(19)

(11)

EP 1 073 612 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.02.2001 Bulletin 2001/06 (21) Application number: 98950233.1 (22) Date of filing: 02.11.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C02F 1/44 // B01D71:02 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9803/251 (87) International publication number: WO 9923/034 (14.05.1999 Gazette 1999/19)

(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: 04.11.1997 GB 9723253 (71) Applicant: Smart (Isle Of Man) Limited Douglas IM1 2LD (GB)	(72) Inventors: BRATTON, Graham John Sidcup, Kent DA15 9EB (GB) BUCK, Karon Doreen Fawkham, Kent DA3 8NY (GB) NAYLOR, Timothy de Villiers Egham, Surrey TN20 0NO (GB) (74) Representative: Lucas, Brian Ronald  Lucas & Co.135 Westhall Road WarlinghamSurrey CR6 9HJ WarlinghamSurrey CR6 9HJ (GB)