Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating ions from a liquid through use of static fields generated by permanently polarized members such as electrets which cooperate with membranes that act as mechanical inhibitors in encouraging positive ions to remain with a positive region of the apparatus and negative ions to remain within a negative region of the apparatus, thereby leaving a relatively ion-free effluent in a neutral region of the apparatus. The ions are separated through static electrical fields, which are permanently generated by the polarized material. The separation is enhanced by pressurizing the liquid above ambient to a certain optimum value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating ions from a liquid through use of static fields generated by permanently polarized members which cooperate with membranes that act as mechanical inhibitors in encouraging positive ions to remain within a positive region of the apparatus and negative ions to remain within a negative region of the apparatus, thereby leaving a relatively ion-free effluent in a neutral region of the apparatus. The ions are separated through static electrical fields, which are permanently generated by the polarized material.