Patents by Inventor Nikolay Voutchkov

Nikolay Voutchkov has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240158276
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Saline Water Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM, Eslam ALWAZNANI
  • Patent number: 11884567
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SALINE WATER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ahmed Alamoudi, Mohammed Ayumantakath, Nikolay Voutchkov, Seungwon Ihm, Eslam Alwaznani
  • Publication number: 20230405526
    Abstract: A system and method for producing minerals from divalent ion-containing brine stream includes rejecting sulfate from a divalent-ion rich reject stream in a first nanofiltration seawater reverse osmosis (NF-SWRO) unit, producing solid calcium sulfate dihydrate and a magnesium-rich brine stream in a first concentration unit, concentrating the magnesium-rich brine stream to a saturation point of sodium chloride in a second concentration unit, producing solid sodium chloride and a supernatant product stream in a first crystallizing unit, produce a concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream from the supernatant product stream in a third concentration unit, and at least one of producing hydrated magnesium chloride from the concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream in a second crystallizing unit and producing anhydrous magnesium chloride by prilling the concentrated magnesium-rich bitterns stream under a hydrogen chloride atmosphere in a dry air process unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM, Christopher Michael FELLOWS, Eslam ALWAZNANI
  • Publication number: 20230399244
    Abstract: A system and method for producing from saline source water a product containing an increased ratio of multi-valent ions to mono-valent ions, which includes multiple nanofiltration units arranged to selectively remove mono-valent ions from the water fed into each nanofiltration stage in the nanofiltration permeate stream while retaining multi-valent ions in the nanofiltration reject stream. The rate at which the increase in the multi-valent ion to mono-valent ion ratio is obtained may be enhanced by introduction of lower salinity water into the nanofiltration reject between stages, and by recirculating a portion of downstream nanofiltration reject flow into an upstream nanofiltration unit. The enhanced multi-valent ion product is suitable for multiple uses, including irrigation of plants and remineralization of desalinated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Saline Water Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Christopher Michael FELLOWS, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Sangho LEE, Seungwon IHM
  • Patent number: 11806668
    Abstract: A system and method for producing minerals from divalent ion-containing brine stream includes rejecting sulfate from a divalent-ion rich reject stream in a first nanofiltration seawater reverse osmosis (NF-SWRO) unit, producing solid calcium sulfate dihydrate and a magnesium-rich brine stream in a first concentration unit, concentrating the magnesium-rich brine stream to a saturation point of sodium chloride in a second concentration unit, producing solid sodium chloride and a supernatant product stream in a first crystallizing unit, produce a concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream from the supernatant product stream in a third concentration unit, and at least one of producing hydrated magnesium chloride from the concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream in a second crystallizing unit and producing anhydrous magnesium chloride by prilling the concentrated magnesium-rich bitterns stream under a hydrogen chloride atmosphere in a dry air process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SALINE WATER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed Alamoudi, Mohammed Farooque Ayumantakath, Nikolay Voutchkov, Seungwon Ihm, Christopher Michael Fellows, Eslam Alwaznani
  • Patent number: 11795071
    Abstract: A system and method for producing from saline source water a product containing an increased ratio of multi-valent ions to mono-valent ions, which includes multiple nanofiltration units arranged to selectively remove mono-valent ions from the water fed into each nanofiltration stage in the nanofiltration permeate stream while retaining multi-valent ions in the nanofiltration reject stream. The rate at which the increase in the multi-valent ion- to mono-valent ion ratio is obtained may be enhanced by introduction of lower salinity water into the nanofiltration reject between stages, and by recirculating a portion of downstream nanofiltration reject flow into an upstream nanofiltration unit. The enhanced multi-valent ion product is suitable for multiple uses, including irrigation of plants and remineralization of desalinated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SALINE WATER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed Alamoudi, Christopher Michael Fellows, Mohammed Farooque Ayumantakath, Nikolay Voutchkov, Sangho Lee, Seungwon Ihm
  • Publication number: 20230191330
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the efficiency of a multi-pass nanofiltration system associated with water desalination and mineral extraction. A saline source water is preferably subjected to a first treatment by passage through a first nanofiltration unit, followed by a second treatment by passage through a second nanofiltration unit. At least a portion of the second nanofiltration unit's reject stream is recirculated to the inlet of the first nanofiltration unit, thereby increasing the production of permeate from the first nanofiltration unit, as well as increasing the purity of monovalent ions in the first nanofiltration unit permeate. Further nanofiltration units with one or more recirculated reject streams may be connected in series and/or in parallel with the first and second nanofiltration units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM
  • Publication number: 20230182077
    Abstract: A system and method for producing minerals from divalent ion-containing brine stream includes rejecting sulfate from a divalent-ion rich reject stream in a first nanofiltration seawater reverse osmosis (NF-SWRO) unit, producing solid calcium sulfate dihydrate and a magnesium-rich brine stream in a first concentration unit, concentrating the magnesium-rich brine stream to a saturation point of sodium chloride in a second concentration unit, producing solid sodium chloride and a supernatant product stream in a first crystallizing unit, produce a concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream from the supernatant product stream in a third concentration unit, and at least one of producing hydrated magnesium chloride from the concentrated magnesium-rich bittern stream in a second crystallizing unit and producing anhydrous magnesium chloride by prilling the concentrated magnesium-rich bitterns stream under a hydrogen chloride atmosphere in a dry air process unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed Farooque Ayumantakath, Nikolay Voutchkov, Seungwon Ihm
  • Publication number: 20210221707
    Abstract: A system and method for producing from saline source water a product containing an increased ratio of multi-valent ions to mono-valent ions, which includes multiple nanofiltration units arranged to selectively remove mono-valent ions from the water fed into each nanofiltration stage in the nanofiltration permeate stream while retaining multi-valent ions in the nanofiltration reject stream. The rate at which the increase in the multi-valent ion- to mono-valent ion ratio is obtained may be enhanced by introduction of lower salinity water into the nanofiltration reject between stages, and by recirculating a portion of downstream nanofiltration reject flow into an upstream nanofiltration unit. The enhanced multi-valent ion product is suitable for multiple uses, including irrigation of plants and remineralization of desalinated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Christopher Michael FELLOWS, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Sangho LEE, Seungwon IHM
  • Publication number: 20210147273
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM
  • Patent number: 10947143
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Saline Water Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed Alamoudi, Mohammed Farooque Ayumantakath, Nikolay Voutchkov, Seungwon Ihm
  • Publication number: 20210053848
    Abstract: A system and method for producing from saline source water a product containing an increased ratio of multi-valent ions to mono-valent ions, which includes multiple nanofiltration units arranged to selectively remove mono-valent ions from the water fed into each nanofiltration stage in the nanofiltration permeate stream while retaining multi-valent ions in the nanofiltration reject stream. The rate at which the increase in the multi-valent ion- to mono-valent ion ratio is obtained may be enhanced by introduction of lower salinity water into the nanofiltration reject between stages, and by recirculating a portion of downstream nanofiltration reject flow into an upstream nanofiltration unit. The enhanced multi-valent ion product is suitable for multiple uses, including irrigation of plants and remineralization of desalinated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Christopher Michael FELLOWS, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Sangho LEE, Seungwon IHM
  • Publication number: 20210039044
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for sequestering of greenhouse gas in conjunction with operation of a desalination facility or water or wastewater treatment plant from which water hardness and alkalinity has to be adjusted to meet water quality requirements. Carbon dioxide in solution with a source water stream, such as a high-divalent ion desalination unit discharge stream or a low calcium concentration permeate stream, chemically reacts with a calcium-based compound such that calcium bicarbonate by mixing with a solution containing the calcium-based compound or by direct contact with a solid form of the compound. Preferably the pH of the calcium bicarbonate-containing output stream is adjusted to maintain pH in a range providing a nearly 100% sequestered carbon dioxide soluble product. The soluble product may be discharged to a natural water body or used as drinking, irrigation or industrial process water, or in another process having a pH of 7.5-9.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM
  • Publication number: 20200398223
    Abstract: A system and method for producing high quality potable water by re-mineralization of desalinated water is provided. The retentate rejected from a nanofiltration unit becomes a source of mineral-rich divalent ions for mixing with the desalinated water being produced by a desalination unit, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for separate supply from outside sources of chemicals needed to obtain potable water that meets various drinking water standards. The nanofiltration unit may be located in a desalination upstream and/or downstream of the desalination unit, and the amount of flow of the nanofiltration retentate supplied to the re-mineralization unit relative to the amount of desalinated water flow may be adjusted to achieve the desired potable water quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed Alamoudi, Nikolay Voutchkov, Seungwon Ihm
  • Publication number: 20200308037
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Ahmed Saleh Mohammed ALAMOUDI, Mohammed Farooque AYUMANTAKATH, Nikolay VOUTCHKOV, Seungwon IHM
  • Publication number: 20150218016
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov
  • Patent number: 8623214
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Poseidon Resources IP LLC
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov
  • Publication number: 20130140235
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov
  • Publication number: 20120234759
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov
  • Patent number: 8206589
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Poseidon Resources IP LLC
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov