Abstract: A system and method for producing very high concentration brine streams from which commercially efficiently obtained minerals may be obtained is produced by a dual membrane brine concentrator system (DTRI Concentrator). The system includes a nano-filtration system which removes divalent ions from the seawater, a brine concentrator such as a hollow fine fiber forward osmosis system which receives and further concentrates the brine rejected from the nano-filtration system, a SWRO system which receives the NF system permeate and removes monovalent ions, and another brine concentrator which further concentrates the brine rejected from SWRO system. Various permeate and reject brine flow may be forwarded through the Dual Membrane Brine Concentrator system, and multiple stages of the system components may be used, to enhance brine concentration and improve system efficiency.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.

Abstract: Taught herein is a two stage process for removing dissolved and emulsified oil from produced water (PW) from, for example, a hydrocarbon well. The first stage involves microbiological stimulation of indigenous oil degrading methanogenic microbial communities that are adapted to high salinity conditions preferably by supplying carbon dioxide and protein-rich matter (isolated soy protein) under controlled pH conditions. The second stage removes toxic metals using filters made of compressed powdered dolomite of uniform grain size. Increased levels of toxic metals removal are achieved by filtrating PW previously treated for oil. To further increase the removal efficiency of the dolomite filter, calcium and magnesium is removed from PW by the addition of lime and soda ash in a sedimentation tank, and guar gum is supplied to PW to enable the trapping of toxic metals by guar gum in small pore throats of the dolomite filter.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to systems and methods to increase the removal of PFAS and other recalcitrant organic compound contaminants from water, and particularly ground and drinking water, using sub-micron powdered activated carbon.

Abstract: Methods of recovering precious metals from unconventional feed water sources. In approaches, the methods use a combination of one or more of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and/or reverse osmosis membranes. The unconventional feed water source may be salt lake brines, coal-fired plant flue-gas scrubber blowdown water, high salinity brines, concentrated brine from desalination of seawater and the like sources. The recovered precious metals may include gold tetrachloride, gold sulfate, silver tetrachloride, silver sulfate, rare earth elements, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A fluorometric monitoring technique can be used to rapidly evaluate the efficiency of an osmosis membrane. In some examples, the technique includes injecting a bolus of fluorescent tracer into a feed stream. The tracer may be introduced for a period of time less than what is required for the tracer to reach an equilibrium concentration in the permeate stream. The feed stream and the permeate stream may be fluorometrically analyzed to determine a flow rate-independent cumulative-time concentration of the fluorescent tracer in the both streams. The efficiency of the osmosis membrane can then be determined based on these flow rate-independent cumulative-time concentrations.

Abstract: The high water recovery hybrid membrane system for desalination and brine concentration combines nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis to produce pure water from seawater. The reject side of a nanofiltration unit receives a stream of seawater and outputs a brine stream. A permeate side of the nanofiltration unit outputs a permeate stream. A feed side of a reverse osmosis desalination unit receives a first portion of the permeate stream and outputs a reject stream. A permeate side of the reverse osmosis desalination unit outputs pure water. A draw side of at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives the reject stream and outputs concentrated saline solution. A feed side of the at least one forward osmosis desalination unit receives a second portion of the permeate stream and outputs a dilute saline stream, which mixes with the first portion of the permeate stream fed to the reverse osmosis desalination unit.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module is suitable for use with high temperature water that may also have a high pH, for example steam injection produced water. The module uses a membrane with a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) backing material. The feed spacer of the module may be made from polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE). The permeate carrier may be made of a woven nylon (i.e. nylon 6, 6) fabric coated with high temperature epoxy. The core tube and anti-telescoping device may be made of polysulfone. In some examples, the module may be used at a temperature of up to 130° C. Optionally, the module may be used at a pH of 9.5 or more. In a filtration method, the module may be operated at a pressure in the range of 150 to 450 psi. The module may be operated at a generally constant pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for manufacturing oligosaccharides, including maltosyl-isomaltooligosaccharides. The methods involve removing undesired components from fermentation fluids that contain maltosyl-isomaltooligosaccharides.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography reagent kit includes a mobile phase anti-adsorption concentrate. The mobile phase anti-adsorption concentrate includes a first solvent, a buffer, an acid-base regulating reagent, and an anti-adsorption reagent. A ratio of a molarity of the buffer to a molarity of the acid-base regulating reagent is 400:1 to 1:1. A ratio of the molarity of the buffer to a molarity of the anti-adsorption reagent is 100:1 to 1:2.

Abstract: This method, for regenerating a member used in a device that treats seawater, involves a cleaning step for removing deposits from the member. In the cleaning step, a first chemical solution containing an acid other than hydroxydicarboxylic acid and a second chemical solution containing hydrogen peroxide, a heavy metal compound and hydroxydicarboxylic acid are used.

Abstract: Stabilized surfactant-based membranes and methods of manufacture thereof. Membranes comprising a stabilized surfactant mesostructure on a porous support may be used for various separations, including reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. The membranes are stabilized after evaporation of solvents; in some embodiments no removal of the surfactant is required. The surfactant solution may or may not comprise a hydrophilic compound such as an acid or base. The surface of the porous support is preferably modified prior to formation of the stabilized surfactant mesostructure. The membrane is sufficiently stable to be utilized in commercial separations devices such as spiral wound modules. Also a stabilized surfactant mesostructure coating for a porous material and filters made therefrom. The coating can simultaneously improve both the permeability and the filtration characteristics of the porous material.

Abstract: Lithium brine is treated with a multiple pass nanofiltration (NF) membrane system. Sulfate is added to permeate from an upstream pass before it flows through a downstream pass. Optionally the sulfate may be added to the permeate by dosing it with sulfuric acid or a slat such as sodium sulfate. The softened brine may then be processed further, for example by a combination of solvent extraction, electrolysis, crystallization and drying, to produce a lithium hydroxide product that can be used to make batteries.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus and method for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and device that attach to a CPAP device and sanitizes all of the parts of the CPAP device, including the inner areas of the hose, reservoir and face mask most prone for bacteria buildup. The device has an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distributes ozone to a CPAP device and a non-permeable bag for sanitizing a CPAP mask.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus and method for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and device that attach to a CPAP device and sanitizes all of the parts of the CPAP device, including the inner areas of the hose, reservoir and face mask most prone for bacteria buildup. The device has an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distributes ozone to a CPAP device and a non-permeable bag for sanitizing a CPAP mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain cellulose and cellulose sugars. Also provided are compositions of cellulose hydrolysates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for checking a dialyzer for the presence of a leak in the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer, wherein the membrane divides the inner dialyzer space into a least one blood chamber and into at least one dialyzate chamber, wherein the blood chamber is flowed through by blood in the operation of the dialyzer and is in fluid communication with a blood-side line system and the vascular system of the patient, and wherein the dialyzate chamber is flowed through by dialysis fluid in the operation of the dialyzer and is in fluid communication with a dialyzate-side line system, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) emptying the blood chamber or the dialyzate chamber of blood and of dialysis fluid respectively and keeping the fluid (blood or dialyzate) in the non-emptied dialyzate chamber or blood chamber; b) building up a test pressure by means of a gas, in particular by means of air, in the emptied blood chamber or in the emptied dialyzate chamber; and c)

Abstract: The invention provides a deionization system (1000) configured to deionize an aqueous liquid (10), wherein the deionization system (1000) comprises: (a) a recirculation loop (100) comprising a first loop inlet (111), a first loop outlet (121) and a second loop outlet (122); (b) a flow generation apparatus (200), configured to generate flow of the aqueous liquid (10) in the deionization system (1000); (c) an electrosorption cell unit (300) comprising a treatment section (305) for said aqueous liquid (10), wherein the treatment section (305) comprises (a) a first electrosorption electrode arrangement (310) comprising a first electrosorption electrode (311), (b) a second electrosorption electrode arrangement (320) comprising a second electrosorption electrode (321), (c) a first treatment section opening (331) for introduction of the aqueous liquid (10) from the recirculation loop (100), and (d) a second treatment section opening (332) for releasing aqueous liquid (10) into the recirculation loop (100), wherein t

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation of gases, and more specifically to an inventive process for the removal of carbon dioxide gas using carefully selected ionic liquid absorbents together with water in a carefully selected ratio.

Abstract: A cellulose nanofiber with little contaminants and a high transparency is provided. A filtration method of a cellulose nanofiber dispersion including a step of filtering a cellulose nanofiber dispersion under elevated or reduced pressure by at least one of the filtration processes: (A) a filtration process using a filter aid; (B) a filtration process using a filter media selected from the group consisting of a metal porous filter media, an inorganic material porous filter media, and a polymer porous filter media; and (C) a filtration process using both the filter aid and the filter media.

Abstract: Methods and systems of a biosolids concentrator and digester system having an inlet, a digester, a digester-first clarifier connector, a first clarifier, a first clarifier-micron filter connector, a micron filter, a micron filter-membrane filter connector, a membrane filter, and an outlet. The inlet receives a waste stream. The inlet is in fluid communication with the digester. The digester is in fluid communication with the first clarifier through the digester-first clarifier connector. The first clarifier is in fluid communication with the micron filter through the first clarifier-micron filter connector. The micron filter is in fluid communication with the membrane filter through the micron filter-membrane filter connector. The membrane filter is in fluid communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water containing ammonia comprising the steps of: i) passing the waste water as a feed solution through a first RO membrane (24) to produce a first permeate stream (30) and a first reject stream (32), ii) adjusting the pH of the first reject stream (32) to >9, iii) passing the first reject stream (32) through a second RO membrane (26) to produce a second permeate stream (36) containing ammonia and a second reject stream (38), and iv) passing at least a portion of the second permeate stream (36) to a cooling tower (12) to evaporate at least a portion of the ammonia.

Abstract: A method for recovering and purifying a waste sulfuric acid solution includes steps of: adding a coupling agent (m) to the waste sulfuric acid solution, and mixing uniformly to obtain a mixture (a); adding a coupling agent (n) to the mixture (a), and mixing uniformly to obtain a mixture (b); and adding a synergistic agent to the mixture (b), thoroughly stirring and filtering to obtain a purified sulfuric acid solution. The method adds the coupling agent and the synergistic agent to the waste sulfuric acid, and a removal rate of the heavy metal ions in the waste sulfuric acid can reach 99%. The purified sulfuric acid solution can be recycled. The method is simple to operate, and can remove a wide variety of heavy metal ions such as copper, zinc, lead, mercury, nickel, iron, cadmium and manganese in the waste sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method for producing liquid fuel components from renewable oil. A fresh feedstock including saturated fatty acids is subjected to dilution by an organic lipophilic solvent. The solvent has a low phosphorus and metal impurity content, less than 5 ppm and less than 10 ppm, respectively. Dilution is performed before and/or during purification by at least one pretreatment process for removal of phosphorus and metal impurities. Subsequently, the resulting purified feedstock is fed into at least one post-treatment process suitable for producing liquid fuel components.

Abstract: A water treatment device is provided with a separation membrane device having a separation membrane for concentrating dissolved components and dispersed components from water to be treated and obtaining permeated water; a first deposit detecting unit provided in a non-permeated water branch line branched from a non-permeated water line for discharging non-permeated water in which dissolved components and dispersed components have been concentrated, using part of the non-permeated water that has branched off as a detection liquid, and having a first separation membrane for detection in which the detection liquid is separated into permeated water for detection and non-permeated water for detection; and first flow rate measuring devices for separated liquid for detection that measure the flow rates of one or both of the permeated water for detection and the non-permeated water for detection separated by the first separation membrane for detection.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing radioactive wastewater are provided, wherein the radioactive wastewater is processed by using Disc Tube Reverse Osmosis (DTRO) membrane assembly, thereby achieving both the effects of high decontamination factors and high concentration multiples. In said method, the radioactive wastewater passes through the first-stage membrane assembly and the second-stage membrane assembly in sequence to obtain the second-stage clear water, and the first-stage concentrated water flowing out of the first-stage membrane assembly enters the third-stage membrane assembly to obtain concentrate.

Abstract: Methods of recovering lithium from a lithium source or a lithium-containing material using low pH solutions and membrane technologies to purify and concentrate the recovered lithium. The lithium sources may include a spent lithium-ion battery/cell, a lithium-containing mineral deposit, or other lithium containing materials. The processes described herein recovery the lithium after digestion of the lithium-containing material with a low pH solution through one or more acid-stable, semipermeable membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the alteration of the ratio of the specific gravities of the oil and water phases resulting from the conversion of biomass to liquid products, the reduction of the conductivity and of metals of the product mixture, which each can aid in the removal of solids contained in the oil phase; and a liquid-liquid extraction method for partitioning desirable carbon containing compounds into the oil phase and undesirable carbon containing compounds into the water phase.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation, deposition and adherence of scale to metallic and other surfaces in the equipment, vessels and/or piping of facilities for the handling of oil and gas produced fluid is disclosed. An effective scale inhibiting amount of alginate is added to a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. The alginate effectively cross-links with a scale-forming divalent cation, e.g., calcium, forming an alginate gel for subsequent separation and removal from the produced fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing soluble silica efficiently from accompanied water, produced from wells containing calcium ion, soluble silica, and sulfate ion, and not clogging a reverse osmosis membrane in the reverse osmosis membrane treatment process after that, includes adding a magnesium salt to mix with the accompanied water under alkaline conditions to produce insoluble silica and calcium sulfate. A microfiltration (MF) membrane treatment process includes treating a first reaction solution obtained in said magnesium salt adding process, with a microfiltration membrane to separate insolubilized silica and calcium sulfate by filtration. An acid adding process includes adding an acid to and mixing with filtrate obtained in the MF membrane treatment process to render a pH value of the filtrate on the range from 5 to 9 and a negative Langeliar saturation index.

Abstract: A method for treating water including intaking a first amount of water into a plurality of treatment blocks, treating the first amount of water, outputting aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks, separating the aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks into aqueous permeate streams and concentrate reject streams, monitoring each of the aqueous permeate streams, controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of treatment blocks based on predefined water-characteristic tolerances that fall within a predetermined concentration range based on the different qualities of the aqueous permeate streams, combining the aqueous permeate streams of at least two of the plurality of treatment blocks based on the identified characteristics and the predefined water-characteristic tolerances, and outputting the product water stream and the at least one concentrate reject stream.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for effectively de-scaling source water and producing useful inorganic compounds. As a result of the effective de-scaling, a much needed effective desalination system and method is also provided, which maximizes distillate production, minimizes operating costs, reduces reject brine and produces scale-depleted reject brine. Yet, as a result of the effective de-scaling, an effective flue gas scrubbing system and method is further provided, which not only aids in protecting the environment but also aids in enhancing the performance of the effective desalination system and method.

Abstract: A method includes treating a first brine stream including a plurality of minerals with an anti-scalant to produce a treated brine. The first brine stream is provided by a wastewater treatment system. The method also includes directing the treated brine to a first nanofiltration (NF) system disposed downstream from and fluidly coupled to the wastewater treatment system, generating a first NF permeate stream and a first NF non-permeate stream from the treated brine in the first NF system, directing the first NF non-permeate stream to a mineral removal system disposed downstream from and fluidly coupled to the first NF system, and removing the plurality of minerals from the first NF non-permeate stream to generate a first overflow stream in the mineral removal system. The first overflow stream comprises at least a portion of the plurality of minerals.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for removing an organic compound having one or more positive charges from an aqueous solution, comprising the steps a) provision of the aqueous solution comprising the organic compound and of a hydrophobic organic solution which comprises a liquid cation exchanger, where the liquid cation exchanger is hydrophobic, and where the liquid cation exchanger has one or more negative charges and an overall negative charge, b) contacting the aqueous solution and the organic solution, and c) separating off the organic solution from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Methods for the extraction of intracellular contents from biomass, in particular from algae, are described. The pH level of the algae cell culture is modified and mixed with a surfactant or a combination of surfactants. The algal culture may be subjected to low pressurization using air, inert gas or a gas mixture. Separation of the lipid contents from the treated algae culture is accomplished with an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. The algal debris may be collected at the bottom of the aqueous phase while the biomass is concentrated in the solvent layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to macro- and micro-liquid marbles (i.e. droplets of liquid with a particulate-based shell), and in particular, to photo-responsive macro- and micro-liquid marbles encapsulating a substance therein. Methods for forming the macro- and micro-liquid marbles, and use of the macro- and micro-liquid marbles, in controlled release applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is provided. The process generally includes flowing water through a pretreatment reactor containing a bed of particulate ligno-cellulosic biomass to produce a pressurized, high-temperature hydrolyzate exit stream, separating solubilized compounds from the hydrolyzate exit stream using an inorganic nanoporous membrane element, fractionating the retentate enriched in solubilized organic components and recycling the permeate to the pretreatment reactor. The pretreatment process provides solubilized organics in concentrated form for the subsequent conversion into biofuels and other chemicals.

Abstract: Systems and processes for reducing the energy requirements of an ammonia recovery stripper in a chilled ammonia-based CO2 removal system. The systems and processes include a nanofiltration or reverse osmosis unit for physically separating the washed liquid from a wash vessel configured to receive an ammonia slip feed stream from the main absorber of the chilled ammonia-based CO2 removal system and provide first and second feed streams. Relative to the washed liquid from the wash vessel, the first feed stream has a decreased ammonia molarity whereas the second feed stream has an increased ammonia molarity. The second feed stream is then fed to the ammonia recovery stripper, which reduces steam consumption. The reduced steam consumption translates to significant energy savings, among numerous other advantages. Additionally, the systems and process provide a reduction of equipment sizes related to the stripper unit as may be desired in some applications.

Abstract: Separation processes using forward osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of a solvent from a first solution to concentrate a solute therein by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. One or both of the solute and solvent may be a desired product. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. The various species of solute within the second solution can be recovered and recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.

Abstract: A method of removing entrained salt containing water from an inlet crude oil stream includes the steps of applying an electrical energy to at least one electrode of a plurality of horizontally oriented, spaced-apart electrodes (12, 14, 16) housed within an elongated desalting vessel (10) and distributing an inlet crude oil stream between the electrodes. Each electrode in the plurality of electrodes is housed in an upper portion of the desalting vessel and may be in communication with a first, second and third transformer (42, 44, 46), respectively. The electrical energy may be at a single frequency and voltage or at a modulated voltage. Or, the electrical energy may be a modulated frequency at a single or modulated voltage. Fresh water may be mixed with the inlet crude oil stream either exteriorly or interiorly of the vessel.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided comprising one or more orally deliverable dose units, each comprising particulate celecoxib in an amount of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg in intimate mixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The compositions are useful in treatment or prophylaxis of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated conditions and disorders.

Abstract: An arrangement (100) for production of fully soluble, pure and well defined mono- or di-ammonium phosphates, comprises an extraction section (10), a stripping section (20) and end treatment arrangements (90). The extraction section performs a liquid-liquid extraction of phosphate between a feed liquid (1) comprising phosphoric acid and being essentially free from nitrate ions, and a solvent (5) having a solubility in water of less than 2%. The stripping section performs a liquid-liquid extraction of phosphate between solvent loaded with phosphate and a strip solution (4). The solvent depleted in phosphate is recirculated to the extraction section for further extraction of phosphate. The strip solution is an aqueous ammonium phosphate solution, wherein at least 80% of the ammonium phosphate is monoammonium phosphate and/or wherein the solvent is a water-immiscible alcohol.

Abstract: A multi-phase system includes a phase-separated solution comprising at least two phases, each phase having a phase component selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a surfactant and combinations thereof, wherein at least one phase comprises a polymer, wherein the phases, taken together, represent a density gradient. Novel two-phase, three-phase, four-phase, five-phase, or six-phase systems are disclosed. Using the disclosed multi-phase polymer systems, particles, or other analyte of interest can be separated based on their different densities or affinities.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application improves the efficiency of systems utilizing spiral membranes but can also be applied to systems using other types of membranes. The membrane vessels and membranes are configured in a vertical orientation and a clear path is provided for the removal of product and cleaning chemicals on the retentate and permeate sides of the membrane with hide or no dilution.

Abstract: A process for treating drilling fluids which are used during the process of drilling for fossil fuels includes providing a drilling fluid having a continuous hydrocarbon phase, a discontinuous aqueous phase, and a discontinuous solid phase, a polymer solution, at least one coagulant, water, and oil, the oil and water being provided in a volume ratio being from 0.7 to 1.3 times the oil-to-water volume ratio of the drilling fluid. The drilling fluid is mixed with the coagulant, the polymer solution, the oil, and the water in any order to provide an input fluid. The mixture is centrifuged to separate solid materials from the input fluid to provide a treated drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method capable of effectively improving a rejection of a reverse osmosis membrane without remarkably reducing a permeation flux, even if the membrane is seriously degraded. An aqueous solution containing a first organic compound having a molecular weight of less than 200, a second organic compound having a molecular weight of 200 to less than 500, and a third organic compound having a molecular weight of 500 or more is passed through the reverse osmosis membrane. The first organic compound is preferably an amino acid or an amino acid derivative. The total concentration of the first organic compound and the second organic compound and the concentration of the third organic compound are each preferably 1 to 500 mg/L.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a porous hollow fiber membrane for the treatment of a protein-containing liquid where the substances to be removed such as small-sized virus contained in a solution can be efficiently separated and removed and, at the same time, useful substances to be recovered such as protein can be efficiently permeated and the decrease in the permeation characteristics thereof with elapse of time is small. The porous hollow fiber membrane for the treatment of a protein-containing liquid of the present invention is characterized in that the membrane comprises a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, its permeability for pure water is 10 to 300 L/(h·m2·bar) and, when a 0.5% immunoglobulin solution is subjected to filtration at a constant pressure of 1.0 bar for 60 minutes in dead-end filtration mode, its filtration time and accumulated amount of recovered filtrate are substantially in a linear relation.

Abstract: A method of making a composite membrane comprising the steps of forming a discriminating layer upon a surface of a porous support by sequentially applying immiscible coating solutions upon the support, wherein one coating solution comprises a crosslinking agent and another coating solution comprises a block copolymer, and the block copolymer comprises sacrificial segments and durable segments including reactive pendent groups which react with the crosslinking agent and form a crosslinked matrix comprising micro-domains of the sacrificial segments, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial segments to yield pores.

Abstract: A water treatment system combines a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane system with a downstream reverse osmosis membrane system. The MF or UF system has multiple trains of immersed membrane modules. The trains are connected to a common permeate pump. The permeate pump discharges directly into the inlet of an RO feed pump. The membrane trains are each subjected to the same suction. The permeate pumps are operated to provide the required flow to the RO feed pump at or above the minimum inlet pressure of the RO feed pump.