Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.

Abstract: A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least two permeate exhaust conduits and not comprising a concentrate exhaust conduit. Each permeate exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the permeate exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said permeate exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least two permeate carrier layers, and at least two membrane layers. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.

Abstract: A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least one permeate exhaust conduit and at least one concentrate exhaust conduit. Each exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least one permeate carrier layer, and at least one membrane layer. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.

Abstract: A spiral wound module is suitable for use with high temperature water that is also very alkaline or has a high pH, for example SAGD produced water. The module uses a polyamide-based membrane with a polysulfone or polyethersulfone backing material. For other components, the module uses primarily one or more of, EPDM; polyamide; polyphenylene oxide; polyphenylene sulfide; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polysulfonamide; polyvinylidene fluoride; mylar; fiberglass; and, epoxy. Polyester is not used. Polypropylene is not used for the feed spacer. For example, a module may use a PVDF feed spacer, a nylon permeate spacer and a polysulfone center tube. The center tube may be provided with 4 rows of 0.063? diameter holes and be rolled under high tension.

Abstract: The invention includes a spiral wound module comprising at least one membrane sheet wrapped about a permeate collection tube wherein the membrane sheet (14) comprises a plurality of capillary channels in parallel arrangement with each other and which are in fluid communication with the permeate collection tube (12). Many additional embodiments are disclosed along with methods for making and using the module and corresponding components.

Abstract: A coreless and spirally wound non-woven filter element is provided. The filter element includes at least one band of base media having a selected porosity and an interlay having a different porosity within at least one band of base media. The presence of the interlay in the filter element can create additional surface area within the contiguous construction of a filter element for filtration. This interlay can also create the ability to change direction of flow and to increase the deposition of specifically sized contaminants.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module for forward osmotic use is disclosed. The membrane module may generally include a forward osmosis membrane in a spiral wound configuration. The module may include two inlets and two outlets, and may define first and second fluid flow paths. The inlets to each of the fluid flow paths may be generally isolated so as to prevent mixing. In some embodiments, the membrane module may include a distributer region and a collector region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuous monitoring of permeate from membrane elements in a water treatment plant, including a desalination plant. The apparatus includes a probe that includes multiple sensors such that at least one sensor is associated with each membrane element. Each sensor is coupled to a node, which is configured to communicate a signal associated with the permeate quality to a central node sink. The node may communicate wirelessly with the node sink.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis element is provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a plurality of permeate tubes arranged to form a core frame. The reverse osmosis element further includes a plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. Each leaf of the plurality of leaves is coupled to one permeate tube of the plurality of permeate tubes. A retentate channel is defined by the plurality of permeate tubes of the core frame, and sealed by the plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. The reverse osmosis element includes first and a second end caps coupled to the plurality of permeate tubes. At least one of the first and the second end caps includes a retentate discharge port, and at least one of the first and second end caps includes one or more permeate discharge ports.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forward osmosis (FO) device (10) with a semipermeable membrane (5, 5a) capable of performing forward osmosis between a first (F1) and a second fluid (F2). In a first fluid confinement (4a), a first swirl generator (7a) is positioned and in a second fluid confinement (4b) positioned on the other second side of the membrane, a second swirl generator (7b) is positioned. The swirl generators are arranged to create a circular flow pattern (S2, S3) for the first and the second fluid, respectively, wherein the first (7a) and second (7b) swirl generator, upon engagement, are arranged to create a circular flow pattern for the first and the second fluid, respectively, by rotating motion (RA1, RA2). The invention is advantageous by obtaining FO device that is capable of reducing the concentration polarization (CP) near the membrane by creating a cross flow velocity over the membrane and facilitate control of the cross flow velocity independent of the through flow of the membrane.

Abstract: Provided are a membrane filtering device managing system by which the membrane filtering device can be managed with a better precision and membrane filtering device for use therein, as well as to a membrane filtering device managing method. At least two sensors of an electric conductivity sensor 11, a flow rate sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 15 are provided in at least two membrane elements 10 provided in a membrane filtering device 50. A managing device 200 obtains data from the at least two sensor, and compares the data with comparison data that represents a correlative relationship between a position along the axial line direction in the membrane filtering device 50 and a standard value obtained from the at least two sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the cause of change occurring in the membrane filtering device 50 more definitely, and to carried out a suitable maintenance in accordance with the cause, so that the membrane filtering device 50 can be managed with a higher precision.

Abstract: A tunable membrane configuration for a filtration or selective fluidic isolation and recovery device includes a housing having an inlet at one end and an outlet at an opposite end with an opening extending from the inlet to the outlet. An internal support structure is maintained in the opening, and layered filtration media is carried by the internal support structure, the media separating feedwater received at the inlet into at least three separate output flows.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a power train comprising a plurality of cells, each cell forming a hydraulic loop; producing a power train cycle comprising a controlled concentration-pressure loop wherein the concentration field: (a) osmotically induces a continuous and constant flow rate of substantially salt-free permeate flux throughout the power train; (b) maintains a salt concentration difference across the semipermeable membrane shared by the adjacent cells in the plurality of cells; (c) defines a salt concentration ratio within each cell that ensures a net positive power generation; and, (d) discharges the concentrated brine at the opposing end cell; and operating the power train under conditions effective to generate net positive power at an efficiency of 35% or more.

Abstract: The disclosed product water tube is for use with a filter element having a filter membrane. The product water tube has a tube wall with a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow permeate from the filter membrane to pass through the tube wall and into a center portion of the tube. The tube wall has an outer surface having a pattern of ridges and channels that conduct the permeate across the outer surface of the tube to the apertures.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a spiral separation membrane element that can reduce the pressure loss of a feed-side channel and be much less vulnerable to the problem of inhibition or blockage of the flow in the feed-side channel. The spiral separation membrane element includes one or more separation membranes, one or more feed-side channel components, one or more permeation-side channel components, and a perforated hollow core tube around which the separation membranes, the feed-side channel components and the permeation-side channel components are wrapped, wherein the feed-side channel component is a net formed by fusion bonding.

Abstract: A self-regulating FO system is disclosed comprising a container containing a source water supply, a forward osmosis membrane element located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, an osmotic pump element also located within the container comprising an area of osmotic membranes, an osmotic agent inlet and a drink outlet, and an osmotic agent tank located above the container. The osmotic agent tank comprises a feed tube connected to an outlet located on the bottom of the osmotic agent tank. The feed tube communicates with the osmotic agent inlet of the forward osmosis membrane unit and the osmotic agent inlet of the osmotic pump element. A return tube communicates with the drink outlet of the osmotic pump element and a port near the top of the osmotic agent tank.

Abstract: A center tube is disclosed which allows a draw solution to flow through all membrane elements in a membrane system in parallel. The center tube may include a cylindrical wall with two open ends and a barrier element there between separating an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber within the cylindrical wall. At least one non-perforated bypass tube may be located substantially within the cylindrical wall, which extends a length of the downstream chamber and/or the upstream chamber so that the upstream chamber is configured to communicate with a second upstream chamber of a second center tube and/or the downstream chamber is configured to communicate with a second downstream chamber of the second center tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane stack comprising a first and second membrane layers, and a spacer layer disposed between said first and second membrane layers, said membrane stack configured such that fluid passes through said membrane stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said membrane layers and said spacer layer. The application also discloses a module comprising a membrane as described above, said module having a fluid flow path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the major surface of the membrane and spacer layers ins aid membrane stack.

Abstract: A coreless and spirally wound non-woven filter element is provided. The filter element includes at least one band of base media having a selected porosity and an interlay having a different porosity within at least one band of base media. The presence of the interlay in the filter element can create additional surface area within the contiguous construction of a filter element for filtration. This interlay can also create the ability to change direction of flow and to increase the deposition of specifically sized contaminants.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order to exit the housing.

Abstract: The present application discloses a membrane stack comprising a first and second membrane layers, and a spacer layer disposed between said first and second membrane layers, said membrane stack configured such that fluid passes through said membrane stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said membrane layers and said spacer layer. The application also discloses a module comprising a membrane as described above, said module having a fluid flow path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the major surface of the membrane and spacer layers in said membrane stack.

Abstract: An improved method of fabricating a spiral wound module seals a juncture between each scroll face, preferably a smooth, trimmed scroll face, and a central permeate tube. The tube is generally perpendicular to the scroll face. Modules produced using the improved method have fewer insertion point leaks than those produced without using the improved method.

Abstract: A permeate tube for spiral wound membrane comprising at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means. The present invention relates further to a process for treating a material having a viscosity less than 50 cP by the use of a spiral wound membrane comprising a permeate tube having at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means, around the permeate tube are one or more permeate transfer leaves, one or more membrane leaves and one or more space leaves wound. The present invention relates also to a process of operating a spiral wound membrane. The present invention relates further to uses of the spiral wound membrane.

Abstract: A coreless and spirally wound non-woven filter element is provided. The filter element includes at least one band of base media having a selected porosity and an interlay having a different porosity within at least one band of base media. The presence of the interlay in the filter element can create additional surface area within the contiguous construction of a filter element for filtration. This interlay can also create the ability to change direction of flow and to increase the deposition of specifically sized contaminants.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.

Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements and methods involve a plurality of fluid treatment modules and a core assembly that extends through the plurality of fluid treatment modules. Each fluid treatment module has a feed region, a permeate region, and a fluid treatment medium separating the feed region from the permeate region. The feed region extends along a feed surface of the fluid treatment medium, and the permeate region extends along a permeate surface of the fluid treatment region. Feed fluid is directed along the feed region of each module, and a portion of the feed fluid passes as permeate through the fluid treatment medium, into the permeate region, and then into the core assembly. One or more control mechanisms are fluidly coupled to the permeate region of one or more fluid treatment modules to control a flow parameter in the permeate region of the module.

Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements and methods involve a spirally wound fluid treatment pack. The fluid treatment pack includes a fluid treatment medium, a feed region, and a permeate region. The feed region extends along a feed surface of the fluid treatment medium and the permeate region extends along a permeate surface of the fluid treatment medium. The fluid treatment pack is spirally wound around a core assembly to form a plurality of windings of the feed region, a plurality of windings of the fluid treatment medium, and a plurality of windings of the permeate region.

Abstract: A spiral membrane module where membrane elements are easily connected to each other and the connection thereof is prevented from being loosened. The spiral membrane elements (20) are each formed in multiple layers by winding membranes and channel materials around a center tube (3) having holes and are received in a pressure vessel (10) such that they are connected in series with connection mechanisms (J) placed between the membrane elements (20). Each connection mechanism (J) has a movable member (M) installed at either the upstream side end part or the downstream side end part of each membrane element (20) and having an engagement part (9d) engageable with the other of the upstream side end or the downstream side end. The movable member (M) has a contact part (9c) coming into contact with the inner wall (10a) of the pressure vessel (10) and locking the engagement by the engagement part (9d).

Abstract: The present invention provides a central core element for separator assemblies useful in the purification of fluids, for example separator assemblies useful for the desalination of seawater. The central core element provided by the present invention comprises at least two porous exhaust conduits wherein each porous exhaust conduit comprises an exhaust channel and one or more openings which allow fluid communication between an exterior surface of the porous exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel. The central core element defines a cavity into which may be disposed a first portion of a membrane stack assembly. In the preparation of a separator assembly comprising the central core element provided by the present invention, a second portion of the membrane stack assembly forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element. Also provided are central core elements for salt separator assemblies and spiral flow reverse osmosis devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forward osmosis (FO) device (10) with a semipermeable membrane (5, 5a) capable of performing forward osmosis between a first (F1) and a second fluid (F2). In a first fluid confinement (4a), a first swirl generator (7a) is positioned and in a second fluid confinement (4b) positioned on the other second side of the membrane, a second swirl generator (7b) is positioned. The swirl generators are arranged to create a circular flow pattern (S2, S3) for the first and the second fluid, respectively, wherein the first (7a) and second (7b) swirl generator, upon engagement, are arranged to create a circular flow pattern for the first and the second fluid, respectively, by rotating motion (RA1, RA2). The invention is advantageous by obtaining FO device that is capable of reducing the concentration polarisation (CP) near the membrane by creating a cross flow velocity over the membrane and facilitate control of the cross flow velocity independent of the through flow of the membrane.

Abstract: An improved method of fabricating a spiral wound module seals a juncture between each scroll face, preferably a smooth, trimmed scroll face, and a central permeate tube. The tube is generally perpendicular to the scroll face. Modules produced using the improved method have fewer insertion point leaks than those produced without using the improved method. Fast curable cyanoacrylate adhesive is used preferably.

Abstract: A membrane element sealing material holding member comprising a central opening for insertion of a center tube of spiral membrane element, peripheral orifice for flowing of a raw liquid into a membrane end portion of membrane element and outer circumferential part for holding of circular sealing material, wherein the central opening has inner circumferential surface of cylindrical form with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inserted center tube, and wherein at three or more positions on the inner circumferential surface, there is provided projection that has sloping face on its side of center tube insertion and is deformable at the time of insertion of center tube with an outer diameter larger than that of incircle.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.

Abstract: A crosslinked polymeric membrane, such as a crosslinked polyvinyl sulfate membrane or a crosslinked copolymer polyvinyl sulfate and polyvinyl alcohol membrane, is provided. The membrane is suitable for use in an acid environment, and is suitable for recovering acid from a feed mixture comprising acid, hydrocarbons and water.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. A membrane element is within the housing. The reverse osmosis system further includes (i) a first connector that is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that is connected to the concentrate port. A key is inserted between each of the first, second and third connectors. The key is configured such that the key cannot be inserted between the first, second and third connectors unless each of the first, second and third connectors is properly connected to the respective inlet, permeate and concentrate ports. In some embodiments, the key is configured such that the key cannot be removed from between each of the first, second and third connectors when there is pressure at the inlet port.

Abstract: A separation device comprises a cylindrical separation pack including a spirally wound porous medium, a feed channel including a shear region, a plurality of permeate passages extending along the permeate side of the porous medium opposite the shear region and perpendicular to the feed channel, a feed inlet, a retentate outlet, and a plurality of permeate outlets.

Abstract: A membrane separation module (10) has a shell (11) having inlet port (20), outlet port (21) and a plurality of membrane units (12) disposed therebetween. Each membrane unit (12) has a plurality of elongated membrane elements (13), with at least a portion of each membrane element (13) having a semipermeable surface to permit selective permeation of one or more components of a multi-component feed fluid. The plurality of elongated membrane elements (13) are attached to collecting manifolds (16) (17), with one of those manifolds (16) (17) being unrestrained, permitting axial movement of each membrane element (13) in response to temperature changes. At least one manifold (16) (17) from each membrane unit (12) is in fluid communication with a manifold (16) (17) from one other membrane unit (12).

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis (RO) system which is capable of producing a permeate flow rate of at least about 25 GPD when the system is operating under a feed pressure of 30 psi.

Abstract: Water purification systems include a reverse osmosis unit, a treatment unit, and an electrodeionization unit. A reverse osmosis reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is treated in the treatment unit and provided to concentrating compartments of the electrodeionization unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feed spacer, comprising a first layer and a second layer, for spiral-wound membrane module. The first layer consists of a plurality of first filaments, which are substantially in parallel to one another. Furthermore, the second layer also consists of a plurality of second filaments, which are substantially in parallel to one another. Moreover, the first layer is attached to the second layer, and the first filaments are disposed at an angle to the second filaments. Both the first layer and the second layer bend to the center of the spiral-wound. Additionally, the distance from the inside of the first layer to the center is bigger than that from the inside of the second layer to the center, and the diameter of the first filament is smaller than that of the second filament.

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: A cross flow filtration apparatus for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis has pressure vessels with a plurality of filter cartridges in each vessel. A feed port is provided at an intermediate position on the side of the vessel, and two permeate flows or branches exit opposite ends of the vessel, and the first branch has a characteristically high “upstream” flux and quality, while the second is of lesser flux and/or quality. The system provides a high degree of moduarity, enhancing flux or yield at a reduced driving pressure or overall pressure drop. Centered or off-center port, and a stop or valve in the permeate stream may apportion flows between the two outlets. Staged systems may employ a first stage bypass to achieve a target quality with increased yield. A flow divider or adaptor permits the cartridges to fit and seal in the vessel and an installation tool or sleeve may facilitate installation or replacement of cartridges having a directional perimeter seal.

Abstract: This invention provides animal powered mechanical device for water desalination. It has unique features of using animal power as prime mover to effect brackish water desalination. Animal energy in form of high-torque low-speed can be converted into low-torque high-speed through speed increaser (4) to energize the high-pressure pump (6), the outlet manifold (8) of the pump (6) being connected to a reverse osmosis membrane module (9). With this device animal power can be used for obtaining safe drinking water from backish ground water/seawater resource in villages.

Abstract: A coupler for a spiral membrane filtration element having a spiral membrane enclosed within a rigid outerwrap includes a center support, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the center support, a circular rim coupled with the spokes, with the face of the rim being perpendicular to the axis of the overwrap. The rim includes a channel on its face for receiving a compressible seal, and a plurality of receptacles around its outer surface for joining two face-to-face adjacent couplers when a pair of aligned keepers is place in each receptacle. Exemplary embodiments of the coupler and filtration elements and filtration assemblies are provided, as well as an associated method.