Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a membrane unit, an energy recovery device, high and low pressure inlet lines, and a concentrate line. The membrane unit has a membrane, an inlet for receiving a feed fluid, a permeate outlet for discharging a permeate fluid and a concentrate outlet for discharging a concentrate fluid. The energy recovering device has a turbine portion, a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet, a pump portion, a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a motor, and a motor control unit for controlling the motor. The low pressure inlet line is connected to the pump inlet for supplying the feed fluid at a low pressure. The high pressure inlet line connects the pump outlet with the inlet for supplying the feed fluid at a high pressure. The concentrate line connects the concentrate outlet with the turbine inlet for supplying the concentrate fluid to the turbine portion.

Abstract: A method for separation and enrichment of lithium includes the following steps: pretreatment: diluting and filtering salina aged brine to obtain pretreated brine; separation: separating the pretreated brine via a nanofiltration separation system to obtain nanofiltration permeate and nanofiltration concentrate; first concentration: carrying out first concentration on the nanofiltration permeate via a reverse osmosis system to obtain reverse osmosis concentrate and reverse osmosis permeate; second concentration: carrying out second concentration on the reverse osmosis concentrate via an electrodialysis system to obtain electrodialysis concentrate and electrodialysis permeate, and the electrodialysis concentrate is solution enriching lithium ions.

Abstract: A method for efficient separation and enrichment of lithium includes the following steps: pretreatment: diluting and filtering salina aged brine to obtain pretreated brine; separation: separating the pretreated brine via a nanofiltration separation system to obtain nanofiltration permeate and nanofiltration concentrate, wherein the operation pressure of the nanofiltration separation system is 1.0 MPa˜5.0 MPa; first concentration: carrying out first concentration on the nanofiltration permeate via a reverse osmosis system to obtain reverse osmosis concentrate and reverse osmosis permeate; and second concentration: carrying out second concentration on the reverse osmosis concentrate via an electrodialysis system to obtain electrodialysis concentrate and electrodialysis permeate, wherein the electrodialysis concentrate is a solution enriching lithium ions.

Abstract: A method for separation and enrichment of lithium includes the following steps: pretreatment: carrying out at least two dilutions and at least two filtrations on salina aged brine to obtain pretreated brine; separation: separating the pretreated brine via a nanofiltration separation system to obtain nanofiltration permeate and nanofiltration concentrate; first concentration: carrying out first concentration on the nanofiltration permeate via a reverse osmosis system to obtain reverse osmosis concentrate and reverse osmosis permeate; second concentration: carrying out second concentration on the reverse osmosis concentrate via an electrodialysis system to obtain electrodialysis concentrate and electrodialysis permeate, and the electrodialysis concentrate is solution enriching lithium ions.

Abstract: A fluid to fluid pressurizer includes an elongated stationary portion comprising a plurality of flow channels, said stationary portion comprising a first face at a first end and a second face at a second end. A first and second rotor housing are disposed adjacent to the end of the elongated stationary portion and have a fluid inlet fluidically coupled to respective first and second annular channels. A first and second rotary valve plates are in the housings and have inlet valve ports coupling the fluid inlet to the plurality of flow channels and outlet valve ports fluidically coupling the flow channels to adjacent the rotor faces. The rotary valve plates have sealing surfaces adjacent the stator faces. Annular seals are disposed between the rotor housings and the rotary valve plate between the annular channels. A motor or motors rotate the rotary valve plates within the housings.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing comprising a feed fluid inlet, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet. A first turbocharger has a first pump portion and a first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a first pipe directing a first portion of brine to the first pump portion. The first pump portion is in fluid communication with the feed fluid inlet. A feed pump communicates feed fluid to the feed fluid inlet through the first turbine portion. The brine outlet is coupled to a second pipe directing a second portion of brine toward a drain through a brine control valve.

Abstract: A system for purifying a treated liquid, including: a treatment module, for treating the liquid and providing a purified liquid, and a residual liquid; and a means for pressurizing said treated liquid to supply said treatment module, including: a master cylinder, driven by a working fluid, and at least slave cylinder, driven by said master cylinder, receiving said treated liquid and supplying it to said treatment module; a cross section of said master cylinder is greater than a cross section of said slave cylinder so that, a greater pressure is generated on the treated liquid in the slave cylinder; and a means for pre-pressurizing the treated liquid, upstream of the pressurizing means, including: at least one master cylinder, connected to the treatment module, and driven by the residual liquid, and a slave cylinder, containing the treated liquid, driven by said master cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seawater desalination system for desalinating seawater by removing salinity from the seawater and an energy recovery apparatus which is preferably used in the seawater desalination system. The energy recovery apparatus includes a cylindrical chamber (CH) being installed such that a longitudinal direction of the chamber is placed in a vertical direction, a concentrated seawater port (P1) for supplying and discharging the concentrated seawater, a seawater port (P2) for supplying and discharging the seawater, a flow resistor (23) provided at a concentrated seawater port (P1) side in the chamber (CH), and a flow resistor (23) provided at a seawater port (P2) side in the chamber (CH).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating useful energy includes a first chamber containing a draw solution which includes an osmotic agent and a second chamber containing a feed solution. A semi-permeable membrane allows the feed solution to move thereacross by osmosis, from the second chamber to the first chamber, to form a diluted draw solution. Pressurizing means apply a pressure to the diluted draw solution in the first chamber. Energy conversion means convert mechanical energy in the diluted draw solution, which is generated by osmotic movement of the feed solution across the semi-permeable membrane, into useful, electrical energy. The osmotic agent includes particles in the range of 0.5 nm-5 mm and the semi-permeable membrane has pores with diameters that are no larger than the diameter of the particles, thereby improving the amount of power or useful energy generated by the apparatus. There is further provided a corresponding method of generating power or useful energy.

Abstract: There is provided a separation membrane unit wherein a plurality of separation membrane subunits (11a-c) communicate with raw water lines A (9a-c) that comprise raw water supply valves W (10a-c), water discharge lines B (12a-c) that comprise water discharge valves X (13a-c), raw water lines C (16a-c) that comprise first raw water communication valves Y (17a-c), raw water lines D (19a-c) that comprise second raw water communication valves Z (20a-c), and permeate water lines E (21a-c); and wherein the raw water lines A communicate with the water discharge lines B, the raw water lines C communicate with the raw water lines D, the raw water lines A communicate with a main raw water line 7, the water discharge lines B communicate with a main water discharge line 14, the raw water lines C and the raw water lines D communicate with a collection line 18, and the permeate water lines E communicate with a main permeate water line 22.

Abstract: An energy exchange chamber is used for exchanging pressure energy between concentrated seawater discharged from a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus and a part of seawater to be treated by the reverse-osmosis membrane separation apparatus in a seawater desalination system. The energy exchange chamber includes a concentrated seawater distributor communicating with a concentrated seawater port and configured to distribute a flow of concentrated seawater all over a horizontal plane of an interior of a chamber, and a seawater distributor communicating with a seawater port and configured to distribute a flow of seawater all over the horizontal plane of the interior of the chamber. The concentrated seawater and the seawater introduced into the chamber are brought into direct contact with each other over the horizontal plane of the interior of the chamber to exchange pressure energy between the concentrated seawater and the seawater introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A process of producing an injection water stream of controlled salinity and controlled sulfate anion content that is suitable for injection into an oil bearing formation of an oil reservoir, the process comprising the steps of: (a) feeding a source water having a total dissolved solids content in the range of 20,000 to 45,000 ppm and a sulfate anion concentration in the range of 1,000 to 4,000 ppm, preferably, 1,500 ppm to 4,000 ppm to a desalination plant that comprises a plurality of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane units and a plurality of nanofiltration (NF) membrane units wherein the source water is pressurised to a pressure in the range of 350 to 1250 psi absolute, and dividing the source water to provide a feed water for the RO membrane units (hereinafter “RO feed water”) and a feed water for the NF membrane units (hereinafter “NF feed water”); (b) if necessary, increasing the pressure of the RO feed water to a value in the range of 900 to 1250 psi absolute before introducing the RO feed water to the RO m

Abstract: A self contained energy generating system that comprises a galvanic battery and a power distribution system. The energy generating system is used to purify water by using a reverse osmosis device that draws in a source of water and transfers electrolytes to the galvanic battery. Upon contact with the electrolyte, the galvanic battery produces energy by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the cathode and anode and transfers energy to the power distribution system, which in turn provides power to the osmosis device. Additionally, the system includes a hydrogen fuel cell to increase the amount of energy generated and a power storage device for storing excess energy generated. The system also includes a controller which is configured to regulate the overall operation of the system.

Abstract: An induced symbiotic osmosis pump (ISOP) (and method of using same) comprising: a closed loop comprising a riser pipe and a downpipe having substantially the same length fluidly communicating at a base with an induced osmosis semipermeable membrane and fluidly communicating at an opposed end with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a pressure exchanger fluidly communicating with a reverse osmosis membrane, the downpipe comprising a check valve; the induced osmosis semipermeable membrane of the closed loop fluidly communicating with an initial reverse osmosis module fluidly communicating with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a source of fluid having an initial salinity; the brine pump electronically communicating with an electrical source; and, the reverse osmosis membrane fluidly communicating with a storage tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the storage of potential energy that may be readily converted to electrical power delivered to a customer or grid distribution are disclosed. This method may involve the use of salinity gradients, or as they may be also described, osmotic pressure gradients or differences between two solutions, to produce hydraulic pressure in a concentrated solution, allowing for the generation of power.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating useful energy includes a first chamber containing a draw solution which includes an osmotic agent and a second chamber containing a feed solution. A semi-permeable membrane allows the feed solution to move thereacross by osmosis, from the second chamber to the first chamber, to form a diluted draw solution. Pressurizing means apply a pressure to the diluted draw solution in the first chamber. Energy conversion means convert mechanical energy in the diluted draw solution, which is generated by osmotic movement of the feed solution across the semi-permeable membrane, into useful, electrical energy. The osmotic agent includes particles in the range of 0.5 nm-5 mm and the semi-permeable membrane has pores with diameters that are no larger than the diameter of the particles, thereby improving the amount of power or useful energy generated by the apparatus. There is further provided a corresponding method of generating power or useful energy.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a liquid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a membrane. The network of second channels can include a pressurizing feature to create a high pressure at an upstream portion of the second channels and a low pressure at a downstream portion of the second channels. Liquid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Filtrate can be flowed through the pressurizing feature in the second channels, such that the pressure difference in between the first and second channels causes at least some of the analyte in the first liquid is transported into the second channels through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a centrifugal filtering device for filtering a fluid. The device comprises a rotatable inner casing forming an inner space and a rotatable outer casing forming an outer space. The device further comprises a fluid inlet, at least one filter and drive means. The drive means is configured to rotate the inner casing to create a centrifugal pressure. The pressure forces a part of the fluid contained in the inner space through the filter and to a radially outer position of the outer space. The filtered fluid forms a filtrate, the filtrate having a kinetic energy. The outer casing is configured to transport the filtrate from the radially outer position to a radially inner position of the outer space, permitting transfer of the kinetic energy from the filtrate to the outer casing, thereby permitting regaining of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A seawater desalination system which can solve a problem of wear of a sliding member and can suppress mixing of concentrated seawater and seawater by making an energy exchange chamber no-piston configuration is provided. In a seawater desalination system for producing fresh water from seawater by passing the seawater pressurized by a pump through a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus (4) to separate the seawater into fresh water and concentrated seawater, an energy exchange chamber (20) for utilizing pressure energy of the concentrated seawater discharged from the reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus (3) as energy for pressurizing part of the seawater is provided.

Abstract: The forward osmosis membrane flow system (1) includes a high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) to which a high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, a low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) to which a low osmotic pressure fluid with a lower osmotic pressure than that of the high osmotic pressure fluid is supplied, and a semipermeable membrane (4) that separates the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section and the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section from each other. A flow rate in the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) is increased by an occurrence of fluid migration from the low osmotic pressure fluid flow section (3) into the high osmotic pressure fluid flow section (2) through the semipermeable membrane (4). The semipermeable membrane (4) is a composite semipermeable membrane with a polyamide-based skin layer formed on a porous epoxy resin membrane.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a first pump receiving feed fluid at a first pressure and increasingly pressurizing the feed fluid to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A membrane housing having an inlet, a membrane, a permeate outlet and a brine outlet. The inlet receiving feed fluid. A hydraulic energy management integration system (HEMI) having a turbine portion, a pump portion and a motor. The brine outlet fluid is in fluid communication with the turbine portion. The reverse osmosis system also includes a second pump and a controller controlling the motor to retard rotation of the HEMI while the first pump increasingly pressurizes the feed fluid to the second pressure.

Abstract: A seawater desalination system produces fresh water from seawater by passing the seawater pressurized by a pump through a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus to separate the seawater into fresh water and concentrated seawater. An energy exchange chamber is provided for utilizing pressure energy of the concentrated seawater discharged from the reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus as energy for pressurizing part of the seawater. The energy exchange chamber includes a concentrated seawater port for introducing and discharging the concentrated seawater, a seawater port for introducing and discharging the seawater, and a plurality of partitioned fluid passages provided in the chamber to allow the concentrated seawater port and the seawater port to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A filtration system include a vessel and a filter element, a first port through which a feed stream can enter the vessel, a second port through which a reject stream can exit the vessel, and a third port through which a permeate can exit the vessel, and a valve system that can be configured to alternately pass the feed stream into the vessel through the first and second ports.

Abstract: The apparatus for osmotic power generation and desalination using a salinity difference includes: a first osmotic membrane reactor having a first salt water position space and a third salt water position space separated by a first forward osmotic membrane; a second osmotic membrane reactor having a second salt water position space and a draw solution position space separated by a second forward osmotic membrane; a high pressure pump connected between the second salt water position space and the third salt water position space; a desalination unit obtaining fresh water by separating a draw solute from a draw solution diluted through a transmission of water in salt water of the second salt water position space by way of the draw solution position space; and a turbine driven by flow force of salt water discharged from the third salt water position space to produce electric energy.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a membrane filtration device able to supply electric power to a sensor under various conditions, including situations in which a plant is not operating. The membrane filtration device of the present invention comprises a membrane element for generating a permeate by filtering a liquid to be filtered through a filtration membrane, and includes a pressure-resistant container for containing the membrane element, a sensor for sensing the properties of the liquid flowing through the membrane filtration device, an electric-power-generating unit for generating electric power, and a primary battery. The sensor, the electric-power-generating unit, and the primary battery are provided inside the pressure-resistant container.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system according to the present disclosure includes a first membrane array, a second membrane array, a hydraulic pressure booster, and a motor-generator. The first membrane array is configured to generate a first permeate stream and a first brine stream from a feed stream. The second membrane array is configured to generate a second permeate stream and a second brine stream from the first brine stream. The booster is configured to use energy from the second brine stream to increase pressure of at least one of the feed stream and the first brine stream. The motor-generator is coupled to the hydraulic pressure booster and is operable to use energy from a power supply to drive the hydraulic pressure booster. The motor-generator is also operable to use energy from the second brine stream to provide power to the power supply.

Abstract: A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a power train comprising a plurality of cells, each cell forming a hydraulic loop; producing a power train cycle comprising a controlled concentration-pressure loop wherein the concentration field: (a) osmotically induces a continuous and constant flow rate of substantially salt-free permeate flux throughout the power train; (b) maintains a salt concentration difference across the semipermeable membrane shared by the adjacent cells in the plurality of cells; (c) defines a salt concentration ratio within each cell that ensures a net positive power generation; and, (d) discharges the concentrated brine at the opposing end cell; and operating the power train under conditions effective to generate net positive power at an efficiency of 35% or more.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a plurality of feed pumps each having a feed pump input and a feed pump output, an input manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump inputs and a membrane feed manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump output. The system also includes a plurality of membrane chambers each in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold and generating a permeate output and a brine output, each brine output in fluid communication with a brine manifold. The system further includes a plurality of booster devices each having a turbine portion with a turbine input in fluid communication with the brine manifold and a pump portion having a booster device pump input and a booster device pump output, each booster device pump output in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold. The system includes a pump input manifold in fluid communication with the booster device pump input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of hydraulic energy by direct osmosis from two saline solutions having different concentrations made to pass through one or more modules of semipermeable membranes having a double inlet and outlet port, originally designed to execute the process of inverse osmosis, without a requirement to realise any technical modification to said modules of membranes. In this manner, an osmotic potential is produced in the membranes creating a current of solution having a pressure sufficient to produce hydraulic energy. A further object of the present invention is the installation designed to produce hydraulic energy according to the stated procedure and the use thereof, together with a desalination plant and a tertiary waste water treatment plant comprising the installation to produce hydraulic energy.

Abstract: A pump assembly to move water past a reverse osmosis membrane, the pump assembly having a first pump and a second pump each including a bore having a longitudinal axis and surrounding a chamber. First and second partition members extend longitudinally of the chamber. The second partition is moveable relative to the first partition member, and divides the chamber into a first sub chamber and a second sub chamber. A shaft is attached to the second member to cause angular movement thereof about the axis to change the volumes of the sub chambers. End caps are fitted to ends of each chamber to contain pressure, and ducting is provided to provide for the flow of water. The shaft of the first pump is coupled to the shaft of the second pump so that the first pump second partition angularly oscillates in phase with the second pump second partition.

Abstract: A pumping machine, that can serve a system as the sole main pump for pressurizing a primary liquid flow, incorporates, in a single machine, a rotor-drum type AP (axial piston) pump and a PX (pressure exchanger) that recovers energy from a secondary liquid flow such as the brine discharge from an RO seawater desalination system, with benefits including fewer moving parts and small machine size along with lower capital and operating costs. A single rotor-drum containing the cylinders and pistons is located between two end blocks, one or both configured with manifold passageways, ports and sliding valves. A swash-plate at one end reciprocates the pistons axially when the rotor-drum is rotated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reverse osmosis system (1) with at least one membrane unit (2) comprising an inlet (3), a permeate outlet (4) and a concentrate outlet (5), a high-pressure pump (8) that is connected to the inlet (3), a pressure exchanger (11) comprising at least one high-pressure concentrate connection (HPC), and a booster pump. It is endeavoured to achieve the lowest possible energy consumption. For this purpose, the booster pump is made as a displacement pump (16) that is arranged between the concentrate outlet (5) and the high-pressure concentrate connection (HPC) of the pressure exchanger (11).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hollow fiber forward osmosis membrane, which can enhance forward osmotic pressure energy acquired by permeation, and thus improve power generation efficiency in the forward osmotic pressure power generation, when dilution water such as freshwater permeates into seawater through the osmosis membrane. The relationship between optimal conditions for an inner diameter d and a length L of the hollow fiber osmosis membrane to be used for forward osmotic pressure power generation whereby dilution water such as fresh water is caused to permeate into non-concentrate seawater through the hollow fiber osmosis membrane to increase a flow rate on the side of the seawater using forward osmotic pressure energy thus generated, and power is generated using the increased flow rate, is expressed as equation (1) in the range of d=50 to 200 ?m, L=0.5 to 2 m and J=1.7×10?7 to 5.1×10?7 m/sec, [Equation 11] d L 0.75 + J 0.5 = 1.0 × 10 5 ? 1.

Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.

Abstract: An optimized system for conserving energy used in the process of reverse osmosis which creates, controls and measures a virtual septum within an energy recovery work exchanger, multiple-orifice distribution plates, vessels of varying sizes and tanks placed at optimum elevations.

Abstract: A power recovery chamber is used for a positive-displacement power recovery apparatus in the seawater desalination plant or system. The power recovery chamber includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of being reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a piston guide disposed in the cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder for guiding the piston when the piston is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the piston is out of contact with an inner surface of the cylinder, and the piston is brought into contact with the piston guide at a part where the piston guide passes through the piston.

Abstract: A pure water production apparatus and method are provided that effectively use an isobaric type energy recovery unit that can efficiently recover energy against feed water variation. In a pure water producing method supplying and having a plurality of kinds of feed water with different water qualities permeated through a semi-permeable membrane to produce the pure water, a portion (referred to as first feed water) of the plurality of kinds of feed water supplied to a semi-permeable membrane unit comprising the semi-permeable membrane is boosted by utilizing an isobaric type energy recovery unit that recovers pressure energy of concentrate discharged from the semi-permeable membrane unit, the rest (referred to as second feed water) of the plurality of kinds of feed water is boosted by a high pressure pump, and the boosted first and second feed water are supplied together to the semi-permeable membrane unit.

Abstract: In a small-volume reverse osmosis system with a reverse osmosis module, a concentrate line leading from the reverse osmosis module to an outlet line, a permeate line leading from the reverse osmosis module to a storage tank, as well as a permeate pump connected to the concentrate line and to the permeate line with a displacement unit and two control channels, the invention proposes that two valves that are alternately switched by the displacement unit (12) depending on the position be integrated into a joint control slide and control channel opening combination.

Abstract: Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide an economical means for producing electricity.

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: A method for treating seawater that includes the step of intaking water into at least one treatment block, wherein the treatment block includes a membrane pressure vessel having at least one membrane element, wherein the treatment block is configured such that the intake water is fed through the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, is disclosed. The disclosed method further includes the steps of feeding the intake water through the membrane pressure vessel at a custom pressure based on the at least one membrane element of the membrane pressure vessel, and separating the intake water into at least an aqueous permeate stream and a concentrate reject stream; and outputting the aqueous permeate stream and the concentrate reject stream.

Abstract: A seawater desalination system which can solve a problem of wear of a sliding member and can suppress mixing of concentrated seawater and seawater by making an energy exchange chamber no-piston configuration is provided. In a seawater desalination system for producing fresh water from seawater by passing the seawater pressurized by a pump through a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus (4) to separate the seawater into fresh water and concentrated seawater, an energy exchange chamber (20) for utilizing pressure energy of the concentrated seawater discharged from the reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus (3) as energy for pressurizing part of the seawater is provided.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system 110 includes a membrane chamber 112 having a feed line. The chamber 112 generates a permeate stream 114 and a brine stream 116 from the feed line 118. A feed pump 120 pressurizes the feed line 118. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the permeate stream 214. A booster device 172 has a turbine 176 in fluid communication with the brine stream 116 and a pump 174 in fluid communication with the feed line 118. A motor 178 is coupled to the turbine device 176 and a variable frequency drive 182 is attached to the turbine device 176 operating in response to the first flow signal. A second flow meter 218 generates a second flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the brine stream 116 and a variable size nozzle 240 operates an opening in response to the second flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing salinity power using pressure retarded osmosis and a biometric membrane (e.g., a liquid bilayer membrane or a lipid membrane containing multiple bilayers of fused deposited lipid vesicles) containing aquaporin water channels. The invention also provides power plants for producing salinity energy using pressure retarded osmosis and a biometric water membrane containing functional aquaporin channels.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes: a spiral type pressure vessel 15 in which a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane apparatuses 13-1 to 13-10 having spiral reverse osmosis membranes is connected through a permeated water pipe 14, and is housed in a connected state; a raw water supplying line that supplies raw water 11 into the pressure vessel 15; a concentrated water discharging line through which concentrated water 16 concentrated is discharged; a plug 17 that blocks the permeated water pipe 14 at the center of the reverse osmosis membrane apparatuses 13-1 to 13-10; a front-side permeated water line and a front-side permeated water line through which front-side permeated water 12-1 and rear-side permeated water 12-2 are discharged to the exterior, respectively, which are separated fore and aft, respectively, of the permeated water pipe 14 blocked by the plug 17; a pressure regulating valve 20 that is mounted in the raw wares supplying line and regulates the supply pressure of the raw water 11;

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-reciprocating energy recovery device utilized in driving of a seawater pump by self-reciprocating a piston of a power recovery chamber and recovering energy not using an electronic drive unit but using the hydraulic power of concentrated water. The self-reciprocating energy recovery device including a pair of power recovery chambers having pistons therein respectively, a high-pressure concentrated supply pipe, a low-pressure concentrated discharge pipe, and a high-pressure seawater discharge pipe to enable the power recovery chambers to recover hydraulic power supplied through the high-pressure concentrated water supply pipe and utilize the hydraulic power in driving of a seawater pump.

Abstract: A pressure driven apparatus comprising a housing, at least one flexible membrane located within the housing so as to divide the interior of the housing into a plurality of chambers, one or more inlets through which a pressurised fluid enters the housing and one or more outlets through which the pressurised fluid exits the housing, and wherein the membrane is adapted for connection to a drive member such that movement of the pressurised fluid within the housing results in the membrane imparting a force to the drive member.