(19)

(11)

EP 1 064 063 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.01.2001 Bulletin 2001/01 (21) Application number: 99912547.9 (22) Date of filing: 15.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B01D 9/00, B01D 24/00, B01D 27/00, B01D 35/00, B01D 35/28, B01D 39/08, B01D 39/12, B01D 39/14, C02F 9/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9905/648 (87) International publication number: WO 9947/226 (23.09.1999 Gazette 1999/38)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 16.03.1998 US 78219 P (71) Applicant: IONICS INCORPORATED WatertownMassachusetts 02172 (US)	(72) Inventors: LOFTIS, Joseph, M. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (US) WAKEFIELD, Mark, W. Wexford, PA 15090 (US) (74) Representative: Holdcroft, James Gerald, Dr. et al Graham Watt & Co.,Riverhead Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2BN Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2BN (GB)