Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a technique which allows biomass to be utilized as a fuel for the co-production of electrical power and potable water in a most efficient manner. Almost any biomass is suitable as a feedstock and biomass which is locally available may be used to fuel the process. The biomass is fed into a gasification device to produce a gas stream containing appreciable amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas stream is used to fuel an electrical generation system Waste heat from the electrical generation system is recovered and used in the purification of saline, brakish or river and well water to produce highly pure potable water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by using a temperature gradient, which device includes: (a) a vapor chamber that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located (b) an evaporation compartment having a least a wall with an outer surface and which includes a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane wherein the vapor chamber has an outer surface that includes a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.

Abstract: A process for the separation of volatile material from particulate polymer which has been substantially freed from unreacted monomer in an earlier separation step, comprising (a) feeding the particulate polymer to a purge vessel, optionally causing it to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode, (b) heating the particulate polymer in the purge vessel to a temperature greater than 30° C. but insufficiently high to cause the particles to become agglomerated, and/or maintaining the polymer at a temperature in this range in the purge vessel, (c) feeding air to the purge vessel counter-current to the movement of the particulate polymer to remove volatile material therefrom, (d) removing the particulate polymer from the purge vessel. Preferably the particulate polymer fed to the purge vessel is caused to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode. The process is particularly suitable for polyethylene.

Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.

Abstract: Many areas in the world already suffer shortages of water, and others will suffer from it in the coming years. Therefore more efficient water sweetening is essential for our survival on this planet. The most commonly used water sweetening methods are: Reversed osmosis, distillation, electrodyalisis, and partial freezing. However, these methods suffer from low efficiency and high energy consumption, thus making them significantly more expensive than naturally obtained water. The present invention describes a system & method for efficient and low energy sweetening of water, based on borderline fast fluctuation between liquid to gaseous state and back, by using centrifugal forces to make water droplets fly at a high speed, so that they evaporate for a split second, the salt is separated, and they condense again. The present invention tries to make the process energy-efficient by enabling the use of lower speeds and smaller droplet sizes and solving various problems involved with that.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, Uniprene, or Sarlink. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded and made of ABS, polycarbonates, or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials and may include a strengthening member formed integrally in the bottom surface of the basin casing. The still may include a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basing.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward, releasing at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: A methods of the present invention for inhibiting silica scale formation and corrosion in aqueous systems where soluble silica residuals (SiO2) are maintained in excess of 200 mg/L, and source water silica deposition is inhibited with silica accumulations as high as 4000 mg/L (cycled accumulation) from evaporation and concentration of source water. The methods of the present invention also provides inhibition of corrosion for carbon steel at corrosion rates of less than 0.3 mpy (mils per year), and less than 0.1 mpy for copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel alloys in highly concentrated (high dissolved solids) waters. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of hardness ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of electrical conductivity, and elevating the pH level of the aqueous environment. Thereafter, specified water chemistry residual ranges are maintained in the aqueous system to achieve inhibition of scale and corrosion.

Abstract: A solar distillation loop apparatus includes a first pipe section disposed on a ground surface, the first pipe section including a substantially straight portion and elevated portions on each end of the substantially straight portion, an impure water inflow coupling at one end of the straight portion and an impure water outflow coupling at the other end of the straight portion; solar powered fans disposed in each of the elevated portions of the first pipe section; a second pipe section disposed under the ground surface beneath the first pipe section; and two substantially vertical pipe sections that connect respective ends of the second pipe section to respective ends of the first pipe section.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.

Abstract: An evaporation based method of treating produced water from heavy oil production. A produced water from heavy oil recovery operations treated by first removing oil and grease to a desired level, preferably to about twenty parts per million, or less. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward and by acid addition, to release at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Preferably, all non-hydroxide alkalinity is removed, or substantially so, by introducing the feedwater into a decarbonator. Feedwater is introduced into an evaporator, and the feedwater is evaporated to a selected concentration factor to produce (1) a distillate having a small amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing residual solids. Distillate may be directly used for steam generation in a once-through steam generator, or polished by ion exchange or electrodeionization prior to feed to a packaged boiler.

Abstract: Cultivated field water is desalinated by a series of independent units that float on the water surface, taking up the saline water with a wick, evaporating the water from the wick in desalinating relation by concentrating incident solar radiation with a combination of a lenses and cooperating mirrors onto the upper end portion of the wick while the wick lower end portion is immersed in the field water, capturing the desalinated vapor resulting by condensing within the unit and returning the condensed, desalinated water to the field, and periodically renewing the wick by rinsing the salt from it at a cleaning station beyond the field.

Abstract: A solar water still (10) includes an enclosure assembly (12) and an evaporation assembly (14) that float on a body of source water and that are readily collapsed and folded for storage or transport. The enclosure assembly includes a transparent conical dome (20) covering a collection reservoir (18) and an inner float ring (16). The evaporation assembly is placed in the center of the inner float ring. During operation, solar radiation induces water to evaporate from the evaporation assembly. The water vapor is then condensed and collected by the enclosure assembly.

Abstract: A methods for inhibiting silica scale formation and corrosion in aqueous systems where soluble silica (SiO2) can be maintained at residuals below 200 mg/L, but more preferably maintained at greater than 200 mg/L as SiO2, without silica scale and with control of deposition of source water silica accumulations as high as 4000 mg/L (cycled accumulation) from evaporation and concentration of source water. The methods of the present invention also provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for carbon steel, copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel alloys. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of hardness ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of electrical conductivity, and elevating the pH level of the aqueous environment. Thereafter, specified water chemistry residual ranges are maintained in the aqueous system to achieve inhibition of scale and corrosion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for treating produced water from a heavy oil thermal recovery unit to achieve water recovery and recycle levels of greater than 80% and as high as 100% to achieve zero discharge criteria. The method includes the initial steps of capturing the waste heat energy from the high pressure steam separator located downstream of the steam generators. Further, transferring the heat energy into a heated separator and reboiler exchanger to distill oil reservoir produced water and recover distilled water and a concentrated brine or solid product. The heated separator concentrated stream is circulated through the reboiler exchanger to maintain from 1% to about 50% mass vapour in the stream returning to the heated separator and prevent fouling and scaling. The apparatus includes a low pressure waste energy separator, heated separator and vapour compressor in combination with a forced circulation circuit to generate the distilled water.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing pharmaceutical water by means of distillation and sanitizing the equipment used in said manufacturing. The method comprises the removal of suspended solids from chlorine-containing water by means of a multimedia filter, followed by a water-softening step and a dechlorination step. Ammonia is then removed from the dechlorinated water before subjecting the water to distillation in a mechanical vapor compression distillation unit. A portion of the generated low-pressure-steam is used to sanitize the manufacturing equipment at certain prescribed locations, and the distilled water, exhibiting United States Pharmacopoeia purified water quality, is withdrawn from the still and stored as pharmaceutical water product. No reverse osmosis operation is required. A system for carrying out the process is also provided. Sanitization is carried out while the system is in a standby mode.

Abstract: In hydrate-based desalination or other water purification conducted using naturally buoyant or trapped-gas-assisted buoyancy hydrate in a hydrate fractionation column, a portion of fresh or purified product water is extracted from an upper, hydrate dissociation region of the fractionation column and reintroduced into a lower portion of the fractionation column at a point above but generally near a product water/saline water interface. The difference in density between the reintroduced product water and the fluid in the hydrate fractionation column above the point of reintroduction (water, hydrate, and gas) drives a natural circulation system which enhances the rate at which hydrate rises into the hydrate dissociation region.

Abstract: A specific ingredient-dissolved liquid condensing apparatus, comprising an upper tank, a lower tank provided under the upper tank, the upper tank being provided with a liquid-falling opening and a valve for falling a specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the upper tank to the lower tank, a circulator for circulating the specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the upper tank, and a transfer means for transferring the specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the lower tank into the upper tank.

Abstract: An improved water purification system for production of USP purified water and/or USP water for injection include backwashable, chlorine tolerant microfilter or ultrafilter for initial filtration of the feed water (10). The filtrate from the filter (18) is provided to a dechlorinator (18) prior to being subjected to an optional, reverse osmosis membrane unit (60) and then to a still (66) which discharges purified water at USP standards for purified water or water for injection.

Abstract: A methods for inhibiting silica scale formation and corrosion in aqueous systems where soluble silica (SiO2) can be maintained at residuals below 200 mg/L, but more preferably maintained at greater than 200 mg/L as SiO2, without silica scale and with control of deposition of source water silica accumulations as high as 4000 mg/L (cycled accumulation) from evaporation and concentration of source water. The methods of the present invention also provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for carbon steel, copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel alloys. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of hardness ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of electrical conductivity, and elevating the pH level of the aqueous environment. Thereafter, specified water chemistry residual ranges are maintained in the aqueous system to achieve inhibition of scale and corrosion.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.

Abstract: A methods of the present invention for inhibiting silica scale formation and corrosion in aqueous systems where soluble silica residuals (SiO2) are maintained in excess of 200 mg/L, and source water silica deposition is inhibited with silica accumulations as high as 4000 mg/L (cycled accumulation) from evaporation and concentration of source water. The methods of the present invention also provides inhibition of corrosion for carbon steel at corrosion rates of less than 0.3 mpy (mils per year), and less than 0.1 mpy for copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel alloys in highly concentrated (high dissolved solids) waters. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of hardness ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of electrical conductivity, and elevating the pH level of the aqueous environment. Thereafter, specified water chemistry residual ranges are maintained in the aqueous system to achieve inhibition of scale and corrosion.

Abstract: A vacuum low-temperature distilled pure water dispenser includes a water-supply tank communicating with a reaction chamber via a water supply line, a pure water storage tank communicably located above the reaction chamber, an actuating pump communicably located below the reaction chamber, and a refrigerating system having pipe lines extended between the reaction chamber and the pure water storage tank. When the actuating pump is actuated, a vacuum is produced in the reaction chamber to suck water in the water-supply tank into the reaction chamber, at where the sucked water is heated and vaporized by heat provided by a compressor of the refrigerating system, so that impurities, organic and inorganic matters, bacteria, and viruses in the water are separated therefrom through vacuum low-temperature distillation. When the actuating pump keeps pumping, the distilled water is sent from the reaction chamber into the pure water storage tank.

Abstract: A diffusion driven desalination apparatus and related method includes structure for receiving a heated water stream and creating at least one region having a thin film of water and structure for forcing a low humidity air stream over the thin film of water, wherein water from the thin film of water evaporates and diffuses into the air stream to create a humidified air stream. A diffusion tower including at least one plenum can be used to create and transfer the humidified air stream. At least one condenser, such as a direct contact condenser, condenses the humidified air stream, wherein purified water is produced. Waste heat from a power plant can be used to provide the heated water stream and power plants can use the waste heat generated to inexpensively provide purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distillation uses a high temperature thermoelectric device to heat a liquid, such as water to vapor (steam) and cool the vapor to a purified, distilled liquid. Distillation system has no moving parts, thereby increasing reliability while reducing noise and maintenance. Liquid in a container has a heating section on the container extending into it to boil it into a vapor that is fed to a condenser section disposed on the container adjacent to the heating section. A thermoelectric section provided with a Peltier effect device is interposed between the heating section and condenser section. The Peltier effect device has one side in contiguous contact with the condenser to transfer heat from it and another side is in contiguous contact with the heating section to transfer heat to it to boil the liquid into the vapor and feed the vapor through the condenser that condenses it into distilled liquid.

Abstract: Water to be desalinated or otherwise purified is enriched by having hydrate-forming substance dissolved into it, without causing hydrate to form. Hydrate kernels are brought into contact with the enriched water to be treated, and the hydrate kernels grow outwardly into the water to be treated by incorporating dissolved molecules of the hydrate-forming substance and water from the water to be treated. Thus, substantially solid, generally spherical hydrate masses, which are preferred for hydrate-based desalination or purification, can be formed. Hydrate-forming substances can be dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions not conducive to formation of hydrate, such that hydrate does not form, using vigorous means. Hydrate-forming substance is also preferably dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions suitable for hydrate to form, but without causing hydrate to form, e.g., by being infused into the water to be treated using infusion membranes.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps, a vessel for collecting the wastewater, a heating chamber including electric heating elements and a heat transfer liquid such as mineral oil to heat the wastewater admixture to boil off the water and to reduce the volume of liquid for disposal, and a wastewater supply tank positioned under the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a disposable liner to isolate the wastewater from the vessel itself and facilitate rapid and clean removal and disposal of waste material after evaporation of the water, and thermally-activated sensors to maintain a desired temperature differential between the heating elements and the heat transfer liquid contained in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for desalinating saltwater which utilizes a heatable vessel wherein is placed a sufficient quantity of a salt which will absorb water of crystallisation and which has a dissolution index of not higher than 10?24. Saltwater is then added to the vessel and brought into contact with the salt, so that the salt will bind water from the saltwater and form a crystal hydrate. The excess saltwater with salt concentrate is drained from the vessel. The salt which has absorbed water tom the saltwater and formed a crystal hydrate is then heated in the vessel, and the pure water from the crystal hydrate is released as water vapour, which is collected and cooled to obtain desalinated water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A membrane distillation method includes the steps of preparing a membrane distillation module that includes a hydrophobic porous membrane which is permeable to gas or vapor and impermeable to the solution, and injecting a body of the solution into the membrane distillation module and forming nano-grade gas bubbles of inert gas in the solution in the membrane distillation module in such a manner that the solution is emulsified with the nano-grade gas bubbles and that the thus formed nano-grade gas bubbles are allowed to pass through the membrane from one side to the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus comprises a condensing chamber and a heating chamber arranged on an enclosure. Liquid feed into the condensing chamber is pre-heated and flows to the heating chamber where it is boiled to produce vapor. Gas sparging in the condensing chamber enhances heat transfer and absorbs additional vapor generated by pre-heating. The condenser is a helical or other horizontal tube heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar of still of the tilted tray type having a black absorber member forming a plurality of cells. A glass window is positioned closely adjacent the cell distortion of the absorber, and a reflector beneath the absorber.

Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.

Abstract: The solar still has a frame, an evaporator within the frame and a glass sheet supported by the frame and spaced above the evaporator. The evaporator has a peripheral flange in contact with the edge of the glass sheet. The glass sheet and peripheral flange are nested within an inwardly facing channel on the frame, the sealing between the glass and the flange being by surface tension of water between the glass and the flange.

Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.

Abstract: A simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which drastically reduces the effects of scaling and corrosion, which, driven by thermo solar energy in an autonomous operation allows for the transportation and generation of electrical power.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for distilling liquor. The system is multilayer and has devices including a top layer, a middle layer, a bottom layer and an outer cooling assembly and four units correspondingly arranged in those devices. The layers all have inner walls made of thermal-conductive and anti-corrosive material. The four units are a heating unit, a cracking unit, a purifying distilling unit and a cooling unit. The heating unit boils water to generate heating steam. The heating steam is introduced into the cracking unit to heat alcoholic paste to generate liquor steam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In an embodiment 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, a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product, and an electric motor with motor rotor and magnets hermetically sealed within the fluid pressure boundary of the distillation system.

Abstract: The invention provides for the removal of impurities from treatment fluid comprising a base liquid and a variety impurities contained in the base liquid by conveying the treatment fluid to at least one preheating separating device, including a preheating heat exchanger and a separator unit, before the admixture of a carrier gas to the treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is preheated by the preheating heat exchanger to a temperature below the boiling temperature of a base liquid so that the liquid impurities with lower boiling temperatures than the base liquid are evaporated and expelled thermally, whereby the evaporated and expelled impurities are separated in the separator unit of the preheating separator device. The treatment fluid is then evaporated and separated from impurities having a lower boiling point than the base liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating produced water from heavy oil production to provide feedwater for the production of high quality steam. A produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is initially treated by first removing oil and grease to a desired level, preferably to about twenty parts per million, or less. The pH is then adjusted, normally downward and by acid addition, to release at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Preferably, all non-hydroxide alkalinity is removed, or substantially so, by introducing the feedwater into a decarbonator. In some cases, the pH may be raised (without, or subsequent to decarbonation, depending upon water chemistry) preferably by caustic addition, to maintain silica solubility in the feedwater.

Abstract: The following process steps are carried out in order to purify a liquid by membrane distillation, in particular to produce desalinated water from seawater or brackish water or process water: passing a relatively warn vaporising stream of liquid (retentate stream) over a porous membrane, vapour flowing via the pores of the membrane to the other side of said membrane, and condensing said vapour on a relatively cool condenser surface to give a distillate stream, said condenser surface forming the non-porous separation between a feed stream to be purified and said distillate steam, which feed stream is in counter-current with the retentate stream so that an appreciable proportion of the latent heat will be transferred via vapour to the feed stream, and a gas gap with a width of less than 5 mm being present between the porous membrane and the condenser surface.

Abstract: A method for removing organic liquids from aqueous solutions and mixtures. The method employs any porous material preferably in granular form and having small pores and a large specific surface area, that is hydrophobic so that liquid water does not readily wet its surface. In this method, organics, especially organic solvents that mix with and are more volatile than water, are separated from aqueous solution by preferentially evaporating across the liquid/solid boundary formed at the surfaces of the hydrophobic porous materials. Also, organic solvents that are immiscible with water, preferentially wet the surfaces of the hydrophobic material and are drawn within the porous materials by capillary action.

Abstract: The invention refers to a simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which driven by thermo solar energy allows in an autonomous operation the generation of electrical power through transportation and free fall of water.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for maximizing the efficiency of hydrate-based desalination or other water purification in open-water or partially open-water installations are disclosed. In one embodiment, water is accessed from depth where the ambient temperature is as cold as possible, which depth is other than the maximum depth of the hydrate fractionation column used in the process. The accessed water preferably is brought to reduced pressures so that gases other than hydrate-forming gases that are dissolved in the water to be treated are exsolved. Using pre-pressurized sources of hydrate-forming substances, including deep-sea natural gas deposits or supplies of liquified natural gas being transported by sea, are also disclosed. A multiple column, detachable column fractionation installation is disclosed, as is a hybrid installation having an underwater hydrate formation portion and a land-based dissociation and heat-exchange section.

Abstract: Distillation is done by boiling, then cooling the vapor. If we decrease the pressure in the tube of distillation, We can have boiling at lower temperature and a rise of few degrees will boil the substance (crude oil, alcohol, salt water, etc . . . ) and turn it into vapor, then cooling by few degrees lead to the distilled substance (gas, alcohol, fresh water, etc . . .

Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination or purification of water includes a non-solid vessel (3) having a bottom defining an opening, the vessel (3) capable of being partially submerged below the surface of a body of water, a pan (5) located within the vessel (3), the pan (5) being flexibly connected to the inner wall of the vessel (3) and being located beneath the surface of the water (13), a lens fixably connected to the top of the vessel (3), wherein the lens is focused beneath the surface of the water (13) and above the surface of the pan (5) a device for varying the orientation of the vessel (3) in accordance with the location of the sun, and a device for condensing steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3), whereby steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3) is condensed outside of the non-solid vessel (3).

Abstract: An evaporation product discharged from a lower end a falling-film evaporator enters a downpipe (7), makes a 180° turn at a bottom of the downpipe, and moves upward through an annular rising channel (9) defined between the downpipe and an intermediate housing (10). As the evaporation product moves along a spiral path (12) defined by the spiral fins, centrifugal forces urges water droplets and impurities to a radial outward periphery where they pass through openings (13) in the intermediate shell as pure steam continues through the spiral path and out a pure steam outlet (21). A cooling jacket (15) chills a peripheral wall of an outer shell (14) adjacent the holes such that the discharged water droplets condense on the outer shell and flow down a reject water return path to a reject water reservoir at the bottom of the outer shell.