Abstract: The invention provides a treatment system and a treatment method for PMIDA high-salinity wastewater. The treatment system includes a booster pump, a water inlet-outlet heat exchanger, a water inlet heater and an oxidation reactor, and the water inlet-outlet heat exchanger is provided with a wastewater inlet, a wastewater outlet, an oxidized water inlet, and an oxidized water outlet. An oxidized water from the oxidation reactor enters the water inlet-outlet heat exchanger through the oxidized water inlet, the oxidized water outlet is connected to an intermediate tank, the wastewater inlet is connected to the booster pump, and the wastewater outlet is connected to a wastewater heater. A micro-interface unit is disposed at the lower part in the oxidation reactor, for dispersing crushed gas into bubbles. A gas inlet is formed at a side wall of the oxidation reactor and is connected to the micro-interface unit through a pipeline.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods that are related to a fluid processing unit. A method for separating a drilling waste fluid, the method comprising: introducing drilling waste fluid into a thermal extraction chamber; allowing drilling waste fluid to flow longitudinally along two screws disposed within thermal extraction chamber, wherein each screw comprises a shaft, an orifice, and an internal heating element; allowing internal heating element to provide heat to thermal extraction chamber; allowing at least a portion of the drilling waste fluid to evaporate; removing evaporated fluid through a first outlet; removing solids through a second outlet. A thermal extraction chamber for separating drilling waste fluids, wherein thermal extraction chamber comprises: a barrel; a first screw; a second screw, wherein first screw and the second screw comprise a shaft, an orifice, a an internal heating element; an inlet port; a first outlet port; and a second outlet port.

Abstract: Process and systems are provided for anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic feedstock into biogas and co-products, such as fibrous humid cake and a fine-particles slurry. The feedstock (e.g., grass straw) is typically first ground or milled. The feedstock is subjected to pelletizing or extruding to generate pellets (e.g., cubes) or extrudates. The pellets or extrudates may be fed to a hydrolysis unit or a digester, in dry form or wet form. Various chemicals may be added to improve the mechanical disintegration of the lignocellulosic structure of the feedstock, before, during, or after formation of pellets or extrudates. The biogas may be stored, sold, used, or further treated, such as via purification to produce pipeline-quality cellulosic methane. The fibrous humid cake and the fine-solids slurry have many potential uses. Other potential co-products include lignin, biochar, energy (as heat and/or electricity), fertilizers, soil or land conditioners, ammonium sulfate, ammonium hydroxide, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for training canines to detect complex hazardous substances from an odor mixture developed from at least two separated material components having at least two separated odors respectively. The training apparatus has a chamber base unit having at least two vial wells configured to hold separate containers of the material components and a chamber top unit having a first side facing the chamber base and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the chamber top unit and the chamber base unit define a primary vapor mixing chamber in fluid communication with the vial wells. A mechanical seal between the chamber top and the chamber base seals the primary vapor mixing chamber. A passageway extends through the chamber top unit connecting the primary vapor mixing chamber to the second side of the chamber top unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to purify water and reduce the operation costs by regulating the basicity of the aluminium based coagulants in situ as one of the parameters, such as purification of water in water—or waste water treatment plants.

Abstract: A dialysis machine has a dialyzer (D), a water inlet system for supplying the dialyzer (D) with fresh dialysis fluid which is connected to the dialyzer and an external water supply and with a line for used dialysis fluid, which is in communication with the dialyzer (D). The water inlet system includes a container for water or other liquid, in particular for RO water. The dialysis machine includes a heat exchanger connected with the line for used dialysis fluid and with the water inlet system so that heat is transferred from the used dialysis fluid to the liquid present in the water inlet system. The container includes means for physical separation of the external water supply and the downstream portions of the water inlet system, preferably a free-fall path for incoming liquid from the water supply, and the heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the container.

Abstract: Provided is a preparative separation-purification method in which an eluting solvent is passed through a trap column 20 to elute a target component captured in the trap column and collect the target component through a collection passage 34 into a collection container 21, the method including: a process of transferring the eluting solvent containing the eluted target component from the trap column to the collection container through the collection passage; a process of suctioning the eluting solvent remaining in the collection passage through a suction passage 6 connected to the collection passage; and a process of removing the collection passage from the trap column and the collection container. By this method, the eluate or eluting solvent remaining in the collection passage is prevented from being dropped into the collection container. A backflow of the eluate into the trap column is also prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a self priming, self evacuating, cyclicly operating system in which liquid is disposed in a closed, fluid tight heating chamber for sterilization. Only a single parameter, temperature, is monitored to accomplish a desired liquid SAL. A pair of valves are singly and sequentially opened and closed within four phases (steps) to provide for liquid displacement. Operation cycles through four phases which include opening an inlet valve for filling the heating chamber, heating liquid to a predetermined temperature at which the liquid is sterilized to the desired SAL, opening an outlet valve whereby internally generated pressure delivers sterilized liquid to a dispensing container and a delay for keeping valve opening separate.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a delivery device for a reducing agent includes at least one filter wall and at least one supporting wall together forming an interior space. The at least one supporting wall has an outflow opening and a bypass opening. The outflow opening can be coupled to the delivery device and the bypass opening bypasses the filter wall. A delivery device and a motor vehicle having a filter cartridge are also provided.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a disc drive actuator assembly including an e-block, a plurality of bearings, and one or more heat transfer components. The heat transfer component(s) operates to conductively draw heat from the plurality of bearings through the e-block, and convectively dissipate the heat into an atmosphere in contact therewith. The heat transfer component(s) mitigates temperature rise of the bearings during operation of a disc drive, thereby mitigating bearing lubricant outgassing from within the bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus for training canines to detect complex hazardous substances from an odor mixture developed from at least two separated material components having at least two separated odors respectively. The training apparatus has a chamber base unit having at least two vial wells configured to hold separate containers of the material components and a chamber top unit having a first side facing the chamber base and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the chamber top unit and the chamber base unit define a primary vapor mixing chamber in fluid communication with the vial wells. A mechanical seal between the chamber top and the chamber base seals the primary vapor mixing chamber. A passageway extends through the chamber top unit connecting the primary vapor mixing chamber to the second side of the chamber top unit.

Abstract: A steam generator includes an inlet configured to receive a liquid (such as water); a heating element for converting the liquid into a vapor (such as steam), the vapor bearing particles such as mineral deposits formed by the converting of the liquid; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the outlet configured to discharge filtered vapor and having a size on the order of larger ones of the particles; and a filter structure adjacent to the outlet to filter the larger particles out of the vapor to produce the filtered vapor for discharge from the outlet. By action of the filter structure, larger particles are prevented from reaching the outlet, reducing clogging and extending the usable lifetime of a small appliance containing the steam generator. The filter structure may include spaced-apart members such as posts or pillars extending perpendicularly in a planar fluid flow passage.

Abstract: A system for performing a peritoneal dialysis therapy includes at least one dialysis fluid pump, and a control unit operable with the at least one dialysis fluid pump to perform a plurality of peritoneal dialysis cycles, the cycles including a fill phase, a dwell phase and a drain phase. The control unit configured to (i) store a previously entered continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy having a total prescribed fresh dialysate fill volume delivered over n cycles, the cycles performed over a total therapy duration, and (ii) automatically convert the CCPD therapy into a tidal peritoneal dialysis therapy having n+1 cycles, less a number of cycles already completed during the CCPD therapy, using the total prescribed fresh dialysis fill volume, and maintaining the total therapy duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for methanizing biomass, a biogas plant having a plurality of such bioreactors, and a method for operating such a bioreactor. Because the elongated reactor vessel includes both a loading gate and an unloading gate that are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated reactor vessel, it is possible to remove consumed biomass, which is harmless in terms of epidemiologic hygiene and plant hygiene due to thermophilic process control during the fermentation, from the reactor vessel through the unloading gate and to transfer this consumed biomass directly to the composting process. The bioreactor thus has a “clean” unloading gate and an “unclean” loading gate.

Abstract: A waste treatment system may include a liquid separator for removing water from solid waste, a mixing tank connected to the liquid separator for mixing the solid waste with an oxidizing agent, a heat exchanger connected to the mixing tank for collecting heat generated by an exothermic reaction caused by mixing the oxidizing agent with the solid waste, and a sanitizer connected to the liquid separator to sanitize the water removed from the solid waste. A waste treatment method may involve separating water from solid waste in a liquid separator, mixing the solid waste from the liquid separator with an oxidizing agent in a mixing tank connected to the liquid separator to cause an exothermic reaction, collecting heat from the exothermic reaction in a heat exchanger coupled with the mixing tank, and sanitizing the water from the liquid separator in a sanitizer.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of the components having different boiling points of a liquid mixture, characterized in that forming bubbles by a carrier gas in the liquid mixture where the one or more volatile component is getting enriched in the bubbles, then after said bubbles leave the liquid phase the released vapor content of them is collected and condensed and the obtained liquid being enriched in the more volatile component(s) is separated from the carrier gas.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of water treatment comprising straining fractionated water to remove particles larger than one micron in diameter, decanting the strained fractionated water to remove surfactants and oil, evaporating the decanted water to provide concentrated brine and water vapor, and condensing the water vapor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose in which depolymerization capable of achieving a target viscosity in a short time is carried out safely after an etherification reaction step. More specifically, provided is a method for producing low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose having a degree of hydroxypropoxy substitution of from 9.5 to 16.0% by weight, comprising at least a step of reacting alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent and a step of carrying out depolymerization after the reaction.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The apparatus includes a vapor-compression refrigeration system, which includes an expansion component, an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser coupled in fluid communication. The evaporator is coupled to and cools the electronic component. The apparatus further includes a contaminant separator coupled in fluid communication with the refrigerant flow path. The separator includes a refrigerant cold filter and a thermoelectric array. At least a portion of refrigerant passing through the refrigerant flow path passes through the cold filter, and the thermoelectric array provides cooling to the cold filter to cool refrigerant passing through the filter. By cooling refrigerant passing through the filter, contaminants solidify from the refrigerant, and are deposited in the cold filter.

Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a flowback water concentrating system. The flowback water concentrating system includes a settling tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a supernatant liquid concentration sensor for measuring a concentration of dissolved solids in the supernatant liquid in the settling tank.

Abstract: A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a process is described for a water treatment process in which water produced from a fuel production process is treated with recycled biochar. In accordance with one aspect, process water is passed through activated carbon generated by the biomass pyrolysis and gasification. In accordance with another aspect, the process water is treated to expel gaseous compounds within the process water. In this manner both inorganics, light organics and heavy organics can be removed from the process water. No fermentation is involved.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a closed loop system for the removal of contaminants from wastewater while evaporating the water by utilizing a continuously running evaporator in communication with a separation tank wherein water is returned to the evaporator and solids are left in the separation tank for disposal.

Abstract: An anaerobic digestion device includes a digester body configured to receive organic waste and a plurality of plates coupled to one another so as to divide an interior volume of the digester body into a plurality of compartmentalized chambers. The compartmentalized chambers are movable relative to the digester body to advance a slurry of said organic waste along a length of the digester body. A plurality of ports spaced along the digester body and arranged to vent biogas from the digester body. A storage vessel is configured to receive and store biogas received from the digester body via the ports, and a heating system configured to heat the digester body. The heating system is fuelled by the biogas vented from the digester body.

Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Abstract: A waste processing system includes: an input module for converting input organic waste into processed input waste; a digester module, coupled to the input module, for generating biogas and digester effluent from the processed input waste, including: a digester tank; baffles affixed within the digester tank; a digester process solution in the digester tank including, hydrolytic bacteria, acidogenic bacteria, acetogenic bacteria, methanogenic bacteria, or a combination thereof, for converting the processed input waste into the biogas and the digester effluent; and an output module, coupled to the digester module, for collecting the biogas and digester effluent after a residence period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aeration lateral system designed to be site specific for new septic disposal areas or retro fitting to existing septic disposal areas to break up the biological clogging sludge mat at the interface of the wastewater and imported sand or native soil fill under or adjacent to disposal areas of a typical septic system. The lateral system provides uniform or other site specific distribution of fluids about the bio-mat of a wastewater disposal area, with lateral spacing and hole spacing varying based on the type of disposal area being utilized. The lateral system can also be utilized to provide continuous low volume air supply system to a wastewater disposal area or peat filter module. The air lateral installation includes methods to minimize airflow disturbance of the soil and methods to prevent air leakage.

Abstract: A method for removal and condensation of vapors from within an enclosed space (120) is disclosed. An enclosed space (120) containing material (110) is surrounded by an insulative permeable layer (130) having a lowering temperature gradient (230) between the inner surface (220) and the outer surfaces (240). The insulative layer (130) may also be covered by an impermeable layer (140). Heating the material (110) in the enclosed space (120) causes the formation of vapors at a positive pressure within the enclosed space (120). Vapors pass through the inner surface (220) of the insulative permeable layer (130) and contact the permeable materials and are condensed by the lowering temperature within the insulative layer (130). The condensate liquid passes downwardly through the insulative layer (130) for collection.

Abstract: For purifying a liquid, the liquid is caused to evaporate in a cyclone in a recirculation circuit. Vapor is discharged via a discharge channel in which a compressor is included. In a heat exchanger downstream of the compressor, supplied vapor condenses and heat thereby released is transferred to liquid in the recirculation circuit. A liquid inlet of the cyclone is placed and directed for delivering a jet having a directional component tangential with respect to an inner surface of the cyclone. The liquid inlet has a section shaped such that in operation the delivered jet is a flat jet having a cross section which in a direction parallel to a nearest generatrix of the inner surface of the cyclone is greater than in a direction perpendicular thereto. The jet contacts the inner surface of the cyclone before drop formation occurs in the jet. A method for purifying a liquid is also described.

Abstract: Systems for treating biomass for the production of ethanol are disclosed. The systems are configured to treat a liquid component separated from biomass to yield sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product. The systems comprise a filter configured to remove particulate matter to provide a filtered component and an apparatus configured to remove inhibitors from the filtered liquid component provide a treated liquid component comprising sugars available for fermentation. Methods for treating for treating biomass useful in the production of a fermentation product are also disclosed. The methods include the steps of filtering a liquid component to remove particulate matter thereby yielding a filtered liquid component, and treating the filtered liquid component to remove inhibitors thereby yielding a treated liquid component comprising sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product.

Abstract: A seawater desalination system 10A includes a heat exchanging unit for heating feed seawater to a reverse osmosis membrane system using at least one or more of thermal discharge, exhaust gas, and steam generated through a gas engine and heating medium used in a heat pump system, and a reverse osmosis membrane system, provided in the downstream of the heat exchanging unit, for separating the feed seawater to the reverse osmosis membrane system into permeate and concentrate. The seawater desalination system according to the present invention is allowed to produce the permeate in economical and stable manners, even in such marine conditions as lower seawater temperature, by performing efficient heating and control of seawater.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane modules and applications therefor. In particular, the invention relates to the construction of membrane modules for use in forward osmosis, heat exchange, and distillation processes.

Abstract: A dialysis machine includes a blood circuit, a dialysate circuit, and a dialyzer placed in communication with the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit. The dialysis machine includes a priming sequence in which dialysate is used to prime a first portion of the dialysate circuit and a physiologically compatible solution, other than dialysate, is used to prime a second portion of the dialysate circuit, the dialyzer and the blood circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for removing water vapor from a gas stream and for providing water purification, recovery and/or concentration. The apparatuses and systems employ a graphene oxide or a perforated graphene monolayer membrane to separate liquid water molecules and/or water vapor molecules from gasses, liquids, and other substances such as a wet muck or an aqueous sample. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing water from a gas or liquid stream includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a graphene oxide membrane separating the first lumen from the second lumen. Water molecules within a humid gas or liquid stream introduced into the first lumen pass through the graphene oxide membrane into a dry gas stream introduced into the second lumen.

Abstract: An evaporator system for evaporating wastewater comprises an evaporation chamber; a heat exchanger disposed within a hollow interior of the evaporation chamber; a spray pump and at least one spray nozzle for spraying the wastewater onto the exterior surface of the heat exchanger; a control apparatus configured to control the operation of the heat exchanger, the spray pump and the evaporation chamber; a housing; and a power source. The heat exchanger may comprise at least one hollow body that has a wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a first opening at a first end of the at least one hollow body, a second opening at a second end of the at least one hollow body.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a filter, an aerator, a hydrogen absorption manifold, a first treatment container, a second treatment container, a boiler, a superheater, a fractional distillation separator and a condenser. The filter is adapted for removing chloride ions and transmutated chlorine ions; while the hydrogen absorptive manifold is designed for absorbing hydrogen ions and reducing the pH of the water. The boiler and superheater may be utilized to convert the water to a superheated steam, while the fractional distillation separator is adapted for condensing and separating elements, including radioactive elements, from the superheated steam. A method for treating contaminated water using the water treatment system is also provided.

Abstract: Portions of a feed liquid are passed through respective condensers and liquid-liquid heat exchangers. The feed liquid is then heated and injected into a first feed-liquid containment chamber, where vapor from the feed is passed through a first gas-permeable membrane and directed into a first condenser, where the vapor is cooled by the feed liquid passing through the first condenser and condenses as it cools to produce a first liquid permeate. The first liquid permeate is passed through the first liquid-liquid heat exchanger where the first liquid permeate is cooled by the feed liquid passing therethrough. After the vapor is removed from the feed liquid in the first feed-liquid containment chamber, the remaining feed liquid from the first feed-liquid containment chamber is injected into a second feed-liquid containment chamber, where the process is repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering nutrients from digestate comprises one or more solid-liquid separation steps, and dryer, an ammonia stripping device, and an evaporator. In a process, digestate is separated into a solids portion and a liquid portion. Ammonia is stripped from the liquid portion and converted into an ammonium solution or salt which may be used as, or blended with, a fertilizer product. At least part of the remaining liquid portion is concentrated to produce brine. The brine is mixed with the solids portion. The mixture is dried and may be used as, or blended with, a fertilizer product.

Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a slurry thickening and storage system. The slurry thickening and storage system includes a slurry thickening tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a thickened slurry storage tank fluidly connected to the slurry thickening tank.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: Provided are a process and device for reducing radioactive material of an object containing the radioactive material to a safe level in a living environment. Included are a step of performing at least a step of carrying out a heating process on the object, into which radioactive material is absorbed and/or adsorbed from an environment or which absorbs and/or adsorbs radioactive material from an environment, in a state where temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature of water and pressure is greater than or equal to the saturated vapor pressure of water, or a step of abruptly releasing the pressure; and a step of separating, after the above step, into liquid and solid.

Abstract: A reactor system including a main reactor having a reaction vessel in operative communication with a solar concentrator for focusing sunlight onto the reaction vessel for providing waste management and removal is disclosed. The sunlight focused on the reactor vessel provides ultraviolet radiation that degrades organic pollutants within the reaction vessel and infrared radiation boils off the liquid within the reaction vessel, thereby allowing a steady state condition to be achieved in the reactor vessel. The main reactor is in communication with a condenser that receives the water vapor and other gases from the reactor vessel in which a phase separation operation occurs such that heavier water liquid phase is captured within a storage chamber and the gaseous phase is transported to a gas scrubber for filtering the lighter gaseous phase.

Abstract: An evaporation device has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is made of a hydrophilic membrane, such as DutyionT. The outer tube is preferably made of a material that readily absorbs solar radiation and is a good heat conductor. There is a gap between the inner tube and the outer tube for the flow of air. The inner tube contains a flow of impure water. The hydrophilic membrane allows water to pass to the outside of the inner tube as vapor, but prevents impurities from passing through. Air flowing in the gap takes up the water vapor and humidified air exits the evaporation device. This humidified air is subsequently cooled to collect the vapor and provide purified water, e.g. at a condenser.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: A method of purifying an alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol, includes a first ion exchange step of performing ion exchange treatment on an alcohol-containing liquid; a step of performing dehydration treatment using a dehydration membrane on the liquid treated in the first ion exchange step; a distillation step of performing distillation on the dehydration-treated liquid; and a second ion exchange step of further performing ion exchange treatment on the liquid obtained in the distillation step to obtain a purified alcohol.

Abstract: Described herein is air gap membrane distillation apparatus comprising a module (500) including a stack (510) of condenser frames, membrane frames and distillate frame assemblies sandwiched between a front plate (520) and a back plate (530). Inlet and outlet connectors (560, 565, 570, 575) are provided that are connected internally to fluid channels defined by openings in the frames forming the stack (510). Distillate drain outlets (550) are connected to distillate channels (555) for collecting distillate condensed on condenser surfaces within the stack (510). Modules can also be used for other types of membrane distillation, the required frames being selected for optimisation of the distillation process. By using modules, each part of the distillation process can be individually optimised without affecting the efficiency of other parts of the process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pervaporation membrane process for the separation of high octane fuel components from a gasoline feed stream comprising feeding a mixed phase vapor-liquid feed to a cyclone separation means to separate the liquid from the vapor, then sending the saturated vapor to the membrane, thereby extending the useful life of the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiment methods and systems for the recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) are provided. Recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) includes performing a draw solute thermal separation method on a first solution stream produced by the ODMP, in which the thermal separation method creates a first vapor stream containing draw solute from the first solution stream and a first liquid stream which is substantially free from the draw solute or which has a lower draw solute concentration than the first solution stream, and directing heat from at least a portion of the first vapor stream to a draw solute thermal separation method performed on a second solution stream from the ODMP.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.