(19)

(11)

EP 0 956 143 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.11.1999 Bulletin 1999/46 (21) Application number: 97901725.0 (22) Date of filing: 30.01.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01D 53/ 48( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/000267 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/027930 (07.08.1997 Gazette 1997/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IE SE (30) Priority: 01.02.1996 GB 19960002037 (71) Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT (GB)	(72) Inventor: WARNER, Noel Alfred Birmingham B45 8ET (GB) (74) Representative: Pearce, Anthony Richmond  MARKS & CLERK, Alpha Tower, Suffolk Street Queensway Birmingham B1 1TT Birmingham B1 1TT (GB)