Abstract: A reverse osmosis unit for processing a feed solution is provided. The unit includes a pressure vessel includes an inlet end, an outlet end, and a vessel body extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The reverse osmosis unit further includes a plurality of first membrane modules positioned within the pressure vessel. Each first membrane module of the plurality of first membrane modules has a first salt permeance value. At least one second membrane module is positioned within the pressure vessel and coupled in flow communication to the plurality of first membrane modules. The at least one second membrane module has a second salt permeance value that is different from the first salt permeance value.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis unit for processing a feed solution is provided. The unit includes a pressure vessel includes an inlet end, an outlet end, and a vessel body extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The reverse osmosis unit further includes a plurality of first membrane modules positioned within the pressure vessel. Each first membrane module of the plurality of first membrane modules has a first salt permeance value. At least one second membrane module is positioned within the pressure vessel and coupled in flow communication to the plurality of first membrane modules. The at least one second membrane module has a second salt permeance value that is different from the first salt permeance value.

Abstract: A combination power plant and intensified farm includes a power plant and an intensified farm. The power plant generates electricity and an exhaust stream. An exhaust cleanup facility captures CO2 from the exhaust stream. The intensified farm receives at least a portion of CO2 from the exhaust cleanup facility to assist in the raising of at least one crop. If necessary, the intensified farm receives at least a portion of electricity from the power plant. In another embodiment, the exhaust cleanup facility also provides H2O to the intensified farm. In another embodiment, a NOx to fertilizer conversion facility converts NOx from the exhaust cleanup facility to a fertilizer and provides the fertilizer to the intensified farm. In another embodiment, a gasifier or digester receives an inedible biomass from the intensified farm and converts the inedible biomass to a fuel, which is to the power plant.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis unit for processing a feed solution is provided. The unit includes a pressure vessel includes an inlet end, an outlet end, and a vessel body extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The reverse osmosis unit further includes a plurality of first membrane modules positioned within the pressure vessel. Each first membrane module of the plurality of first membrane modules has a first salt permeance value. At least one second membrane module is positioned within the pressure vessel and coupled in flow communication to the plurality of first membrane modules. The at least one second membrane module has a second salt permeance value that is different from the first salt permeance value.

Abstract: A subsurface water treatment system is provided which may be used to produce purified water using ambient subsurface water as a source fluid. The system includes one or more ultrafiltration membrane units which use ambient water as the source fluid and to produce therefrom an ultrafiltrate substantially free of solid particulates having a largest dimension greater than 0.1 microns. An electrochemical unit provides an antifoulant solution comprising hypohalous acid species. A backwash unit allows periodic cleaning and defouling of a non-producing ultrafiltration membrane unit. The system may also include a nanofiltration unit and a reverse osmosis membrane unit which may be used to produce purified water having any of a wide range desired total dissolved solids content. The novel systems and methods described may be used to stimulate the production of hydrocarbon fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir.

Abstract: A system and a method for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation wherein the method includes providing a reverse osmosis (RO) unit comprising at least one membrane; feeding a first feed stream having a first salinity content to a first side of the membrane; and feeding a second feed stream having a second salinity content to a second side of the membrane. The method further includes discharging a retentate stream from the first side of the membrane, and discharging a product stream having a controlled salinity content from the second side of the membrane. The method furthermore includes injecting at least a portion of the product stream into the oil-bearing formation, and recovering at least a portion of the oil from the oil-bearing formation.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation is presented. The method includes providing a reverse osmosis (RO) unit comprising at least one membrane; feeding a first feed stream having a first salinity content to a first side of the membrane; and feeding a second feed stream having a second salinity content to a second side of the membrane. The method further includes discharging a retentate stream from the first side of the membrane, and discharging a product stream having a controlled salinity content from the second side of the membrane. The method furthermore includes injecting at least a portion of the product stream into the oil-bearing formation, and recovering at least a portion of the oil from the oil-bearing formation. A system for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation is also presented.

Abstract: A fracturing system is described. The system includes an electric motor-driven pumping sub-system, configured to pump a pressurized fracturing fluid into at least one wellbore, under high pressure conditions sufficient to increase the downhole pressure of the wellbore, to exceed that of the fracture gradient of the solid matter surrounding the wellbore. The system also includes an electric power generation sub-system that provides energy to the pumping sub-system. The electric power generation sub-system includes a multitude of electric motors that are powered by a single electrical feed source. A related process for extracting hydrocarbons from a reservoir rock formation by the fracturing operation is also described.

Abstract: A valve system for pressure exchanger tubes of an energy recovery system is provided. The valve system includes a valve housing, a flow distributor, a hollow spool and a sealing system. The valve housing may comprise a set of high-pressure ports and a set of low-pressure ports. The flow distributor allows the flow to and from the set of high-pressure ports and the set of low-pressure ports within the valve housing. The hollow spool may be configured to reciprocate axially in a radial clearance between the valve housing and the flow distributor. The hollow spool may connect the pressure exchanger tube in fluid communication with the high-pressure ports or the low-pressure ports. The sealing system may be provided within the valve housing for imparting substantial hydraulic balance to the hollow spool.