Abstract: A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in distilling water, comprising a heating arrangement (20) for heating incoming water and thereby producing steam, a condensing arrangement (26) in a flow path of the steam from the heating arrangement (20) for producing condensed water from the steam, the arrangement being such that thermal energy from the condensing steam can be employed to heat the incoming water in the heating arrangement (20). The apparatus further comprises a pre-heating arrangement (16) upstream of the heating arrangement (20) in the flow path of the incoming water and in the flow path of the condensed water from the condensing arrangement (26) for transferring thermal energy from the condensed water to the incoming water.

Abstract: Systems for efficient generation of clean water from non-potable water leverage heat provided by concentrated solar power or waste heat is co-located at a source of non-potable water for efficient, low-cost operation based on steam provided by the source of heat. A process of using such systems operated by the steam provided and the non-potable water, is disclosed, to generate clean water and concentrate water.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus 2 for desalinating non-potable water. The apparatus comprises a first vapour producing module 5 configured to receive a heated working fluid for producing vapour from a volume of non-potable water for driving at least one first distillation module 10 for producing condensate 12. The apparatus further comprises a second vapour producing module 14 configured to receive working fluid from the first vapour producing module 5 for producing additional vapour from a further volume of non-potable water 8?.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion and distillation apparatus floats on a body of saltwater and includes a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water for on-shore usage. The distillation modules and other buoyant structures are mutually joined within a peripheral seawall to form an atmospheric barrier, and each distillation module includes a submerged energy absorber layer to form an energy conversion chamber that confines a shallow volume of solar-heated seawater. Water vapor in the air above the confined water condenses on chilled heat exchanger conduits, and the energy absorber layer is water permeable so that confined water lost to evaporation and condensation is replenished with water from a thermal reservoir underlying the energy conversion chamber. Buoyant mistifier units in each distillation module enhance the evaporative surface area of the water vapor subject to condensation.

Abstract: This invention reveals to the public the centralized sump oil and acid oil treatment process and system. The process consist of (1) the filter; (2) entry to reaction kettle, the sodium carbonate solution added at the time of air floatation till PH value keeps about 6.0-8.0; and emulsion splitter and flocculating agent added for further reaction; (3) suspension of air floatation and static settlement; (4) the international crude oil is collected after the detergent oil at the upper level of the reaction kettle is dehydrated under normal and reduced pressure; the wastewater is drained after filtering by the natural oil removal tank and the oil-water filter; the sludge is solidified by the cement and the quick lime and aluminium oxide are used as the coagulant aid for solidifying the sludge.

Abstract: A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding a fluid reservoir and an air flow path that is disposed over top of the fluid reservoir. The housing has an inlet opening and a spaced apart outlet opening that both provide communication between the outside environment and the air flow path. A fan is positioned to draw the air out of the air flow path through the outlet opening. A baffle projects into the air flow path at a location between inlet opening and the outlet opening so as to constrict the area of the air flow path thereat. A plurality of spray nozzles are positioned within air flow path between the baffle and the first end of the housing. A pump is configured to draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it to the plurality of spray nozzles.

Abstract: A solar thermal system for the partial desalination of sea water and for generating electricity includes a mass of black top material such as asphalt or the like used in paving roadways, parking lots and the like. The system also includes a network of interconnected conductive conduits such as a serpentine array of copper tubing and a pump for pumping seawater through the copper tubing that is in contact with or surrounded by the black top or asphalt portion of a roadway. The asphalt layer acts as a black body for absorbing heat from the sun and converts solar energy to thermal energy.

Abstract: Improved methods for carrier-gas humidification/dehumidification [HDH] or dewvaporization enable production of clean water, derived in part from models generated and tested with produced water from the oil and gas industries, which likewise address industrial waste water remediation and generally facilitate the time and cost efficient disposal of waste waters from a plurality of industries ranging from food, wine, and beverage production to novel enhanced efficiencies within the oil and gas industries themselves. High efficiency carrier gas HDH thermal distillation functions without membranes, at ambient or near ambient pressures with no required pre- or post-treatment, and economies of scale to leverage a plastics-based processing platform. Industrial waste water including that generated by the food, wine, and beverage industries, among others, is likewise ameliorated according to the instant teachings.

Abstract: A desalination process including heating brine in a preheating chamber and transferring the brine to a rotary kiln to be sprayed against the wall structure of the rotary kiln to boil to steam and a residue of salt/impurities, the exiting steam being pressurized in a compressor and passed to an externally powered heater to be heated and then fed to a hollow wall structure of the rotating kiln in which the steam condenses to pure water to be transferred to the preheating chamber to preheat the incoming brine, the rotating kiln being arranged to rotate past a scraper to remove salt/impurities from the wall structure for collection at the base of the kiln.

Abstract: A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding a fluid reservoir and an air flow path that is disposed over top of the fluid reservoir. The housing has an inlet opening and a spaced apart outlet opening that both provide communication between the outside environment and the air flow path. A fan is positioned to draw the air out of the air flow path through the outlet opening. A baffle projects into the air flow path at a location between inlet opening and the outlet opening so as to constrict the area of the air flow path thereat. A plurality of spray nozzles are positioned within air flow path between the baffle and the first end of the housing. A pump is configured to draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it to the plurality of spray nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed are wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In particular, this disclosure provides a method of lowering the biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous within wastewater containing human excrements. In addition to improving the quality of the wastewater on a per Liter basis, this disclosure also provides methods and systems that reduce the absolute quantity of total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous released into the environment through effluent. The disclosed methods and systems also provide ways of reintroducing water into the environment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for planning the operation of, monitoring processes in, simulating, and/or optimizing a technical installation comprising several units that can be combined with each other. Said system comprises at least one process planning module, at least one process simulation module, and at least one process optimization module. Components for modeling, simulating, and optimizing the technical installation are stored in said modules. The interrelated modules cooperate with a data management layer via at least one interface, said data management layer making available actual measured and/or historical process data for determining parameters and/or operational data for the modules in order to plan operations as well as simulate and optimize processes. The parameters and/or operational data determined in the modules can be fed to the data management layer for further processing by taking into account the stored components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar water purification are described. In one exemplary aspect, the system includes a sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit, and a two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit to collect sunlight reflected from the sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit and focus the sunlight. A central water purification boiler module includes a heating zone upon which the sunlight is focused by the two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit. The focused sunlight heats the water contained therein to create steam which is redirected to heat water coming into the boiler and to condense as purified water.

Abstract: The scarcity of fresh water for human consumption and agricultural irrigation is an ongoing problem affecting billions of people. This problem is only getting worse with growing human populations, pollution and global warming. Relying on underground sources of fresh water is not a viable long-term solution. I propose to solve the problem of fresh water scarcity with a new kind of desalination method. This desalination method is comprised of recycled materials thereby reducing the amount of pollution in the world. This desalination method uses no other power sources other than solar energy. The usage of recycled materials and renewable energy sources thereby ensures that this desalination method is a low cost way of transporting seawater and converting it into fresh water.

Abstract: We disclose a water-based solution containing xylitol that helps reduce the risk of dental problems. The solution may be pre-packaged in a readably consumable form, or it may be packaged as a concentrate that can be added to beverage at the time of consumption. In addition to xylitol, other additives may be added to the solution including fluoride, flavoring, vitamins, caffeine, carbonation, electrolytes, minerals, sugars, and sugar alcohols.

Abstract: Heat exchanger steam condenser water distillation is described. In one aspect, a water distillation condenser has a heated air conduit in air flow communication with a heat exchanger. A cold raw water compartment is disposed above the heated air conduit and at least a bottom surface of the cold raw water compartment disposed at an angle. A heated raw water channel is defined between the heated air conduit and the raw water compartment. A floor of the heated raw water channel is defined by a top of the heated air conduit. A distilled water trough is disposed below a lower extent of the cold raw water compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for distilling fresh water from sea, and brackish water. In essence, an invented, Y-shaped structure is configured such that each leg of the figure contains two, concentric pipe means. One pipe means institutes the exterior of the leg, and is translucent. The smaller pipe means is positioned inside the first, and a vacuum exists between the two. Water is permitted to enter the pipe means, via a further pipe means in communication with the source of the water. When the water rises in the legs of the apparatus, concentrated heat provided via, e.g., Fresnel lenses, acts to evaporate the water, resulting in separation of salt and impurities therefrom. Pure water condenses in the device and accumulates in a reservoir provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquid purification using regenerating heat exchange are disclosed. An apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a liquid receptacle, a heat exchanger, a heating mechanism, a compressor, and a condenser. While the liquid receptacle is able to receive a stream of liquid such as water, a heat exchanger pushes the liquid through the heat exchanger to increase temperature of the liquid. The heating mechanism is capable of facilitating phase transition of the liquid from liquid to vapor. The compressor is operable to guide the vapor and the condenser is configured to condense the vapor into liquid or purified liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a desalinization apparatus, and methods related to desalinization. In an embodiment, a desalinization apparatus includes at least one port for receiving airflow therethrough, at least one port for receiving salt water therethrough, at least one output for providing outflow of pure water vapor, and at least one output for proving outflow of a mixture of water, salt and air; and a plurality of chambers for evaporating the salt water into the airflow, at least one of the chambers forming a plurality of ports arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, a method includes providing airflow to a desalinization apparatus; providing salt water to the desalinization apparatus; forming a vortex in the airflow to evaporate water vapor from the salt water; and providing the water vapor in the airflow to a condenser so as to obtain pure water.

Abstract: A vessel-based system and method for disposing of wastewater including bilge water from a bilge of the vessel. The system including a treatment unit for receiving and treating the wastewater to produce a substantially oil-free treated water and, an evaporator for receiving the treated water from the treatment unit. In an embodiment, the evaporator having an evaporation element for transferring heat to the treated water to evaporate the treated water.

Abstract: Saline waters are made suitable for use in large quantities in petroleum refining operations by evaporative desalination of a water source having a dissolved salt content of at least 30,000 ppmw with the heat liberated during the steam condensation used as low quality heat for petroleum refining operations. Sea water is most suitable for evaporative purification processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high efficiency solar still assemblies and their components, and more particularly, a solar still capable of absorbing direct sunlight and redirected sunlight using a mobile heliostat configured to align the still evaporator, the heliostat and a counter-current heat exchanger with the sun.

Abstract: This invention is for the provision of water distillation device and the method using the solar heat.

Abstract: A pulse jet system and method is disclosed. In an example, the pulse jet system includes a combustion chamber, intake ports to deliver combustion agents to the combustion chamber, an expansion chamber to cool a combustion product following combustion of the combustion agents in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust to exit the cooled gas from the expansion chamber. In another example, the pulse jet system includes a combustion chamber with intake ports to deliver combustion agents to the combustion chamber, wherein the combustion chamber is part of a four cycle engine. The pulse jet system also includes an expansion chamber to cool a combustion product following combustion of the combustion agents in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating water combined with power generation, wherein a desalination system is used for desalinating coastal seawater and is operationally related to a power generation system, wherein such dual purpose co-generation facility captures the heat vapor exhausted or a steam turbine generator's condenser is replaced by the desalination plant's heat exchanger enabling such captured heat energy to reduce the energy requirements of the desalination plant, and wherein brine solution being utilized by the desalination plant is circulated from and to the substrata sea water table via supply and return wells.

Abstract: A method and a system to produce a distillate stream from an aqueous stream containing at least one dissolved solid by a thermal distillation process using at least one of a heated aqueous stream from a turbine system intercooler and a stack heater as a heat source.

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic panel-interfaced solar-greenhouse distillation technology is disclosed that is capable of utilizing solar waste heat to perform liquid distillation while co-generating solar electricity. Solar waste heat co-generated at a photovoltaic panel is effectively utilized by in situ distillation liquid as an immediate heat sink in thermal contact with the photovoltaic panel, thus providing beneficial cooling of the photovoltaic panel and co-making of distillation products while generating electricity with significant improvement on total-process solar energy utilization efficiency. Use of this invention can provide a series of distillation-related products such as freshwater, distilled water, hot water, hot steam, sea salts, saline/brine products, and/or harvest biofuels and bioproducts such as ethanol from renewable resources while co-generating solar electricity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for utilization of waste heat of flue gas liberated from different heat sources to provide high quality water from sea/brackish.

Abstract: A water-desalination and carbon dioxide extraction method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a receiving quantity of saline water or an aqueous mixture, derived from flue gas, of dissolved and suspended alkaline metal salts, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing sheet-like discharges, withdraw the saline water or the aqueous mixture from the receptacle and discharges it into the overlying space for exposure to solar radiation passing through the roof structure, for controlled absorption of solar energy by the saline water or for effecting release carbon dioxide at elevated temperatures. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, may be used in a second greenhouse for promoting evaporation of free water or in other method steps.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for obtaining pure water from seawater, comprising: a) a raw water is provided that comprises at least one non-volatile component (salt), b) the raw water provided is passed as cooling medium into a heat ex-changer, c) additional heat is supplied to the raw water that is heated in the heat exchanger, d) the raw water from step c) is fed to an evaporation zone, e) a carrier gas suitable for water vapour is provided (air), f) the carrier gas is brought into contact with the raw water in counter current flow in the evaporation zone which contains baffles, wherein the carrier gas takes up water vapour from the raw water, g) the raw water that is obtained in step f) that is enriched with the at least one non-volatile component is taken off from the evaporation zone, h) the water vapour- loaded carrier gas from the evaporation zone is fed to the heat exchanger and is cooled in counter current flow to the raw water, wherein the water vapour present in the carrier gas partially condenses ou

Abstract: An exemplary water purification system has a base and a cover that is coupled (e.g., heat sealed) to the base to form a chamber. Raw water, such as seawater or polluted water, is inserted into the base. The raw water evaporates and condenses on an inner surface of the cover, which is inclined to cause the condensed water to flow to a collection channel so that potable water may be drawn from such channel. The base and cover are formed of a lightweight, flexible material to allow the system to be collapsed for easy transport. In addition, the base and cover are supported by a collapsible frame. Accordingly, the system can be easily packaged and shipped at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A method for treating a wastewater containing oxygen-containing compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group or a carbonyl group, including a step of adding an alkali agent to the wastewater containing the oxygen-containing compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group or a carbonyl group to control a pH of the wastewater to 10 or more; and a step of separating a discharge in which the oxygen-containing compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group or a carbonyl group is concentrated through distillation of the wastewater to which the alkali agent has been added.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the purification of a liquid by membrane distillation comprising: passing a heated vapourising stream of a liquid (retentate stream) through a retentate channel along a porous hydrophobic membrane (10), whereby vapour of the liquid flows via the pores of the membrane to the other side of said membrane, and condensing said vapour on the other side of said membrane to give a distillate stream in a distillate channel (5) which distillate is created by passing the heat of condensation (latent heat) towards a condenser surface (3), said condenser surface forming a non-porous separation between a feed stream of the liquid to be purified and said distillate stream, which feed stream is passed through a feed channel (2) in counter-current with the retentate stream, in which feed channel a space material (4) is arranged whereby at least part of the latent heat is transferred via the condenser surface to the feed stream, and whereby a positive liquid pressure difference is applied be

Abstract: This invention describes a low temperature, self-sustainable desalination process operated under natural vacuum conditions created and maintained by barometric pressure head.

Abstract: Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing waste water generated during oilfield drilling operations with a mobile processing unit utilizing heat energy sourced from burning hydrocarbon fuel directly and/or capturing and using the exhaust heat energy generated by burning hydrocarbons in engines such as diesel engines in order to vaporize a dominant mass of the aqueous phase of the waste water while clarifying the heat source combustion gasses. The water vapor generated by the vaporization process may be discharged directly to the atmosphere or alternately condensed and captured for use as portable water. The residual waste water is thereby concentrated and the cost to dispose of the waste water is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the evaporation and condensation of water by utilizing latent heat of condensation and solar heating is provided. Various embodiments include a module that may be associated with a body of water and incorporate first and second dendritically liquid receiving channels, a dome, a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The first channel conducts water from the body of water to a reservoir located within the module. The second channel is in heat exchange relationship with the first liquid receiving channel and conducts water from the reservoir to the exterior of the module below the reservoir. The dome encloses the top of the reservoir and forms a vaporization chamber. An exit drain in the vaporization chamber leads to a collection channel for conducting demineralized condensate out of the module. Still other embodiments utilize at least two membrane layers having a plurality of dendritically-configured and/or nested channels.

Abstract: A thermal desalination process comprising: introducing a feed solution into a thermal separation unit, distilling the feed solution in the thermal separation unit to produce a distillate stream and a residual stream having a higher solute concentration than the feed solution, contacting a portion of the residual stream from the thermal separation unit with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, contacting the opposite side of the selectively permeable membrane with a portion of the feed solution, such that water flows across the membrane to dilute the residual stream by direct osmosis, and introducing at least a portion of the diluted residual stream into the thermal separation unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for purifying water. The apparatus includes a water still for receiving water and a hot air maintained in a heat-exchanging relationship to obtain a hot water and a cold air. The apparatus also includes one or more water purification units configured to receive the hot water from the water still in which the hot water is further heated using thermal energy received from one or more thermal energy sources to obtain steam and waste matter. A water purification unit of the one or more water purification units includes a waste matter remover for removing the waste matter from the water purification unit. The water still includes a heat-exchanging unit configured to receive the steam from the one or more water purification units. The steam received at the heat-exchanging unit is condensed to obtain purified water within the heat-exchanging unit using the cold air.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus (100) comprises a series of modules (110) which may be mounted on supports (150). Seawater (12) flows through base units (130) along a channel (131) by gravity and is heated by a heating unit (140) such as solar lenses (141) to produce water vapour. A chimney (160) induces an airflow AF laterally across the channel (131) and substantially perpendicularly to the water flow WF. The airflow AF draws the water vapour to a condenser (70) that collects fresh water. The condenser (170) may be mounted within the chimney (160) and may use cold seawater as a coolant.

Abstract: A distillation drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having liquid incoming and liquid outgoing ends and a heat-exchanging room, wherein the liquid providing unit connects to the liquid incoming end and communicates with the heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit, wherein the body has a heating room connecting to the liquid outgoing end and communicating with the heat-exchanging room; a steam pipe having first and second ends, wherein the first end communicates with the heating room, and a part of the steam pipe is received in the heat-exchanging room; a condensing unit having a condenser tube, wherein the condenser tube has one end communicating with the second end; a water-collecting unit having a water-storing room connecting to another end of the condenser tube; and an outlet valve communicating with the water-storing room.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which provide for the purification of effluent from a septic system or natural water from rainwater or stormwater collection devices for the storage and reuse of water. The purified water may be supplied to water applications, such as a return conduit to a home for potable or graywater usage. The distillation unit may be powered by a local power independent of a municipal power grid and which may employ sustainable energy mechanisms. The distiller residue may undergo a volume reduction process, such as evaporation, coagulation, electrocoagulation or microfiltration. The purified water may be stored in a holding tank with sensors to monitor the water quality and water level within the tank. Alarms, release valves or relief valves may be activated in response to such monitoring.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to treatment of water contaminated with glycol to be recycled for further effective use of the cleaned water resulting therefrom, especially at airports. More specifically, this invention relates to improved techniques for efficiently and reliably generating continuous flows of cleaned water as well as a continuous flow of recyclable glycol water of controlled concentration.

Abstract: A desalinization plant and process utilizes solar radiation to produce steam from seawater which is then used to generate freshwater and electricity.

Abstract: A desalinization plant and process utilizes solar radiation to produce steam from seawater which is then used to generate freshwater and electricity.