MXPA06010010A - Water-filtering media and filters. - Google Patents

Abstract

In at least some embodiments, a filter comprises a filtering media. The filtering media is impregnated with chemical compounds that effectively retain water molecules and water-alcohol molecules but not alcohol molecules. The filter also comprises a liquid channeling structure, wherein the liquid channeling structure directs liquid entering an input of the filter to flow through the filtering media before exiting an output of the filter.

Description

MEDIUM FILTRATION OF WATER AND FILTERS BACKGROUND In the diesel and gasoline fuel industry, the quality of the fuel dispensed is of great importance. To ensure that only clean fuel is dispensed into a user's vehicle, filters can be placed in the fuel dispenser stream to remove solid particles and sludge from the gasoline or diesel dispensed. Also, it has been recognized that water is detrimental to vehicle engines. For example, truck and car engines that implement fuel injectors are sensitive to water. In recent years, alcohols have been mixed as methyl tertiary methyl ether (MTBE) and. ethyl alcohol (ie, ethanol) with gasoline to act as an oxygenate to reduce the amount of semicommulsified hydrocarbons that are discharged into the atmosphere by motor vehicles. However, various problems have arisen when mixing alcohols with gasoline and diesel fuel. For example, it has been determined that MTBE is a potential contaminant for groundwater and well water due to its property of resistance to biodegradation. It is also possible that MTBEs involve the danger of causing cancer. Ethanol is a possible substitute for MTBE, but it attracts water more aggressively than MTBE alcohol. As a result, the amount of water that can escape the filtrate in fuels mixed with ethanol increases. Despite the strong attraction to water, fuels mixed with ethanol in percentages as high as eighty-five percent ethanol with fifteen percent gasoline (fuel E-85) are being investigated for use in the fuel sales industry . Although there may be other benefits, the objective of fuels such as the E-85 is to provide a fuel that reduces atmospheric pollution with respect to those produced by hydrocarbon fuels and to reduce dependence on imported oil. To promote the use of fuel mixed with ethanol, the automotive industry has begun producing engines capable of using both regular fuel and E-85 fuel. Also, the fuel sales industry has developed fuel dispensers capable of dispensing E-85 without oxidation or other conditions harmful to the dispatching pumps. However, improvements in filtration technology are needed to effectively remove water from fuels mixed with alcohol such as E-85.

Due to the chemical properties of alcohol, a certain amount of water can be dissolved in a fuel mixed with alcohol (that is, alcohol is mixed with water) creating alcohol-water molecules. These alcohol-water molecules are heavier than other molecules in the mixed fuel and gradually descend. The descent of the alcohol-water molecules can cause an irregular distribution of alcohol inside a fuel tank (ie the fuel in the lower parts of the tank eventually has a higher concentration of alcohol and water molecules). The irregular distribution of alcohol in a fuel mixed with alcohol is known as a separate fuel phase. In addition, if the water reaches a maximum amount that the fuel mixed with alcohol can dissolve, any additional water will separate from the mixed fuel as a separate water phase and eventually settle to the bottom of the tank. There are several problems that are caused by water. First, the creation of alcohol-water molecules degrades the performance of the mixed fuel. Second, heavier alcohol-water molecules cause an irregular concentration of alcohol in a mixed fuel (ie, separate fuel phase), which causes lower burn temperatures (eg, temperatures produced by a fuel containing less expected alcohol) and higher burning temperatures (ie, temperatures produced by a fuel that contains more alcohol than expected). A lower burning temperature increases the contaminants and a higher burning temperature is potentially more damaging to parts of the engine. Third, the separated phase water acts as an abrasive, causing damage to the engine parts. The existing water filters use polymers that absorb water and. that have an anionic valence (negative) These water absorption polymers attract and bind to the cationic (positive) valency of the water molecules (H20) that pass through the filter medium for water absorption. However, in fuels mixed with alcohol, alcohol (due to its strong negative valence field) is rejected by the negative valence field of water absorbing polymers. The combined influence of the covalent bond between alcohol-water molecules and the rejection of the alcohol molecules from the water absorption polymers prevents current water absorption polymers from filtering (ie, removing or retaining) water effectively. Another problem with existing filters is that the water absorption polymers are derived from organic biomass, such as corn starch or cellulose with a methacrylic or other acid to form the water absorption polymers. The organic base of these water absorption polymers is susceptible to being degraded by bacteria and other microorganisms (ie, life forms) that are normally found in the water that is in the storage tanks of diesel or gasoline. The carbohydrate (starch) part of these polymers acts as a food source that allows the life forms that are in the water to proliferate within the filter. These life forms can disable the ability of the filters to remove water from the fuel or to retain water that has been previously eliminated.

SUMMARY At least in some embodiments, a filter comprises a filtration medium. The filtration medium is impregnated with chemical compounds that effectively retain water molecules and water-alcohol molecules but not alcohol molecules. The filter also comprises a liquid channeling structure, wherein the liquid channeling structure directs the liquid entering an inlet of the filter to flow through the filter medium before passing through an outlet of the filter.

In at least some embodiments, the filtration medium comprises a central structure of polymer and groups of monomers in the polymer backbone. The groups of monomers have a negative valence when exposed to water and a positive valence when exposed to alcohol, where water-alcohol molecules are introduced into the water filtration medium linked to at least one group of monomers of negative valence and in at least one group of positive valence monomers. The groups of monomers are selected from monomers produced unnaturally and which are resistant to biodegradation caused by life forms found in water. The filters can be implemented in the form of spin filter, in-line filters or cartridge filters. Also, the filters can be implemented in fuel delivery systems, vehicles or portable units for. filter fuels mixed with alcohol such as E-85. If the filter retains more than a limited amount of water molecules or water-alcohol molecules, the filter prevents the flow of fuel. A user of the filter can monitor the amount of water collected in a fuel tank to detect how often a filter needs to be replaced. In this way, a user will know approximately when it happened or how soon the water separation phase will occur.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a filtering means in accordance with the embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates the use of the filtration medium in accordance with the embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter in accordance with the embodiments of the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a part of the filter of the Figure 3 before filtering water according to the embodiments of the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a part of the filter of Figure 3 after filtering water in accordance with the embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a fuel dispensing system in accordance with the embodiments of the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a filtration process in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention; and Figure 8 illustrates a method according to the embodiments of the invention.

NOMENCLATURE Throughout the following description and claims certain terms are used to refer in particular to each component of the system. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, filter companies can refer to a component using different names. This document does not intend to classify the components that differ in name but not in function. In the following description and claims the terms "include" and "comprise" are used in an open form and, therefore, their meaning shall be interpreted as "including but not limited to ..".

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description focuses on various embodiments of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments described should not be interpreted or otherwise used as limiting the scope of the description, including the claims, unless otherwise specified. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has wide application and the description of any modality is interpreted solely as illustrative of that embodiment and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the description, including the claims, is limited to that modality. . It is intended that the embodiments of the invention be to filter water from fuels mixed with alcohol such as E-85. Figure 1 illustrates a filtration means (100) (i.e., a laminate means) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 1, the filtration means (100) comprises a water absorption structure (102) between a water removal means (104) and another medium (106). The particle removal means (104) comprises a micro-glass or cellulose medium capable of filtering particles ranging in size, for example between 5 and 50 microns. Alternatively, the particle removal means (104) may comprise another known or subsequently developed particle removal means (eg, a paper medium). The other means (106) may comprise a layer of woven or non-woven material. The water absorption structure (102) comprises a glass fiber coating (108) which is impregnated with water absorption polymer (110). In some embodiments, the water absorption polymer (110) comprises a crosslinking polymer with a non-organic base. For example, the water absorption polymer (110) can be based on synthetically produced unnaturally occurring monomers. Because the water absorption polymer (110) does not contain constituents or organic carbohydrates, biodegradation caused by bacteria and microorganisms that are in the water found in the fuel storage tanks is prevented. The constituents of the water absorption polymers (110) are chosen from unnaturally occurring monomers that exhibit a strong negative valence field when exposed to water and a less strong field of positive valence when exposed to an alcohol. The valency of the water absorption polymer (110) is unique due to the selection of monomers of the polymerization formula. In some embodiments, the water-absorbing polymer (110) contains cationic and anionic groups that bind to the central structure of the polymer structure. The magnetic fields presented by the cationic groups and the anionic groups facilitate the ability of the water absorption polymers to encapsulate water even if the water is covalently bound to alcohol groups of a fuel mixed with alcohol such as E-85. The cationic and anionic groups can be derived from non-organic groups that have a negative charge when exposed to water and a positive charge when exposed to an alcohol. In some embodiments, the water absorption polymer (110) is derived from non-naturally occurring and non-organic monomers that are selected from carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, sulfonates, phosphonates, propenoic acids, alphamethyl propenoic acids, betamethylpropenoic acids, polyacrylic acids, acrylic acids, maleic acids, fumaric acids, maleic anhydrides, fumaric anhydrides, alpha-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, betaethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, anhydrides alphaethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylics, betaethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic anhydrides, alpha-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydrides and beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydrides or any other non-organic monomeric group which gives an effective negative charge upon exposure to water and simultaneously gives an effective positive charge when exposed to alcohol. At least in some embodiments, the monomers of the water absorption polymer (110) comprise salts such as alkali ions, lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions. Additionally or alternatively, the monomers of the water absorption polymer (110) comprise earth metals such as magnesium ions, calcium ions, strontium ions, barium ions, zinc ions and aluminum ions. The polymer chemistry is selected to provide a cross-linked water absorption polymer that is capable of absorbing water even if an alcohol is covalently linked to water. Figure 2 illustrates the use of the filtration means (100) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 2, contaminated mixed fuel (202) is introduced into the filtration medium (100). The contaminated mixed fuel (202) contains water-alcohol groups (204) (that is, water covalently linked to an alcohol), fuel groups (206) and alcohol groups (210). The contaminated mixed fuel (202) may also contain water groups (208) (ie, water that is not covalently linked to an alcohol) and solid particles (212). The filter medium (100) removes contaminants (i.e., water-alcohol groups (204), water groups (208) and the groups of particles (212)) so that substantially only the fuel groups (206) and the alcohol groups (210) of the mixed fuel are able to pass through the filtration medium (100). As the contaminated mixed fuel (202) passes through the filtration medium (100), the solid particles (212) are filtered by the particulate removal medium (104). Also, the water-alcohol groups (204) and the water groups (208) are filtered by the water absorption structure (102) comprising the positive valence groups (110P) and the negative valence groups (110N). . In this filtration process, the water-alcohol groups (204) are oriented and linked to at least one group of positive valence (110P) and to at least one group of negative valence (110N). For example, the water part (which has a positive valence) of each water-alcohol group (204) is attracted to and linked to at least one group of negative valence (110N), while the alcohol part ( which has a negative valence) of each water-alcohol group (204) is attracted to and linked to at least one group of positive valence (110N). Also, each water group (208) is linked to at least one negative valence group (110N). In some modalities, the negative valence field presented by each group of negative valence (110N) may be more intense than the positive valence field presented by each group of positive valence (110P) so the water groups (208) and the Water-alcohol groups (204) are effectively retained by the water absorption structure (102). After passing through the filtration medium (100), a filtered mixed fuel (220) remains which basically contains only fuel groups (206) and alcohol groups (210). Figure 3 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a filter (300) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in the Figure 3, the filter (300) comprises two end caps (302) and (314) and an outer cover or wrapper (320).

The end cap (302) has an opening (304) that allows filtered mixed fuel to enter the filter (300) and the end cap (314) has an opening (316) that allows filtered mixed fuel to leave the filter ( 300).

The filter (300) also comprises a central tube (306) having perforations (308). The central tube (306) is surrounded by the filtration means (100). In some embodiments, the filtration means (100) is folded as will be described later. The central tube (306) and the filtration means (100) are secured to the end caps (302) and (314) using an adhesive (310) that is not diluted by water, alcohol, diesel or gasoline. Dashed lines (312) illustrate the flow of a mixed fuel such as E-85 through the filter (300) As shown the mixed fuel can pass through the opening (304) of the end cap (302). The mixed fuel is forced towards the outer perimeter of the internal chamber of the filter so that the mixed fuel must pass through the filtering means (100). The filtration medium (100) is configured to filter out contaminants such as particles, water molecules and water-alcohol molecules. As the filtration medium (100) retains water molecules and water-alcohol molecules, the filtration medium (100) expands. Thus, within the filter (300) is provided the space (318) to allow the filtration medium (100) to expand. After passing through the filtration means (100), the mixed fuel enters into the central tube (306) through the perforations (308). The filtered mixed fuel exits the filter (300) through the opening (316) of the central tube (314). The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the filter (300) illustrated in Figure 3. Rather, the filter (300) illustrates one of many possible embodiments that would force a mixed fuel to pass through the filter medium (100) filtering the mixed fuel as desired. It is intended that there are various filter sizes such as 4"x5" and 7"xl8". It is also intended that there are various types of filters such as spin filters, online filters and cartridge filters. Figure 4 illustrates a part of the filter (300) before filtering water according to the embodiments of the invention. For convenience, the outer filter cover is not shown. As shown, the filter (300) comprises a central tube (306) having perforations (308). The central tube (306) is surrounded by the filtering means (100) in a folded arrangement (320). The end cap (314) is also shown. Figure 5 illustrates a part of the filter (300) after filtering water according to the embodiments of the invention. As shown, the folds (320) of the filtration means (100) have dilated. Thus, as water (water molecules and water-alcohol molecules) are retained within the filtration medium, the water absorption structure (102) shown in Figures 1 and 2 expands and presses against the particulate filtration medium ( 104) and the other means (106) described previously. Because the means (104) and (106) are flexible, the dilation expands the folds (320) to press against the internal chamber of the filter (300) (between the central tube (306) and the outer shell or envelope). (320). By design, the filter (300) and the filtration medium (100) allow water retention that is significantly greater than that of existing water absorption filters of comparable size. For example, a 4"x5" filter mode retains approximately 12 ounces of water and a 7"xl8" filter mode retains approximately one gallon of water. When the filter (300) absorbs a water limit amount (ie, approximately 10 ounces for a 4"x5" filter), the pleats (320) press together with sufficient pressure to prevent fuel flow through the filter (300 ). In this way, contaminated fuel is prevented from being discharged to a vehicle or a motor vehicle. Also, by tracking the number of filters that are used within a predetermined time period (that is, if more than two filters are used in three months), a user is able to approximate whether it is being performed or is close to being performed. phase of separation of fuel and / or phase of separation of water inside a fuel tank. As explained above, the separated fuel phase is related to an irregular distribution of alcohol in a fuel mixed with alcohol (ie, the fuel is being separated from the alcohol or vice versa) and the separated water phase is related to water that does not dissolve with fuel mixed with alcohol (ie, water in excess of a limit amount that can be dissolved in the fuel mixed with alcohol becomes the separated water phase). Figure 6 illustrates a fuel dispensing system (600) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 6, the fuel dispensing system (600) comprises a fuel tank (602) and a fuel dispenser (610). The fuel dispenser (610) comprises a fuel pump (612) and a filter (614) using the filtration means (100). The fuel tank (602) contains fuel mixed with alcohol (ie, alcohol molecules (210) mixed with fuel molecules (206)) such as E-85. As time passes, water molecules (208) and solid particles (212) can contaminate the fuel mixed with alcohol. For example, water molecules (208) of the atmosphere (630) can be attracted by the alcohol molecules (210) in the fuel tank (602) creating water-alcohol molecules (204). Eventually, the separated fuel phase and the separated water phase within the fuel tank (602) may occur. When a vehicle (620) (i.e., a truck or other vehicle having an engine) needs fuel, a user can fill a fuel tank (622) of the vehicle (620) by accessing the fuel dispenser (610). For example, the fuel tank (602) and the fuel dispenser (610) can be part of a service station that supplies fuel to consumers.

To ensure that the vehicle (620) receives uncontaminated fuel, the fuel dispenser (610) pumps fuel from the fuel tank (602) through the filter (614). As previously described, the filter medium (100) of the filter (614) is capable of filtering solid particles (212), water molecules (208) and water-alcohol molecules (204). In some embodiments, filtration occurs as fuel mixed with alcohol is pumped from the fuel dispenser (610) to the fuel tank (622) of the vehicle (620). As time passes, water molecules (208) and solid particles (212) can contaminate the fuel mixed with alcohol in the vehicle's fuel tank (622). For example, water molecules (208) of the atmosphere (630) can be attracted by the alcohol molecules (210) in the fuel tank (622) creating water-alcohol molecules (204). Eventually, the separated fuel phase and the separated water phase within the fuel tank (622) may occur. To avoid undesirable burning temperatures (caused by burning fuel from the separation phase) and water-related damage to the engine (628), a filter (626) is placed using the filter medium (100) between the fuel pump (624) and the engine ( 628) of the vehicle. The filtration medium (100) is capable of filtering solid particles (212), water molecules (208) and water-alcohol molecules (204) from the fuel mixed with alcohol in the fuel tank (622). In some embodiments, filtration occurs as the fuel pump (624) pumps the fuel mixed with alcohol from the fuel tank (622) to the engine (628). In this way, the engine (628) is capable of burning uncontaminated fuel thereby improving fuel performance and reducing occurrences of engine damage caused by high temperature and / or water. The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the fuel dispensing system (600) illustrated in Figure 6. Rather, the system (600) illustrates that one or more filters that implement the filtering means (100) are capable of filtering Effectively water and other fuel particles mixed with alcohol such as E-85. Said filters (i.e., filters (614) and (624)) can be implemented in the fuel dispenser (610) and / or in a vehicle (620) as shown. As previously described, the filtration medium (100) is designed to be resistant to biodegradation caused by bacteria and other life forms found in water. Thus, the filters that implement the filtration means (100) are capable of retaining water for large periods of time without failure. In some embodiments, if a filter absorbs a limited amount of water (ie, a maximum water capacity), the filter automatically stops the flow of fuel even against the force of a fuel pump (ie, the pump (612) or (622)). Therefore, a new filter can be used to continue the filtering process. By tracking the amount of filters that are changed within a predetermined amount of time, it is possible for a user (i.e., filter operator) to approximate whether the fuel separation phase or the water separation phase has occurred or if it is about to happen. Figure 7 illustrates a filtering process (700) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 7, the filtration process (700) involves a portable unit (710) that connects to a fuel tank (702). The fuel tank (702) contains a fuel mixed with alcohol such as E-85. The portable unit (710) comprises a pump (712) and a filter (714) using the filtration means (100). During operation, the pump (712) of the portable unit (710) pumps the fuel mixed with alcohol from the fuel tank (702) through the filter (714). The filtration medium (100) is capable of filtering solid particles (212), water molecules (208) and water-alcohol molecules (204) from the fuel mixed with alcohol. In some embodiments, the fuel mixed with alcohol is returned to the fuel tank (702). In such embodiments, the portable unit 710 can operate for a predetermined amount of time. If the filter (714) reaches its maximum water capacity during operation, the filter (714) stops the flow of fuel even against the pressure of the pump (712). Then, an operator can turn off the pump (712), replace the filter (714), turn on the bomb (712) and continue the filtration process. As shown, the filtration process (700) removes contaminants from the fuel mixed with alcohol. The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the filtering process (700) illustrated in Figure 7. For example, in alternative embodiments, - the pump (712) is separated from the portable unit (710). Also, some modes may also temporarily store the filtered fuel in a separate fuel tank until all fuel and contaminants are emptied from the fuel tank (702). Thus, the fuel mixed with alcohol can be dispensed from the separate fuel tank or returned to the fuel tank (702). In some embodiments, the filtration process (700) is used to avoid the fuel separation phase or the water separation phase. For example, if a filter (i.e., the filter (614)) of a fuel dispenser (ie, the fuel dispenser (610)) is replaced several times by exceeding the limit amount within a predetermined period of time, the filtration process (700) can be used before the fuel separation phase or the separation phase of water within a fuel tank occurs. Even if the fuel separation phase or water separation phase has occurred inside a fuel tank, the filtration process (700) can be used to remove contaminating water at the site (the filter can be replaced (714). ) several times if necessary). As such, the modalities provide efficient and economical solutions for filtering water from fuels mixed with alcohol before or after the fuel separation phase or the water separation phase occurs. Figure 8 illustrates a method (800) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 8, the method (800) comprises impregnating a laminated medium with non-naturally occurring monomers that exhibit a strong negative valence upon exposure to water and a less strong positive valency upon exposure to alcohol (block (802)). The method (800) further comprises filtering fuel mixed with alcohol using the impregnated rolling medium while dispensing the fuel (block (804)). For example, fuel mixed with alcohol can be dispensed from a distribution storage tank to the fuel tank of a vehicle or from a vehicle fuel tank to the vehicle engine. If a limit amount of water is filtered within a predetermined amount of time (determination block (806)), fuel mixed with alcohol is filtered using the impregnated laminated medium without dispensing the fuel (block (808)). For example, a portable unit can be used to pump and filter contaminated fuel from a distribution storage tank without dispensing fuel to a consumer or consumer's vehicle. If the fuel tank is part of a vehicle, a portable unit can pump and filter contaminated fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank without dispensing fuel to the engine. If a limiting amount of water is not filtered within a predetermined amount of time (determination block (806)), fuel mixed with alcohol is filtered using the impregnated laminated medium while the fuel is dispensed (block (804)). The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. A large number of variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art once the above description is fully appraised. For example, the filtration means (100) and filters that implement the filtration means (100) can be used in other known or later developed applications and are not limited to filtration of fuel mixed with alcohol intended for vehicles. Rather, the filtration means (100) and the filters that implement the filtration means (100) are capable of effectively filtering water of alcohol and can be useful in any application involving said process. As an example, in the distillation process to produce alcohol, it is desirable that no water be present in the final alcohol product. Thus, the filters containing the filtration medium (100) can be used to remove the water. Also, filters containing the filtration medium (100) are capable of effectively removing water from unmixed fuels such as gasoline or diesel. The following claims are intended to be interpreted to cover all variations and modifications.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A filtration medium, comprising: a central polymer structure; and groups of monomers in the central polymer structure that have a negative valence when exposed to water and a positive valence when exposed to alcohol, where, if water-alcohol molecules are introduced into the filtration medium, the water-alcohol molecules they are linked to at least one group of monomers of negative valence and with at least one group of monomers of positive valence.
2. 2. The filtration medium of claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers resist biodegradation caused by life forms in water.
3. 3. The filtration medium of claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers are produced synthetically.
4. 4. The filtration medium of claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers are cross-linked.
5. 5. The filtration medium of the claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers comprise at least one of a group consisting of carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, sulfonates, phosphonates, propenoic acids, alpha-methyl-propenoic acids, beta-methyl-propenoic acids, poly-acrylic acids, acrylic acids, maleic acids, fumaric acids, maleic anhydrides, fumaric anhydrides, alpha-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, beta-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, alpha-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, alpha monocarboxylic anhydrides ethylenically unsaturated, betaethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic anhydrides, alpha-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydrides and beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydrides.
6. 6. The filtration medium of claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers comprise salts which are selected from a group of salts consisting of alkali ions, lithium ions, sodium ions and potassium ions.
7. The filtration medium of claim 1, wherein the groups of monomers comprise earth metals that are selected from a group of earth metals consisting of magnesium ions, calcium ions, strontium ions, barium ions, ions of zinc and aluminum ions.
8. 8. The filtration medium of claim 1, further comprising a glass fiber coating impregnated with the polymer backbone and the groups of monomers.
9. 9. The filtration medium of claim 8, further comprising a particulate filtration layer and another layer enclosing the glass fiber coating impregnated with the polymer backbone and the groups of monomers.
10. 10. A filter, comprising: a filter medium that is impregnated with chemical compounds that effectively retain water molecules and water-alcohol molecules but not alcohol molecules; and a liquid channeling structure, wherein the liquid channeling structure directs the liquid entering an inlet of the filter to the flow through the filter medium before it passes through an outlet of the filter.
11. 11. The filter of claim 10, wherein the chemical compounds have a strong negative charge when exposed to water and a less strong positive charge when exposed to alcohol.
12. The filter of claim 10, wherein the liquid channeling structure comprises a perforated element and wherein the filtering means surrounds the perforated member in a folded arrangement.
13. The filter of claim 12 further comprising an outer wrap, wherein the folded filtration means is configured to expand between the perforated element and the outer wrap.
14. 14. The filter of claim 13 wherein, if the filtration medium retains a limiting amount of water molecules and water-alcohol molecules, the folded filtration medium expands and prevents pressurized liquid from flowing through the medium. filtration.
15. 15. The filter of claim 10, wherein the filter is configured to be used in a fuel sales system that dispenses fuel mixed with alcohol, the fuel mixed with alcohol has up to eighty-five percent alcohol and fifteen percent fuel.
16. 16. The filter of claim 10, wherein the filter is configured to be used in a vehicle that burns fuel mixed with alcohol, the fuel mixed with alcohol has up to eighty-five percent alcohol and fifteen percent fuel.
17. The filter of claim 10, wherein the filter is configured to be used in a portable unit that filters fuel mixed with alcohol from a fuel tank, the fuel mixed with alcohol has up to eighty-five percent alcohol and fifteen percent fuel percent.
18. 18. A method, which comprises: impregnating a filtration medium with polymers derived from non-naturally occurring monomers that have a negative charge when exposed to water and a positive charge when exposed to alcohol, where the negative charge is stronger than the positive charge.
19. 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising enclosing the filtration medium between a particulate filtration medium and another medium. The method of claim 18 further comprising using the filtration medium to filter water molecules and water-alcohol molecules from a fuel mixed with alcohol.