Abstract: A rotary energy recovery device (11) wherein a multi-channel cylindrical rotor (15) revolves with its end faces (32) juxtaposed in sealing relationship with end surfaces (33) of a pair of flanking end covers (19, 21), and wherein inlet and outlet fluid passageways (27, 29) are provided in each end cover. Fluid may be directed into the rotor channels (16) and allowed to exit therefrom in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the rotor; however, rotor revolution is self-driven as a result of the interior design of the channels (16) which extend axially through the rotor and are shaped so that fluid flow therethrough creates a torque.

Abstract: A rotary energy recovery device (11) wherein a multi-channel cylindrical rotor (15) revolves with its end faces (32) juxtaposed in sealing relationship with end surfaces (33) of a pair of flanking end covers (19, 21), and wherein inlet and outlet fluid passageways (27, 29) are provided in each end cover. Fluid may be directed into the rotor channels (16) and allowed to exit therefrom in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the rotor; however, rotor revolution is self-driven as a result of the interior design of the channels (16) which extend axially through the rotor and are shaped so that fluid flow therethrough creates a torque.

Abstract: Methods for more efficiently carrying out various operations through the use of pressure transfer between streams. The methods are applicable for use in conjunction with a wide range of processes including precipitation reactors (19), subterranean space (49) temperature control systems and exothermic chemical processors (71). Rotary isobaric pressure exchange units (29,55,81) are preferably employed.

Abstract: A pressure transfer device for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing (61) contains a rotor (63) having a plurality of channels (65) extending axially therethrough that revolves about a central stator (67) or within a surrounding sleeve (73) and a pair of end covers (69, 71) which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective planar end faces (68) of the rotor. The end covers (69, 71) and the accompanying components of the device are constructed so as to allow the channels to be at least twice filled with a high pressure first liquid during each revolution of the rotor and thus discharge twice the volume of a pressurized second liquid than if they were filled only one with high pressure liquid.

Abstract: A rotary pressure transfer device utilizes a multi-channel, generally cylindrical rotor (15) that revolves with its flat end faces juxtaposed with flat end surfaces of a pair of flanking end covers (19, 21) in which inlet and outlet passageways are provided. The design is such that there are only oblique ramps (65) in the passageways on the high pressure side which create directional flow of liquid to cause rotor revolution in the desired direction. Passageways (27a, 27b) on the low pressure side may be shaped so that there is essentially axial or longitudinal flow entry and discharge of liquid between the channels and the passageways, or passageways (71) may be constructed to create directional flow that slightly retards rotor revolution in such desired direction.

Abstract: A system which includes a separation element (11) employing semipermeable membrane material (17), which system is designed so that it can operate either in an RO mode to produce high quality water or in a PRO mode to generate power from two aqueous solutions of different salt concentrations. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary pressure transfer device (29) is included to transfer pressure from an outlet stream exiting the separation element to an inlet stream being supplied to the separation element.

Abstract: A rotary pressure transfer device utilizes a multi-channel, generally cylindrical rotor (15) that revolves with its flat end faces juxtaposed with flat end surfaces of a pair of flanking end covers (19, 21) in which inlet and outlet passageways are provided. The design is such that there are only oblique ramps (65) in the passageways on the high pressure side which create directional flow of liquid to cause rotor revolution in the desired direction. Passageways (27a, 27b) on the low pressure side may be shaped so that there is essentially axial or longitudinal flow entry and discharge of liquid between the channels and the passageways, or passageways (71) may be constructed to create directional flow that slightly retards rotor revolution in such desired direction.

Abstract: A pressure transfer device for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing (61) contains a rotor (63) having a plurality of channels (65) extending axially therethrough that revolves about a central stator (67) or within a surrounding sleeve (73) and a pair of end covers (69, 71) which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective planar end faces (68) of the rotor. The end covers (69, 71) and the accompanying components of the device are constructed so as to allow the channels to be at least twice filled with a high pressure first liquid during each revolution of the rotor and thus discharge twice the volume of a pressurized second liquid than if they were filled only one with high pressure liquid.

Abstract: A rotary pressure exchange device for transferring the pressure of a high pressure stream of first fluid to a low pressure stream of second fluid having an improved substantially cylindrical rotor (41, 51, 61). The rotor is formed to provide a plurality of longitudinal passageways comprising the lumens (49) of parallel tubes (47, 73) of circular cross-section which are located uniformly throughout an annular region. Certain preferred embodiments include an outer tubular casing (43) of circular cross-section and a coaxial central hub (45).

Abstract: A system which includes a separation element (11) employing semipermeable membrane material (17), which system is designed so that it can operate either in an RO mode to produce high quality water or in a PRO mode to generate power from two aqueous solutions of different salt concentrations. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary pressure transfer device (29) is included to transfer pressure from an outlet stream exiting the separation element to an inlet stream being supplied to the separation element.

Abstract: A pressure exchanger for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing contains a rotor having a plurality of channels extending axially therethrough and a pair of end covers which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective end faces of the rotor. The end covers are supported against deformation by high pressure upon the end covers in an inward direction, as by exerting a balancing comparable outward axial force upon inward surfaces of the end covers through the employment of pressure-balancing chambers that are in communication with a high pressure fluid region at one end cover.

Abstract: A solar energy collection panel assembly particularly adapted for use in a sun tracking system, The assembly is made up of several elongated components that have uniform cross sections and are preferably formed by extrusion. Interlocking base members have upwardly directed channels which hold tubes partially surrounded by thermal insulation material. Lens support assemblies having a generally isosceles triangular cross section with the triangle bases secured to the base members with the triangle sides oriented to direct light entering between apexes toward the tubes. Grooves at each pair or apexes receive the edges of an elongated, uniform cross section, compound, concentrating, cylindrical lens to attach the lens to the assembly. The lenses focus incident light on the tubes. Right triangular edge lens support members provide square edges to the assembly. A structural strong and rigid housing is preferably used to receive, support and strengthen the assembly.

Abstract: A pressure exchanger for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing contains a rotor having a plurality of channels extending axially therethrough and a pair of end covers which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective end faces of the rotor. The end covers are supported against deformation by high pressure upon the end covers in an inward direction, as by exerting a balancing comparable outward axial force upon inward surfaces of the end covers through the employment of pressure-balancing chambers that are in communication with a high pressure fluid region at one end cover.