Abstract: A system for dewatering slurries comprises a tower including a stack of forward osmosis (FO) cells. Each FO cell comprises a first portion for holding a feed slurry, a second portion for circulating a draw solution comprising an osmotic agent, and a semi-permeable membrane in between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes an agitation mechanism for mixing the feed slurry. During operation of the system, the feed slurry is transported downstream through the stack for dewatering to a predetermined solids content.

Abstract: A process for recovering solvents from inorganic and organic solutions is disclosed. The process utilizes a polymer capable of selectively extracting the solvent from the inorganic or organic solution. Introduction of the polymer into the solvent solution creates formation of a polymer-rich phase and a solute-rich phase. The recovered solvent may be separated from the polymer-rich phase by heating the polymer-rich phase to at least the cloud point of the polymer. The polymer and/or solute may be recycled for further use in the solvent recovery process.

Abstract: A process for recovering solvents from inorganic and organic solutions is disclosed. The process utilizes a polymer capable of selectively extracting the solvent from the inorganic or organic solution. Introduction of the polymer into the solvent solution creates formation of a polymer-rich phase and a solute-rich phase. The recovered solvent may be separated from the polymer-rich phase by heating the polymer-rich phase to at least the cloud point of the polymer. The polymer and/or solute may be re-cycled for further use in the solvent recovery process.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purifying semi-synthetics, and may be conducted off-line or on line with a metal working process. In accordance with the invention, a tangential filter flow path for the microemulsions is provided to tangentially pass through a membrane filter sized to permit passage of microemulsions but inhibit passage of contaminants. The microemulsions are maintained in a tangential flow through the membrane filter with tangential flow velocity in the range of 1 m/s-7 m/s. A low filtering pressure is maintained in the range of 0.05-0.7 bar.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.