Abstract: Described herein is a submerged plate membrane device intended for use in forward osmosis processes, particularly for concentrating various process streams such as those in ponds. Particular examples of feed streams that may be concentrated are for example the following feed solutions: brines, seawater, drilling mud, waste water, bio-digestate, and the like. Thus, the process and device described herein are useful for de-watering, and thus concentrating, the content of solar evaporation ponds and drilling mud ponds.

Abstract: Described herein is a submerged plate membrane device intended for use in forward osmosis processes, particularly for concentrating various process streams such as those in ponds. Particular examples of feed streams that may be concentrated are for example the following feed solutions: brines, seawater, drilling mud, waste water, bio-digestate, and the like. Thus, the process and device described herein are useful for de-watering, and thus concentrating, the content of solar evaporation ponds and drilling mud ponds.

Abstract: This disclosure describes draw solution compositions for FO processes which increase the available membrane area for permeation and are also amenable to reconcentration with standard techniques, such as membrane filtration and evaporative technologies. The composition are comprised of a water soluble draw solute having surface active properties, i.e., a surfactant.

Abstract: Described herein are thin film composite (TFC) membranes, for use in forward osmosis (FO) and pressure reduced osmosis (PRO) processes. The membrane is comprised of two layers: a composite layer combining a backing layer and a porous, polymer-based support into a single layer, and a rejection layer disposed on top of the composite layer. The membrane of the invention exhibits high water flux values for FO processes, is durable, may be readily manufactured using typical membrane manufacturing processes, such as spiral winding and plate and frame processes, and has sufficient mechanical stability to handle the final membrane product.

Abstract: An interconnector coupling permeate conduits in a filtration apparatus includes a diverging section. The diverging section defines a generally increasing cross sectional area for the permeate solution exiting the interconnector in a direction of flow from the permeate conduit of a first separation element to a permeate conduit of a second separation element. The diverging section provides a more gradual divergence of the permeate solution to reduce pressure losses.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes plurality of membrane modules arranged in series in a chamber. The membrane modules include at least one lead membrane module closer to an inlet port than the remaining membrane modules. A device coupled to the permeate collection conduit of the at least one lead membrane module is configured to apply a back pressure to permeate solution flowing in the permeate collection conduit of the at least one lead membrane module. By applying a back pressure, flux imbalance may be reduced within the apparatus.

Abstract: Improved method for demineralizing a sugar-containing solution using an ion exchange resin in bead form wherein the volume average bead diameter is from 400 to 700 .mu.m and the bead diameter distribution is such that at least 80 volume percent of the beads have diameters which fall within a range of .+-.15 percent of the volume average diameter of the resin used.

Abstract: A process for decolorizing an aqueous sugar solution by contacting the solution with an absorbent resin, wherein the adsorbent resin is a macroporous copolymer being post-crosslinked in a swollen state in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and functionalized with hydrophilic groups prior to contact with the aqueous sugar solution.