Abstract: A method of applying abrasive materials to a substrate includes the steps of forming a relatively small pool of superheated molten metal at the surface of the metal substrate by creating an interaction area on the substrate with a localized high energy source. A powder system is injected into the pool. The powder system comprises metal matrix powder and abrasive powder. The abrasive powder includes abrasive particles having an encapsulating thermal insulating layer for preventing the abrasive particles from being melted by the molten metal in the pool. The substrate is then moved relative to the energy source, thereby allowing the pool to resolidify.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a freeze exchanger in which an aqueous mixture is indirectly cooled by a cooling fluid to produce an aqueous mixture containing ice; a centrifuge; a conduit for feeding an ice slurry from the freeze exchanger to the centrifuge; a heater; a conduit for feeding ice from the centrifuge to the heater to melt the ice; a water treatment apparatus; a conduit for feeding the water from the heater to the water treatment apparatus to condition the water for contact with a reverse osmosis membrane; a reverse osmosis apparatus; and a conduit for feeding the conditioned water to the reverse osmosis apparatus in which the water is purified by reverse osmosis.