g / mol, 200g / mol~1900g / mol, 300g / mol~1900g / mol, 400g / mol~1900g / mol, 500g / mol~1900g / mol, 600g / mol l~1900g / mol, 700g / mol~1900g / mol, 800g / mol~1900g / mol, 900g / mol~1900g / mol, 1000g / mol~1900g / mol , 1100 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1200 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1300 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1400 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1500 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1600 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, 1700 g / mol to 1900 g / mol, or 1800 g / mol to 1900 g / mol.

[0030] In some embodiments, the substrate comprises less than 5% by weight polymeric impurities, or any range or subrange between 0.0001% and 5% by weight polymeric impurities. In some embodiments, for example, the substrate comprises less than 4.8 wt%, less than 4.6 wt%, less than 4.4 wt%, less than 4.2 wt%, less than 4 wt%, less than 3.8 wt%, less than 3.6 wt%, less than 3.4 wt%, less than 3.2 wt%, less than 3 wt%, less than 2.8 wt%, less than 2.6 wt%, less than 2.4 wt%, less than 2.2 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1.8 wt%, less than 1.6 wt%, less than 1.4 wt%, less than 1.2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, less than 0.8 wt%, less than 0.6 wt%, less than 0.4 wt%, less than 0.2 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.01 wt%, less than 0.001 wt%, or less than 0.0001 wt% polymeric impurities based on the total weight of the substrate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the filter includes one or more spacers adjacent to, between, and / or around the membrane. In some embodiments, the average pore size of the membrane is at least 100 times smaller than the average pore size of the spacer. In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to allow flow through the filter and / or increase flow turbulence while not making a measurable contribution to the pressure drop across the filter (e.g., not affecting the pressure drop across the filtration device by more than 1%). In some embodiments, the spacer is a screen that serves various functions within the filter. For example, in some embodiments, feed spacers are included in the filter to prevent the membrane from sticking to itself and filter feed biasing, both of which reduce filter productivity. In some embodiments, the spacer provides support and protection to the membrane. For example, the spacer prevents damage to the membrane by cushioning it and preventing it from abrading against itself or other elements disposed within the filter housing. In some embodiments, the spacer is a support structure for a pleated or non-pleated membrane, thereby forming a composite structure within the filtration device. In some embodiments, the spacer is not a membrane for filtration.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filtering device 100, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, filtering device 100 includes a housing 110 having an end cap 120 at a first end and a fluid coupling 130 at a second end. A core 140 is disposed within housing 110, and a filtering assembly 150 is disposed around core 140. Filtering assembly 150 includes an upstream spacer 160, a membrane 170, and a downstream spacer 180. Membrane 170 is shown sandwiched between upstream spacer 160 and downstream spacer 180. In the illustrated embodiment, upstream spacer 160, membrane 170, and downstream spacer 180 are shown in a pleated configuration.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly 200 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, filtration assembly 200 includes an upstream spacer 205, a downstream spacer 210, and a membrane 215 between upstream spacer 206 and downstream spacer 210. In some embodiments, upstream spacer 205 directly contacts membrane 215. In some embodiments, downstream spacer 210 directly contacts membrane 215. In some embodiments, upstream spacer 206, downstream spacer 210, and membrane 215 are shown in a pleated configuration. Feed can enter any one or more of volumes 220 between pleats 225. Upon entering volume 220, the feed flows through upstream spacer 205 to membrane 215. As the feed flows through membrane 215, it is filtered, and upon exiting membrane 215, it flows through downstream spacer 210 to core 230.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly 300 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, filtration assembly 300 includes an upstream spacer 305, a downstream spacer 310, and a membrane 315 between the upstream spacer 305 and the downstream spacer 310. In some embodiments, the upstream spacer 305 contacts at least a portion of the membrane 315. In some embodiments, the downstream spacer 310 contacts at least a portion of the membrane 315. While filtration assembly 300 is shown with both the upstream spacer 305 and the downstream spacer 310, it will be understood that filtration assembly 300 may include additional or fewer spacers on either or both the upstream and downstream sides of filtration assembly 300. For example, in some embodiments, filtration assembly 300 does not include at least one of the upstream spacer 305, the downstream spacer 310, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, filtration assembly 300 includes at least one additional spacer on at least one of the upstream or downstream sides of filtration assembly 300. In some embodiments, filtration assembly 300 does not include a third spacer either upstream or downstream of membrane 315. In some embodiments, filtration assembly 300 does not include a second filtration membrane (i.e., includes only a single filtration membrane). [Example]

[0035] Example 1 Polymer fibers containing cyclic polyolefins were extruded and woven into a substrate. Sample 1 contains polymer fibers of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). Sample 2 contains polymer fibers of a cyclic block copolymer (CBC). Sample 3 is a control spacer containing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). In contrast to polyethylene copolymers, polyethylene cannot be woven due to crystalline cracking. The impurity levels of Samples 1-3 were measured by immersing each sample in a solution of 10% HCl and isopropyl alcohol for approximately 24 hours and then measuring the resulting solution for the presence of metal and polymer impurities (e.g., at least one of oligomers, monomers, or any combination thereof) with a weight-average molecular weight of less than 2000 g / mol. Weight percentages are based on the total weight of each sample. The results are summarized in Table 1 below. TIFF2026501880000002.tif26170

[0036] Example 2 Various polymer fibers containing cyclic olefin copolymers were extruded and woven into a woven fabric substrate. The polymer fibers containing cyclic olefin copolymers had fiber diameters ranging from 50 microns to 80 microns. These polymer fibers were woven into spacers having a thickness of 160 microns. The impurity levels of the spacers were measured by immersing the spacers in a solution of 10% HCl and isopropyl alcohol for approximately 24 hours and then measuring the resulting solution for the presence of metals. The spacers had less than 4% μg / g of total impurities, including sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Figure 4 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of polymer fibers containing cyclic olefin copolymers according to some embodiments. Figure 5 is an SEM image of polymer fibers woven into a spacer according to some embodiments.

[0037] Aspects Various embodiments are described below. It should be understood that any one or more of the features listed in the following embodiments can be combined with any one or more of the other embodiments. Embodiment 1. A spacer for a filtering device, comprising: A substrate including a cyclic polyolefin, A spacer, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of through holes for filtering particles having an average particle size of more than 50 μm. Embodiment 2. The spacer of embodiment 1, wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic olefin copolymer. Embodiment 3. The spacer of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic block copolymer. Embodiment 4. The spacer of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic olefin polymer. Embodiment 5. The spacer according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the substrate contains 2 μg or less of metal impurities per gram of substrate. Embodiment 6. The spacer of embodiment 5, wherein the metal impurities include at least one of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 7. The spacer of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the substrate comprises less than 5 wt. % polymeric impurities, based on the total weight of the substrate. Embodiment 8. The spacer of embodiment 7, wherein the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 2000 g / mol or less. Embodiment 9. The substrate is: a woven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers comprising a cyclic polyolefin; A spacer according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of fibers are woven to obtain a plurality of through-holes. Embodiment 10. The spacer of embodiment 9, wherein the plurality of fibers have a fiber diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm. Embodiment 11. The spacer according to embodiment 9, wherein the substrate has a thickness of 20 μm to 1000 μm. Embodiment 12. A filtration device, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filtration assembly disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, spacers, and The membrane upstream or downstream of the spacer a filtration assembly comprising: The spacer is cyclic polyolefins, and Multiple through holes for filtering particles with an average diameter greater than 50 μm A filtration device comprising: Embodiment 13. The filtration device of embodiment 12, wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer, a cyclic block copolymer, a cyclic olefin polymer, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 14. The filtering device of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the spacer contains 2 μg or less of metal impurities per gram of spacer. Embodiment 15. The filtration device of embodiment 14, wherein the metal impurities include at least one of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 16. The filtration device of any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the spacer comprises less than 5 wt. % polymer impurities, based on the total weight of the spacer. Embodiment 17. The filtration device of embodiment 16, wherein the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 2000 g / mol or less. Embodiment 18. A filtration device, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filtration assembly disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, spacers, and The membrane upstream or downstream of the spacer a filtration assembly comprising: the spacer comprises a plurality of fibers comprising a cyclic polyolefin; A filtering device, wherein a plurality of fibers are woven to provide a plurality of through holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm. Embodiment 19. The filtration device of embodiment 18, wherein the plurality of fibers have a fiber diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm. Embodiment 20. The filtering device according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the spacer has a thickness of 20 μm to 1000 μm. It is to be understood that changes in detail may be made, particularly to the materials of construction utilized and the shape, size and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specification and described embodiments are exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A spacer for a filtering device, comprising: A substrate including a cyclic polyolefin, A spacer, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of through holes for filtering particles having an average particle size of more than 50 μm.

2. The spacer of claim 1 , wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic olefin copolymer.

3. The spacer of claim 1 , wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic block copolymer.

4. The spacer of claim 1 , wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises a cyclic olefin polymer.

5. 10. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the substrate contains no more than 2 μg of metal impurities per gram of substrate.

6. The spacer of claim 5 , wherein the metal impurities include at least one of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, or any combination thereof.

7. 10. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises less than 5% by weight of polymeric impurities, based on the total weight of the substrate.

8. 8. The spacer of claim 7, wherein the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 2000 g / mol or less.

9. 2. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a woven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers comprising a cyclic polyolefin, the plurality of fibers being woven to obtain a plurality of through holes.

10. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of fibers have a fiber diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

11. 10. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the substrate has a thickness of 20 μm to 1000 μm.

12. 1. A filtering device comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filtration assembly disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, spacers, and The membrane upstream or downstream of the spacer a filtration assembly comprising: The spacer is cyclic polyolefins, and A plurality of through holes for filtering particles having an average particle size of more than 50 μm A filtration device comprising:

13. 13. The filtering device of claim 12, wherein the cyclic polyolefin comprises at least one of a cyclic olefin copolymer, a cyclic block copolymer, a cyclic olefin polymer, or any combination thereof.

14. 13. The filtering device of claim 12, wherein the spacer contains no more than 2 μg of metal impurities per gram of spacer.

15. 15. The filtering device of claim 14, wherein the metal impurities include at least one of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, or any combination thereof.

16. 13. The filtering device of claim 12, wherein the spacer comprises less than 5% by weight of polymer impurities based on the total weight of the spacer.

17. 17. The filtering device of claim 16, wherein the polymeric impurities have a weight average molecular weight of 2000 g / mol or less.

18. 1. A filtering device comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a filtration assembly disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, spacers, and The membrane upstream or downstream of the spacer a filtration assembly comprising: the spacer comprises a plurality of fibers comprising a cyclic polyolefin; A filtering device, wherein a plurality of fibers are woven to provide a plurality of through holes for filtering particles having an average particle size greater than 50 μm.

19. 19. The filtering device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of fibers have a fiber diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

20. 19. The filtering device of claim 18, wherein the spacer has a thickness of 20 μm to 1000 μm.

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