Abstract: A novel method of producing concentrated streams or otherwise useful hypersaline brines from a source of non-potable or otherwise impaired water is provided. The method comprises feeding the source water into the feed side of a membrane distillation unit while simultaneously feeding a distillate stream through the receiving side of the distillation unit. The feed and receiving sides are separated by a hydrophobic, microporous membrane that allows water vapor to flux through the membrane to the receiving side. As the membrane becomes clogged with particulates, the unit can be subjected to stream flow reversal and/or temperature gradient reversal in order to remove those particulates and restore previous vapor flux levels, after which previous operations can be resumed.

Abstract: Novel water softening products and methods of treating hard water are provided. The products comprise a chloride-free, organic salt and a chelating agent. The products are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions, while avoiding the formation of undesirable precipitates (e.g., low Ksp byproducts).

Abstract: A novel method of producing concentrated streams or otherwise useful hypersaline brines from a source of non-potable or otherwise impaired water is provided. The method comprises feeding the source water into the feed side of a membrane distillation unit while simultaneously feeding a distillate stream through the receiving side of the distillation unit. The feed and receiving sides are separated by a hydrophobic, microporous membrane that allows water vapor to flux through the membrane to the receiving side. As the membrane becomes clogged with particulates, the unit can be subjected to stream flow reversal and/or temperature gradient reversal in order to remove those particulates and restore previous vapor flux levels, after which previous operations can be resumed.

Abstract: A novel method of producing concentrated streams or otherwise useful hypersaline brines from a source of non-potable or otherwise impaired water is provided. The method comprises feeding the source water into the feed side of a membrane distillation unit while simultaneously feeding a distillate stream through the receiving side of the distillation unit. The feed and receiving sides are separated by a hydrophobic, microporous membrane that allows water vapor to flux through the membrane to the receiving side. As the membrane becomes clogged with particulates, the unit can be subjected to stream flow reversal and/or temperature gradient reversal in order to remove those particulates and restore previous vapor flux levels, after which previous operations can be resumed.

Abstract: A novel method of extracting minerals from an aqueous source, and an equipment system for carrying out this method, are provided. The method comprises feeding the aqueous source into the feed side of a forward osmosis device while simultaneously feeding a draw solution that includes an osmotic agent through the draw side of the forward osmosis device. The feed and draw sides are separated by a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to be drawn through the membrane to the draw side, thus yielding a concentrated stream from the feed side. The solids can then be separated from that stream and recovered for use.

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprising magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate are provided. The compositions are pet friendly and have less of a detrimental impact on the environment and vegetation than prior art compositions. Methods of reducing or preventing the build-up of ice or snow on various surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: Novel water softening compositions and methods of treating hard water are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The compositions are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions.

Abstract: Novel water softening products and methods of treating hard water are provided. The products comprise a chloride-free, organic salt and a chelating agent. The products are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions, while avoiding the formation of undesirable precipitates (e.g., low Ksp byproducts).

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprising magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate are provided. The compositions are pet friendly and have less of a detrimental impact on the environment and vegetation than prior art compositions. Methods of reducing or preventing the build-up of ice or snow on various surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: Novel deicing compositions and methods of using and forming those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2, with the NaCl preferably being coated with a solution comprising an ice melt trigger and/or urea. The deicing composition has low corrosion, particularly when compared to a NaCl solution. At the same time, the compositions have superior melt properties compared to NaCl solutions as well as other prior art deicers. The deicing compositions are useful for melting ice on surfaces such as roadways.

Abstract: Novel deicing compositions and methods of using and forming those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2, with the NaCl preferably being coated with a solution comprising an ice melt trigger and/or urea. The deicing composition has low corrosion, particularly when compared to a NaCl solution. At the same time, the compositions have superior melt properties compared to NaCl solutions as well as other prior art deicers. The deicing compositions are useful for melting ice on surfaces such as roadways.

Abstract: Novel binders and a compacted salt containing those binders are provided. The binders comprise an aqueous solution or dispersion of sorbitol and an alkali metal phosphate. The binder is contacted with salt crystals heated to elevated temperatures. After binder contact, the coated salt crystals are passed through a compactor where elevated temperatures and pressures cause the salt to melt and then recrystallize as a sheet that can be broken into pieces. The final salt product has the binding agent substantially uniformly dispersed therethrough, resulting in a salt that has high strength and is resistant to mushing. The inventive products are particularly useful as a water softening salt.

Abstract: Novel water softening compositions and methods of treating hard water are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The compositions are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions.

Abstract: Novel binders and a compacted salt containing those binders are provided. The binders comprise an aqueous solution or dispersion of sorbitol and an alkali metal phosphate. The binder is contacted with salt crystals heated to elevated temperatures. After binder contact, the coated salt crystals are passed through a compactor where elevated temperatures and pressures cause the salt to melt and then recrystallize as a sheet that can be broken into pieces. The final salt product has the binding agent substantially uniformly dispersed therethrough, resulting in a salt that has high strength and is resistant to mushing. The inventive products are particularly useful as a water softening salt.