Abstract: A process for removing water from an aqueous solution. A hydrate forming fluid is contacted with an aqueous solution at a temperature below the maximum temperature at which said hydrate forming fluid forms a solid hydrate in the presence of said solution and at a temperature at which there is precipitation of solid solute and/or of the concentrated solution remaining after hydrate formation so as to form a magma comprising solid hydrate, any unreacted hydrate forming fluid and any unreacted aqueous solution. The hydrate forming fluid and at least part of the water constituent of the solid hydrate are separated from the solute by fractional sublimation, evaporating and/or elution to produce a substantially hydrate forming fluid-free product comprising said solute and any remaining water.