Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element comprising feed spacer elements applied to the active polyamide surface of the membrane sheet, where the feed spacer elements comprise similar material as the active polyamide layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements which promote mixing within the feed space during element operation thereby improving element performance and reducing concentration polarization and potential for biological fouling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide replacements for a continuous layer of feed spacer mesh in spiral-wound reverse osmosis elements and replacing such mesh with discrete regions of feed spacer supporting the inlet and outlet ends of the element and a stiffening bridge feature to bridge between these regions at the tail end of each membrane leaf comprising the element during the element rolling process. The stiffening bridge feature prevents inward deflection of the inner layer of the membrane leaf during rolling, facilitating proper sealing of the adhesive through the permeate carrier to the adjacent membrane film using known membrane rolling techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements which promote mixing within the feed space during element operation thereby improving element performance and reducing concentration polarization and potential for biological fouling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses that can alter flow characteristics within the feed channel of a cross-flow filtration element by employing a varying geometry of the feed spacer at a fixed channel height.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling electrolysis in an electrolytic cell in order to maintain constant concentration of the disinfectant irrespective of the rate of electrolyte concentration or oxidant production in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spiral wound membrane element designs that utilize entrance and exit points in the feed space channel and utilize barriers on the perimeter of the feed space as well as barriers in the feed space area to direct fluid flow in the membrane element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spiral wound membrane element designs wherein the membrane sheet is fabricated with selective flux and rejection characteristics that can then be modified using various intensities and wavelengths of energy such as UV or the visible spectrum to optimize characteristics of the membrane sheet such as flux or rejection, and that can be utilized to optimally bond photopolymer spacers either above the active surface of the membrane sheet, or below the active surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell producing oxidants that utilizes a vacuum venturi system to meter saturated brine to the water stream to produce the correct conductivity electrolyte for operation of the electrolytic cell. The present invention comprises a venture eductor configured to accept brine from a brine source and to communicate brine to the chlorine generation system, a first control device to discourage communication of brine from the venture eductor to the brine source, and a second control device to control the rate of flow of brine from the brine source to the venture eductor.

Abstract: An electrolytic device and method for generating a disinfecting solution controlled by an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit preferably conditions the power received from the electrolytic device itself, or from a variety of power sources to measure and control the energy feeding the electrolytic cell chamber to produce an oxidant solution for disinfection. The electrical circuit can also have warning lights, volume indicators, timers, and other features to facilitate human interaction and ease of use. A multitude of separate devices can provide the power source, including but not limited to, a solar panel, a one-time use or rechargeable battery, a wall plug type of charger, a car battery, or any number of other devices that can provide power. Communications can also be electronic from a cell phone with a software application, and Bluetooth or other means of communication between to the electrolytic oxidant producing device and a controller and also controlled to or from a power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide replacements for a continuous layer of feed spacer mesh in spiral-wound reverse osmosis elements and replacing such mesh with discrete regions of feed spacer supporting the inlet and outlet ends of the element and a stiffening bridge feature to bridge between these regions at the tail end of each membrane leaf comprising the element during the element rolling process. The stiffening bridge feature prevents inward deflection of the inner layer of the membrane leaf during rolling, facilitating proper sealing of the adhesive through the permeate carrier to the adjacent membrane film using known membrane rolling techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling electrolysis in an electrolytic cell in order to maintain constant concentration of the disinfectant irrespective of the rate of electrolyte concentration or oxidant production in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, for example a membrane filtration system, utilizing means to mechanically vary fluid recovery and energy recovery to optimize fluid production for a given energy input, based on the total dissolved solids concentration in the fluid feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell producing oxidants that utilizes a vacuum venturi system to meter saturated brine to the water stream to produce the correct conductivity electrolyte for operation of the electrolytic cell. The present invention comprises a venture eductor configured to accept brine from a brine source and to communicate brine to the chlorine generation system, a first control device to discourage communication of brine from the venture eductor to the brine source, and a second control device to control the rate of flow of brine from the brine source to the venture eductor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements which promote mixing within the feed space during element operation thereby improving element performance and reducing concentration polarization and potential for biological fouling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a water purification and storage system, comprising (a) a tank configured to accept and hold water, and (b) a filter mounted with the tank in a configuration such that the filter is contacted by water in the tank when the tank is in its normal storage orientation and the water in the tank is 25% or more of the tank's holding capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxidant production apparatus, an example embodiment of which comprises a water container configured to accept and retain a volume of water; a porous salt container configured to accept and retain a quantity of salt, mounted with the water container such that salt in the salt container is in fluid communication with water in the water container; an electrolysis system mounted with the water container; and a gas directing element mounted with the salt container and the water container such that gas generated by the electrolysis system is preferentially directed through the salt container. In operation, gas from electrolysis percolates through the water and the salt, agitating the salt and encouraging the salt to fully dissolve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell producing oxidants that utilizes a vacuum venturi system to meter saturated brine to the water stream to produce the correct conductivity electrolyte for operation of the electrolytic cell. The present invention comprises a venture eductor configured to accept brine from a brine source and to communicate brine to the chlorine generation system, a first control device to discourage communication of brine from the venture eductor to the brine source, and a second control device to control the rate of flow of brine from the brine source to the venture eductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxidant production apparatus, an example embodiment of which comprises a water container configured to accept and retain a volume of water; a porous salt container configured to accept and retain a quantity of salt, mounted with the water container such that salt in the salt container is in fluid communication with water in the water container; an electrolysis system mounted with the water container; and a gas directing element mounted with the salt container and the water container such that gas generated by the electrolysis system is preferentially directed through the salt container. In operation, gas from electrolysis percolates through the water and the salt, agitating the salt and encouraging the salt to fully dissolve.