Abstract: An ion exchange membrane has multiple layers of ionic polymers which each contain substantially different chemical compositions. i.e. varying side chain lengths, varying backbone chemistries or varying ionic functionality. Utilizing completely different chemistries has utility in many applications such as fuel cells where for example, one layer can help reduce fuel crossover through the membrane. Or one layer can impart substantial hydrophobicity to the electrode formulation. Or one layer can selectively diffuse a reactant while excluding others. Also, one chemistry may allow for impartation of significant mechanical properties or chemical resistance to another more ionically conductive ionomer. The ion exchange membrane may include at least two layers with substantially different chemical properties.

Abstract: A system and method for evaporative treatment or wastewater which minimizes scaling and system maintenance is disclosed. The apparatus can include an evaporation vessel with a heating source to evaporate water from a solution under treatment and a drain valve for draining the solution after treatment. The apparatus can also include one or more sensors configured to measure parameters of a solution under treatment and a user programmable controller to control the treatment process based on such measurements. A user can configure the controller to define the detection of a solution's critical state where contaminant concentrations are maximized yet scaling is minimized. When a critical state of the solution is reached a portion of the treated solution can be removed and the vessel refill with new wastewater thereby lowering the concentration of the remaining solution the repealing the evaporation and drain cycle until all wastewater has been treated.

Abstract: In accordance with the principals of the present invention, an electrolytic generator and method of electrolytic generation are provided. An electrolytic stack includes of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a polymer-electrolyte membrane placed between the first and second electrodes. A first fluid passage provides fluid passage over the first electrode while a second fluid passage provides fluid passage over the second electrode. A third fluid passage provides fluid connection between the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage such that the fluid flows from the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage via the third fluid passage. An electronic current is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage bias is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A novel cell for generating ozonated water, the cell comprises a nafion membrane separating a diamond coated anode, and a gold surfaced cathode enclosed within a cell housing with the catalyst side of the nafion membrane facing the cathode. The cell housing has a cathode housing portion and an anode housing portion separated by the membrane, each housing portion having ridges to enhance substantially even flow of fluid over the cathode and anode. The housing portions contain O-rings in grooves to prevent leaks, and alignment features to keep the electrodes aligned. The cathode and anode have an array of holes allowing fluid to penetrate to the surface of the niobium membrane. Input ports allow fluid to flow into the housing and over the anode and cathode and then out of the housing through outlet ports. The housing may also incorporate an integrated spectral photometer including a bubble trap.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane has multiple layers of ionic polymers which each contain substantially different chemical compositions. i.e. varying side chain lengths, varying backbone chemistries or varying ionic functionality. Utilizing completely different chemistries has utility in many applications such as fuel cells where for example, one layer can help reduce fuel crossover through the membrane. Or one layer can impart substantial hydrophobicity to the electrode formulation. Or one layer can selectively diffuse a reactant while excluding others. Also, one chemistry may allow for impartation of significant mechanical properties or chemical resistance to another more ionically conductive ionomer. The ion exchange membrane may include at least two layers with substantially different chemical properties.

Abstract: Devices for the separation of components within a fluid are disclosed herein. The device includes a housing that contains a roll of film with spaced apart microstructures thereon to crate channels to direct fluid flow. The channels have functionalized surfaces to attract and retain desired components in the fluid so that those components can be separated from the fluid. The film roll is typically contained by an outer sleeve around its perimeter to contain the fluid therein. The device also includes a central hub on which the film roll is mounted.

Abstract: A method of removing boron from water to be treated includes subjecting the water to be treated to reverse osmosis membrane treatment, subjecting at least part of permeated water after the reverse osmosis membrane treatment to cation-removing treatment, and measuring a concentration of boron in the resulting permeated water after the cation-removing treatment, in which a measured value for the concentration of boron is used to regulate at least one of: (a) the recovery rate of water to be treated in the above reverse osmosis membrane treatment, (b) the temperature of the water to be treated, (c) the pH of the water to be treated, (d) the supply pressure of the water to be treated, which pressure is applied to the reverse osmosis membrane during the reverse osmosis membrane treatment, and (e) when the reverse osmosis membrane used for the reverse osmosis membrane treatment should be changed.

Abstract: A drip irrigation treatment device, which comprises a water storage tank, wherein a partition plate is arranged in the water storage tank and divides the interior of the water storage tank into a conveying cavity and a purifying cavity, one side of the conveying cavity and one side of the purifying cavity are jointly connected with a first water conveying mechanism, a protection box is arranged on one side of the water storage tank, a filter box is arranged in the protection box, one side of the upper end of the protection box is connected with a sewage conveying pipe, the lower end of the sewage conveying pipe corresponds to the filter box, a filtering mechanism is arranged in the filter box, a buffer moving mechanism is arranged on the periphery of the filter box, and a rotating mechanism is arranged on one side in the protection box.

Abstract: Disclosed are a micropore-filled amphoteric membrane for low vanadium ion permeability, a method of manufacturing the same, and a vanadium redox flow battery including the amphoteric membrane. The micropore-filled amphoteric membrane for low vanadium ion permeability minimizes crossover of vanadium ions, which occurs between a catholyte and an anolyte in a redox flow battery, and has low membrane resistance and thus has remarkably improved performance as compared to commercially available ion-exchange membranes such as Nafion, and accordingly, can be effectively used in the manufacture of a redox flow battery. In addition, the micropore-filled amphoteric membrane is continuously manufactured through a roll-to-roll process, and thus the manufacturing process is simple and manufacturing costs can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A device for removing ions from a flow of water includes a first electrode and a counter-electrode opposite the first electrode in the flow of water. The first electrode contains at least one material which is capable of intercalating one or both of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions in the flow of water. The counter-electrode can include a material capable of binding to anions in the flow of water.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed ion-exchange systems and devices that include composite ion-exchange membranes having 3D printed spacers on them. These 3D printed spacers can drastically reduce the total intermembrane spacing within the system/device while maintaining a reliable sealing surface around the exterior border of the membrane. By adding the spacers directly to the membrane using additive manufacturing, the amount of material used can be reduced without adversely impacting the manufacturability of the composite membrane as well as allow for complex spacer geometries that can reduce the restrictions to flow resulting in less pressure drop associated with the flow in the active area of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of a system for gas recovery from wastewater, a method for treating wastewater, and a method wherein ammonia and carbon dioxide are recovered. Typically a wastewater stream is fed into the system, treated and stripped from ammonia and carbon dioxide, and a cleaner stream is released.

Abstract: A resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus for purifying water for coffee brewing comprises a cathode; an anode; and multiple porous solid resin wafer exchange units arranged in a stack between the cathode and the anode, and an air distributor adapted and arranged to aerate the water to be purified. Each unit comprises a monovalent cation exchange membrane (CEM), an anion exchange membrane (AEM), and an ion exchange resin wafer between the CEM and the AEM, which is in contact with, and in fluid flow connection with the CEM and AEM. Each resin wafer comprises a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange resin. The units are oriented with the CEM facing the cathode and the AEM facing the anode, with space between the units defining ion concentrate chambers. Bipolar ion exchange membranes separate the anode and cathode from their nearest resin wafer exchange units.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, relate to a method for carbon capture from sea water. A first source of sea water into a reverse osmosis chamber. Reverse osmosis is performed on the sea water to produce fresh water and brine. The brine is provided to an electrolyzer. A current is passed through the brine and fresh water, thereby producing a hydroxide solution in a cathode chamber of the electrolyzer. The hydroxide solution is collected and placed into a contacting chamber and new sea water introduced. Precipitates are produced comprising at least calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

Abstract: Inflow branch pipes of water to be treated, which are branched from an inflow line of the water to be treated, which is provided on an upper side of desalination chambers of an electrodeionization apparatus, communicate with the desalination chambers, respectively. Both ends of the inflow line of the water to be treated are opened, and a supply pipe of the water to be treated communicates with each of the ends so that the water to be treated can be supplied from both sides. In addition, in a lower side of each of the desalination chambers, outflow pipes of treated water, communicate with each other, and these outflow pipes each join an outflow line of the treated water. In addition, both ends of the outflow line of the water to be treated are opened so that the treated water can be discharged from both sides. According to such an electrodeionization apparatus, it is possible to suppress an increase in a differential pressure during passage of water.

Abstract: A flocculant for treating a processing waste liquid into fresh water being formed by pulverizing an ion exchange resin for purification of fresh water into pure water to a size of 100 ?m or below. With the ion exchange resin pulverized and used as a flocculant, it is ensured that even when the processing waste liquid is subjected to flocculation and separation, the fresh water separated from the processing debris does not show an increased electric conductivity, and worsening of water quality can be restrained. In addition, since the flocculant is pulverized down to a size of 100 ?m or below, flocculation of the processing debris is promoted.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: A method for purifying waste water, and a dual chamber purification system, in which feed water may be passed first through a hybrid anion exchange unit, and subsequently through a weak acid cationic exchange unit. The hybrid anion exchanger may comprise a hybrid sorbent (HAIX-NanoZr) with dual functional sorption sites. The weak acid cationic exchanger may be a fiber having a shell-core physical configuration with relatively short intra-particle diffusion path length so that the ion exchange sites reside predominantly on the periphery. The system may be used to achieve partial desalination or TDS reduction and concurrent removal of target contaminants (e.g., phosphate, hardness). Further, the system may be regenerated using CO2 as the sole regenerant for both the hybrid anion exchanger and the weak acid cationic exchanger, thus producing spent regenerant with no externally added chemicals.

Abstract: Methods for improving ion flux and energy efficiency in a membrane stack of an electrodialysis unit wherein the membrane stack is disposed between an anode and a cathode each in an electrolyte of a selected concentration. Methods include increasing the concentration of the electrolyte, adding a strong base to the electrolyte and adding buffering anions to the electrolyte. Methods for cleaning the electrodes of such a unit involving involve applying a pulsed polarity reversal to the electrodes. Also provided are methods for improving unit operation by increasing the basicity of the electrolyte to the anode and increasing the acidity of the electrolyte to the cathode or alternatively or in addition, by applying heat to increase the operating temperature of at least one of the electrolyte and the treated water stream.

Abstract: A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacitance electrodes confined in insulated containers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing a membrane stack comprising the steps of (i) interposing a curable adhesive between alternate anion exchange membranes and cation exchange; and (ii) curing the adhesive; CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said membranes are in a swollen state when step (ii) is performed.

Abstract: A system for removing minerals from a brine using electrodialysis. One system includes a gypsum removal system configured to receive a feed stream having a first amount of gypsum, to extract at least a portion of the gypsum from the feed stream, and to produce a first output having a second amount of the gypsum less than the first amount of the gypsum. The system also includes an electrodialysis (ED) system fluidly coupled to the gypsum removal system and configured to receive the first output from the gypsum removal system, to produce a second output having a substantially sulfate hardness free sodium sulfate solution, to produce a third output having a sodium chloride solution, and to produce a fourth output having a mineral solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: A method and liquid purifying device for controlling concentration of ions in a liquid includes generating a main stream of liquid in a main channel and applying a transverse electric field to the main stream by electrodes that are electrically in direct contact with the liquid flowing in the main channel. Further, a product stream of liquid is derived from a central region of the main stream, and waste streams of liquid are derived from regions of the main stream closer to the electrodes.

Abstract: A suppressor is structured by an ion exchange section being structured by an eluate path forming member forming an eluate path and a regenerant path forming member forming a regenerant path being stacked across an ion exchange film, and a heat-conductive heat block covering the outside of the ion exchange section. A separation column, the suppressor, and an electrical conductivity meter are accommodated in a common constant temperature bath. The inside of the constant temperature bath is feedback-controlled by a temperature control section so as to be maintained at constant temperature.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A desalination system is provided. The desalination system comprises a desalination apparatus. The desalination apparatus comprises first and second electrodes, and a first group of paired ion exchange membranes disposed between the first and second electrodes to form a first group of alternating first and second channels. The first channels are configured to receive a first stream for desalination and the second channels are configured to receive a second stream to carry away ions removed from the first stream, respectively. The desalination apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacers disposed between each pair of the adjacent ion exchange membranes and between the first and second electrodes and the respective ion exchange membranes. Wherein each of the ion exchange membranes in the first group is a cation exchange membrane. A desalination system and a method for removing ions from an aqueous stream area also presented.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical deionization apparatus having a novel constitution with excellent deionization efficiency. As means for solving this problem, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical deionization apparatus having deionization compartments, concentration compartments and electrode compartments partitioned from one another by a plurality of ion exchange membranes between a cathode and an anode, wherein, in the deionization compartments and/or the concentration compartments and/or the electrode compartments, at least one of anion exchange fibrous material layers and cation exchange fibrous material layers are disposed on one another intersecting a water-passing direction.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell for an FT-CDI including: an injection port into which a bead and a concentrate are injected and a discharge port through which the bead and the concentrate are discharged to circulate the bead, thereby preventing the concentration of the bead from being degraded and disposes a mesh at a place in which the concentrate and the bead are received to disperse the concentrate and the bead well.

Abstract: An electrochemical treating device having low scale potential is disclosed. The device has a variety of configurations directed to the layering of the anionic exchange and cationic exchange. The treatment device can also comprise unevenly sized ion exchange resin beads and/or have at least one compartment that provides a dominating resistance that results in a uniform current distribution throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical deionization apparatus having a novel constitution with excellent deionization efficiency. As means for solving this problem, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical deionization apparatus having deionization compartments, concentration compartments and electrode compartments partitioned from one another by a plurality of ion exchange membranes between a cathode and an anode, wherein, in the deionization compartments and/or the concentration compartments and/or the electrode compartments, at least one of anion exchange fibrous material layers and cation exchange fibrous material layers are disposed on one another intersecting a water-passing direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodialysis and electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source, an ED/EDI unit. The carbon source, urease source, and/or the ED/EDI unit can be in the form of removable cartridges.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte can be desalinated and purified using a system that includes a first electrode and a configuration selected from (a) a second electrode and at least one distinct ion-selective boundary and (b) a second electrode that also serves as the ion-selective boundary. The ion-selective boundary is contained in the liquid conduit adjacent to a porous medium that defines pore channels filled with the liquid and that have a surface charge, and the charge of the ion-selective boundary and the surface charge of the pore channels share the same sign. A liquid including at least one charged species flows through the pore channels, forming a thin diffuse electrochemical double layer at an interface of the liquid and the charged surface of the pore channels.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 10 to 70 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) non-curable salt; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is >0.10. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is 0.1 to 1.5. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 10 to 70 wt % solvent; (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) lithium and/or calcium salt. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 15 to 70 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) 2 to 50 wt % of non-curable salt; wherein the composition has a pH of 1 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the composition has a pH of 0.8 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salt solution electrodialysis cell for production of the relevant acids and bases by means of a process with reduced or nil consumption of electrical energy. The cell comprises an anodic chamber fed with hydrogen and a cathodic chamber fed with oxygen or air, provided with the relevant gas-diffusion electrodes; the driving power of the electrodialysis process is given by the oxidation and reduction chemical potentials of hydrogen and oxygen fed to the two chambers.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed here relate to treating water. In certain embodiments, a treatment system comprises an electrochemical water treatment device, a recirculating concentrate stream in fluid communication with the electrochemical water treatment device, a flow control device in fluid communication with a first flow path comprising acidic water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a second flow path comprising feed water and configured to be in fluid communication with the recirculating concentrate stream, and a control system in communication with the flow control device. The treatment system may further comprise a recirculating dilution stream in fluid communication with a second inlet and a second outlet of the electrochemical water treatment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses are configured to produce purified liquids having an ion content at a level of parts-per-trillion or less, and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the claimed apparatus.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system has a sensor or a set of sensors for measuring at least one property of the water or an operating condition of the treatment system.

Abstract: Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP) purification devices and methods for building massively-parallel implementations of the same, said devices being suitable for separation of salts, heavy metals and biological contaminants from source water.

Abstract: A sandwich suppressor in an ion chromatography system in which loosely packed ion exchange resin of low density is disposed in the central sample stream flow channel. Also, a method of using the suppressor is described.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus for producing deionized water comprises a deionization treatment unit including deionization chamber D and a pair of concentration chambers C1 and C2 placed adjacent to deionization chamber D on opposite sides thereof and those concentration chambers are filled with anion exchangers. The deionization chamber D is partitioned by an ion exchange membrane into first small deionization chamber D-1 adjacent to concentration chamber C1 and second small deionization chamber D-2 adjacent to concentration chamber C2. First small deionization chamber D-1 is filled with an anion exchanger. Second small deionization chamber D-2 is filled with an anion exchanger and a cation exchanger in a sequence such that the ion exchanger, through which water that is to be treated finally passes, is the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: A desalination system comprises at least one desalination cell. The at least one desalination cell comprises first and second electrodes, an anion exchange layer and a cation ion exchange layer disposed on the respective first and second electrodes, and a spacer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The at least one desalination cell further comprises an ion exchange resin disposed between the first and second electrodes. A desalination system and a method for removing ions from an aqueous stream are also presented.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte can be desalinated and purified using a system that includes a first electrode and a configuration selected from (a) a second electrode and at least one distinct ion-selective boundary and (b) a second electrode that also serves as the ion-selective boundary. The ion-selective boundary is contained in the liquid conduit adjacent to a porous medium that defines pore channels filled with the liquid and that have a surface charge, and the charge of the ion-selective boundary and the surface charge of the pore channels share the same sign. A liquid including at least one charged species flows through the pore channels, forming a thin diffuse electrochemical double layer at an interface of the liquid and the charged surface of the pore channels.