Abstract: New industrial, commercial and/or household process and the apparatus to carry out that process. Used in water recycling and reuse treatments applied to laundering, dyeing and stamping processes in general, mainly in the textile segment. Today, residues generated by industrial plants must be disposed of in compliance with the national legislation, established by resolutions issued by the National Environment Council of each region and country. As a result, there are several processes for the treatment of residuary water and effluents in several categories. However, to date, there is no specific treatment for effluents of textile industrial plants and/or similar facilities, because each plant uses different chemical components together with their products, which requires different treatments. Consequently, general purpose effluent treatments are more commonly used, but are not always efficient in treating special cases of effluents containing specific residues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water are provided. A feed water such as seawater can be fed to a filter such as a microporous or nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention is a filtering and chemical separation device that performs the operations of solvent extraction and pervaporation in a single piece of equipment, configured as a spiral-wound membrane module, and provides for the replenishment of the solvent in the supported liquid membrane while the module continues in operation. It provides a solution to the problem of separating miscible compounds efficiently and with low energy requirements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an integrated process and system for water treatment, in particular, an integrated process and system for water treatment in the beverage manufacture cycle. The water treatment process is directed to treating an influent water solution, a low sugar concentration solution, and a high sugar concentration solution. The water treatment system is directed to a system for treating an influent water solution, a system for treating a low sugar concentration solution, and system for treating a high sugar concentration solution.

Abstract: A system and method for removing minerals from a water source and concentrating these minerals for ease of reuse or disposal includes passing the water from a suitable source through cascaded membrane filters, the reject outputs of each of which are connected to the inputs of the next membrane filter in the cascade. At the input of each of the membrane filters, a pre-filter in the form of a micro-filtration filter, an ultra filtration filter, or a slow sand filter, is used to remove sediment and impurities from the water stream prior to the application of the water to the input of the next membrane filter in the cascade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing contaminants from water which includes the steps of first providing a water feed exposed to at least one hydrocarbon or chemical process. This water feed is set in-line with a reverse osmosis system which includes an inlet, at least one reverse osmosis membrane, a permeate outlet, and a reject outlet. Then, pressure is applied to the water feed, or where the pressure of the water feed is higher than desired, the pressure is controlled or reduced. The pressure of the water feed serves to force the water feed through the reverse osmosis system. The reverse osmosis system then separates the water feed into a permeate and reject which includes at least one of the contaminants. The permeate is then directed to the permeate outlet and the reject is directed to the reject outlet.

Abstract: A method of processing backwash water by use of a membrane separation process is disclosed. Specifically, the following steps are taken to process backwash water: collecting backwash water in a receptacle suitable to hold said backwash water; treating said backwash water with one or more water soluble polymers, wherein said water soluble polymers are selected from the group consisting of: amphoteric polymers; cationic polymers, wherein, said charge density is from about 5 mole percent to about 100 mole percent; zwitterionic polymers; and a combination thereof; optionally mixing said water soluble polymers with said backwash water; passing said treated backwash water through a membrane, wherein said membrane is an ultrafiltration membrane or a microfiltration membrane; and optionally back-flushing said membrane to remove solids from the membrane surface.

Abstract: A method of processing landfill leachate by use of a membrane separation process is disclosed. Specifically, the following steps are taken to process landfill leachate: collecting landfill leachate in a receptacle suitable to hold said landfill leachate; treating said landfill leachate with one or more water soluble polymers, wherein said water soluble polymers are selected from the group consisting of: amphoteric polymers; cationic polymers; zwitterionic polymers; and a combination thereof; optionally mixing said water soluble polymers with said landfill leachate; passing said treated landfill leachate through a membrane, wherein said membrane is an ultrafiltration membrane or a microfiltration membrane; and optionally back-flushing said membrane to remove solids from the membrane surface.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved method for treating ethanol distillation still bottoms by recovering, through solids separation and pressurized membrane filtration, potable water from still bottoms for human consumption by bottling or for reuse, and concentrating the solids with beneficial properties recovered such as chemicals, nutrients and medicinals before anaerobic digestion. The invention is on improved process because it can reduce the volume of solids to manage, recovers the water from the fermentation still bottoms while pasteurized, maintains the chemical and physical properties of solids for beneficial property recovery, improves ethanol and energy efficiency, and results in clean discharge to the environment including carbon dioxide recovery. A bioreactor produces a gas rich in methane fuel from the concentrate to power the pressurized filtration process and an aqueous ammonia solution to recover or recycle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by using a temperature gradient, which device includes: (a) a vapor chamber that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located (b) an evaporation compartment having a least a wall with an outer surface and which includes a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane wherein the vapor chamber has an outer surface that includes a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.

Abstract: There is provided a process for modifying a first organic composition comprising (i) at least one first solvent, (ii) at least one solute, and (iii) optionally, at least one second solvent to produce a modified organic composition in which the concentration of the at least one first solvent is reduced and the concentration of the at least one second solvent is increased, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a selectively permeable membrane having a first surface and a second surface; (b) transferring a portion of the first solvent and optionally a portion of the solute from the first surface to the second surface across the membrane by contacting the first organic composition with the first surface, wherein the pressure at the first surface is greater than the pressure at the second surface, and wherein the membrane is a selectively permeable membrane such that the membrane rejection (R) of the solute is greater than 0%; (c) adding a portion of the second solvent to the organic composition retained at the f

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of separating casein from animal milk, especially, after defatting the animal milk as the pretreatment, the processing of the defatted milk aforesaid through a ceramic filtration membrane to remove the casein in the milk. The pretreatment process of separating the casein from the milk is then complemented by other processes of purification, so as to obtain the target protein of higher purity.

Abstract: A process for the production of purified water from Fischer-Tropsch reaction water wherein the purified water is an aqueous stream having a COD of between 20 and 500 mg/l, a pH of between 6.0 and 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides counter flow cascade separation systems useful to separate solute/solute pairs present in a solvent. The separation systems include a series of interconnected stages with each stage comprising a combination of a diafilter preferentially permeable for one solute and an ultrafilter that accepts a permeate flow from the diafilter. The ultrafilter is permeable to solvent. Solute/solute pairs are preferentially separated by the diafilter into permeate and retentate flows and excess solvent is removed from the permeate flow by the ultrafilter and recycled back into the system. Stages are combined to form a counter flow cascade separation system capable of operation approaching an ideal counter flow cascade.

Abstract: Parallel desalting (PDS) includes a hybrid membrane softening (MS) system for de-mineralizing water for residential and commercial use. Parallel desalting produces “soft” water without the use of salt, or any other liquid chemical reagent normally used to carry out pH adjustment in industrial membrane and precipitation processes. The PDS process balances the operation of a RO (potable water) membrane unit with the operation of a tubular MF (wastewater) membrane unit, thereby providing a highly efficient and regenerative water treatment technology: (1) The optimum operation for the PDS system transforms roughly 90 percent of a potable, slightly brackish water supply into <50 mg/L TDS water with <1-grain (10–15 mg/L as calcium carbonate)—water hardness; and (2) The operation of the PDS system produces, in salinity terms, in a 100 percent reusable effluent for downstream recycling.

Abstract: A monitoring method for photoresist regeneration, a process and a system for the same are provided. In the photoresist regeneration process of the invention, the solid content and viscosity of photoresist are adjusted by condensation under reduced pressure or dilution with photoresist thinner until the final solid content and viscosity reach the predetermined values thereof obtained through the quantification equation of the invention and then the waste photoresist is caused to pass through filters for removing pollution particles contained therein, such that the regenerated photoresist is acquired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: A method of water purification including the steps of passing source water through at least one reverse osmosis unit to produce a product water and reject water, directing the product water from a reverse osmosis unit into the dilution stream of a continuous electrodeionization unit, directing the reject water from the first pass reverse osmosis unit through a softening unit to produce softening unit output water with fewer hardness elements than the reject water from the first pass reverse osmosis unit, directing the softening unit output water into a concentrate stream of the continuous electrodeionization unit, and wherein the continuous electrodeionization unit further purifies the water from the dilution stream to produce purified water.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, such that the module has first and second membrane elements arranged with one end pointing toward a distribution space and the other end pointing toward a collection space. Each of the membrane elements have a cavity formed by a membrane wall. The first membrane elements have their ends embedded in sealing compounds such that their cavities open into the distribution space and collection space. The second membrane elements are also embedded in the sealing compound at the end pointing toward the collection space. The cavities of the second membrane elements open into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space. The fluid to be treated flows through the first membrane elements in cross-flow mode. In the process, part of the fluid passes through the membrane wall as a permeate, which then passes through the second membrane elements in dead-end mode.

Abstract: A slurry recycling system for use in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus for polishing a workpiece by using a slurry containing an abrasive, a pH agent and a deionized water is provided. The slurry recycling system includes a slurry collection tank for storing the slurry used in the CMP apparatus as a recyclable slurry; an ultra filter for separating, from the recyclable slurry, a fluid ingredient containing the pH agent and the deionized water and the abrasive to allow the abrasive to be reintroduced into the slurry collection tank; and a reverse osmosis filter for separating, from the fluid ingredient, the pH agent and the deionized water to allow the pH agent to be reintroduced into the slurry collection tank and to allow the deionized water to be discharged out.

Abstract: Parallel desalting (PDS) includes a hybrid membrane softening (MS) system for de-mineralizing water for residential and commercial use. Parallel desalting produces “soft” water without the use of salt, or any other liquid chemical reagent normally used to carry out pH adjustment in industrial membrane and precipitation processes. The PDS process balances the operation of a RO (potable water) membrane unit with the operation of a tubular MF (wastewater) membrane unit, thereby providing a highly efficient and regenerative water treatment technology: (1) The optimum operation for the PDS system transforms roughly 90 percent of a potable, slightly brackish water supply into <50 mg/L TDS water with <1 -grain (10-15 mg/L as calcium carbonates) water hardness; and (2) The operation of the PDS system produces, in salinity terms, in a 100 percent reusable effluent for downstream recycling.

Abstract: A method of purifying an electrolyte by bringing the electrolyte into contact with a first effective surface of a separating unit that is permeable to contaminants to be removed from the electrolyte, and bringing a purifying liquid into contact with a second effective surface of the separating unit. A concentration level of contaminants in the purifying liquid is maintained to maintain a contaminant driving force gradient between the electrolyte and the purifying liquid so contaminants transfer from the electrolyte into the purifying liquid. An apparatus for purifying an electrolyte having a first volumetric region for holding the electrolyte, a second volumetric region for holding a purifying liquid, and a separating unit that is permeable to the contaminants to be removed from the electrolyte and which fluidically separates the first and second volumetric regions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of separating casein from animal milk, especially, after defatting the animal milk as the pretreatment, the processing of the defatted milk aforesaid through a ceramic filtration membrane to remove the casein in the milk. The pretreatment process of separating the casein from the milk is then complemented by other processes of purification, so as to obtain the target protein of higher purity.

Abstract: Economical processes of the present invention are for separation of fluid mixtures to recover desired products using apparatus comprising a plurality of membrane modules disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and optionally one or more intermediate group. Advantageously integrated processes of the invention with the membrane modules in multiple groups are employed for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product and a desired non-permeate product from a mixture containing organic compounds.

Abstract: Parallel desalting (PDS) includes a hybrid membrane softening (MS) system for de-mineralizing water for residential and commercial use. Parallel desalting produces “soft” water without the use of salt, or any other liquid chemical reagent normally used to carry out pH adjustment in industrial membrane and precipitation processes. The PDS process balances the operation of a RO (potable water) membrane unit with the operation of a tubular MF (wastewater) membrane unit, thereby providing a highly efficient and regenerative water treatment technology: (1) The optimum operation for the PDS system transforms roughly 90 percent of a potable, slightly brackish water supply into <50 mg/L TDS water with <1-grain (10-15 mg/L as calcium carbonate)-water hardness; and (2) The operation of the PDS system produces, in salinity terms, in a 100 percent reusable effluent for downstream recycling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fractionating a liquid mixture ‘L2! containing a low-boiling (most volatile) and high-boiling (least volatile) component, in which use is made of membrane contactors ‘1,2!. The liquis mixture ‘L2! is passed through a liquid channel ‘23,25! of a membrane contactor ‘1,2! whereby a vapor ‘V1,V2! enriched in low-boiling component and a liquid ‘L0,11! enriched in high-boiling component are formed. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method, in which a number of membrane contactors are coupled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating from an aqueous mixture one or more organic substances containing at least one positively charged and/or chargeable nitrogenous group by means of extraction via at least one porous membrane, wherein use is made of an extraction agent which contains at least partially relatively long-chain organic compounds and at least one liquid cation exchanger, and of a membrane that is wettable by either the aqueous mixture or by the extraction agent.

Abstract: A developer liquid regenerating system is provided with a storage tank storing a TAAH (such as TMAH)—and photoresist-containing developer waste liquid, first separating means with NF membrane, connected to the waste liquid storage tank through conduits, a storage tank connected to the first separating means through a conduit, and second separating means with NF membrane, connected to the storage tank through conduits. The developer liquid regenerating system is also connected to a developing apparatus through a conduit connected to the storage tank, and to a developer liquid control/supply apparatus through a conduit connected to the storage tank.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating oily wastewater, such as bilge water or ballast water, generated on a ship. The process uses a combination of a centrifugal separation step and a membrane separation step, such as an ultrafiltration step. The membrane separation step uses a dense, non-porous filtration membrane. The process is able to remove both emulsified oil and dissolved oil from the wastewater to low levels.

Abstract: A process for fractionating water-soluble or water-dispersible amino-containing synthetic polymers having a broad molar mass distribution by ultrafiltration, wherein the polymer solution or dispersion to be fractionated is fed continuously into an ultrafiltration circulation with at least one ultrafiltration unit, and retentate having a narrower molar mass distribution and permeate are discharged continuously, in such a way that the ultrafiltration circulation is essentially in a steady state, the polymers obtainable by this process and their use.

Abstract: Economical processes of the present invention are for separation of fluid mixtures to recover desired products using apparatus comprising a plurality of membrane modules disposed in a first product group, a second product group, and optionally one or more intermediate group. Advantageously integrated processes of the invention with the membrane modules in multiple groups are employed for simultaneous recovery of a very pure permeate product and a desired non-permeate product from a mixture containing organic compounds.

Abstract: A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media.

Abstract: A method of treating a high salinity liquid, such as seawater, containing boron is provided. The method includes adjusting the pH of the liquid to about 8.5 to about 9.5, optionally adding a scale inhibitor to the liquid, passing the liquid through a reverse osmosis device, and recovering a permeate having a boron concentration less than about 1 ppm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating sulfate-ion pair complexes from aqueous streams. The method involves the steps of: (a) concentrating and distilling an aqueous stream containing inorganic material by membrane distillation; (b) adding a non-hazardous miscible organic solvent to the concentrated aqueous stream in an amount effective to form inorganic precipitates comprising at least a portion of sulfate and polyvalent cations; (c) removing at least most of the organic solvent from the aqueous stream by vacuum membrane distillation; and (d) after step (c), removing at least most of the inorganic precipitates from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: A method is shown for treating used aqueous based chemical baths such as are used in treating manufactured parts. The method splits a mixed stream of process chemicals, soils, oils, coolants, salts, and other contaminants into essentially four discrete streams: process chemicals, water, large particles such as dirt and oils, and salts or other low molecular weight contaminants. Certain of the process streams provide for return of process chemicals to their respective tanks and for the return of decontaminated rinse waters to their respective processes. Contaminants removed by the method are segregated and passed on to other processes for further treatment or disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method recycles the abrasive fluid or slurry effluent used in the polishing step in the manufacture of semiconductors. Agglomerations of abrasive grains built up in the slurry effluent are crushed using a mill, ultrasonic oscillation, or pressurized circulation. The slurry effluent is then regenerated and reused.

Abstract: A spiral reverse osmosis membrane element of the present invention includes a plurality of bag-shaped reverse osmosis membranes, permeated liquid passage members arranged inside the reverse osmosis membranes, and a plurality of feed liquid passage members interposed between the reverse osmosis membranes, those membranes and passage members being wound around an outer surface of a hollow pipe in a manner that only the interiors of the reverse osmosis membranes communicate with through-holes formed in the surface of the hollow pipe. Each of the feed liquid passage members is a mesh member having series of quadrilateral meshes formed by a plurality of linear members crossing each other. Two opposite cross-points out of four cross-points of each of the quadrilateral meshes are in line in parallel with an axial direction of the hollow pipe. And relations 2 mm≦X≦5 mm and X≦Y≦1.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for membrane treatment of a feed liquid to form a product liquid includes feeding a feed liquid, typically an aqueous solution such as tap water, to a primary membrane. The primary membrane separates the feed liquid into a primary membrane retentate which is retained by the primary membrane, and a primary membrane permeate. The primary membrane retentate is then fed to one or more supplemental primary membranes, or to a secondary membrane. The primary membrane retentate (or supplemental primary membrane retentate if a supplemental primary membrane is employed) is separated by the secondary membrane into a secondary membrane retentate which is retained by the secondary membrane, and a secondary membrane permeate passes through the secondary membrane. The secondary membrane retentate may either be collected and disposed of, or may be fed to one or more supplemental secondary membranes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A novel method for purifying, by means of an essentially closed circuit water purification system, an aqueous flow from a processing unit includes the steps of: (a) supplying to a bioreactor, and combining therein, the aqueous flow, as well as a discharge flow from a membrane filtration unit; (b) allowing microbiological conversion of biodegradable constituents to take place therein, thereby, generating an effluent flow; (c) supplying the bioreactor effluent flow to an ultrafiltration unit, thereby, separating the effluent flow into permeate and concentrate flows; (d) supplying at least some of the permeate flow to a membrane filtration unit, thereby, generating a product flow and the discharge flow; and (e) supplying the discharge flow to the bioreactor, as noted in step (a), and supplying at least a portion of the product flow to the processing unit. Apparatus related thereto are also disclosed.

Abstract: Membrane module for substance-specific treatment of fluids, in which are arranged first and second membrane elements (1, 2) with one end pointing toward a distribution space (8) and the other toward a collection space (9), each having a cavity (10,11) formed by the membrane wall. The first membrane elements (1) have their ends embedded in sealing compounds (4, 5) such that their cavities are open and open into the distribution space (8) and collection space (9). The second membrane elements (2) are also embedded in the sealing compound (5) at the end pointing toward the collection space (9), their cavities opening into the collection space, but are closed at the end pointing toward the distribution space (8).

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture to a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method for treating potato wastewater comprising the steps of pretreating a potato wastewater stream including suspended and dissolved solids with an alpha amylase enzyme to hydrolyze starch in the wastewater, ultra-filtering the enzyme-treated wastewater from step (a) to filter and remove a portion of the suspended solids in a first concentrate stream separated from the wastewater, and reverse osmosis-filtering the ultra-filtered wastewater from step (b) to remove at least about 70% of the wastewater dissolved and suspended solids in a second concentrate stream.

Abstract: A process and system for extracting a solute from a solid material, such as oil from oil-bearing foodstuffs, utilize a substantially tubular membrane filter to separate a mass of the extracting medium and the foodstuffs into a miscella and foodstuffs of reduced oil content. In a batch or continuous process, after each extracting stage, the mass from the extraction vessel is conveyed to a membrane filter, which has pores along its cylindrical walls suitably sized to allow a miscella to pass as the permeate, while causing the foodstuffs of reduced oil content to be conveyed axially along the tubes and out of its ends as the retentate. In a continuous process, extractor cells, or stages, consisting of an extraction vessel, pump, and membrane filter, are used in sequential stages, preferably using a miscella from the subsequent stage as the extracting medium. In a batch process, miscella storage tanks may be used to store miscella from the final stage for use in the next batch.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: A desalination process is disclosed which combining two or more substantially different water treatment processes in a unique manner to desalinate saline water, especially sea water, to produce a high yield of high quality fresh water, including potable water, at an energy consumption equivalent to or less than much less efficient prior art desalination processes. In this process a nanofiltration step is synergistically combined with at least one of sea water reverse osmosis, multistage flash distillation. multieffect distillation of vapor compression distillation to provide an integrated desalination system by which sea water can be efficiently and economically converted to high quality potable water in yields which are at least 70%-80% greater than the yields available from the prior art processes.

Abstract: Filtration methods comprise virus-filtering a solution containing a least one macromolecule. In one embodiment, the total salt content of the solution is within the range of from about 0.2 M to 2 M. In another embodiment, the total salt content of the solution is within the range of from about 0.2 M up to saturation with a salt, and the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, potassium dyhydrophosphate and combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the total salt content of the solution is within the range of from about 0.2 M up to saturation with the salt and the macromolecule is in solution during the virus filtering.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical single stage membrane process intended to provide very high overall water recoveries from natural sources or wastewater containing high concentrations of hardness and other inorganic scale-forming compounds while preventing scale formation on the membrane and prolonging the useful life of the membrane. The water is first pre-treated in order to separate all suspended matter using a suitable oil separation device, dissolved air flotation, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, single or multi-media filtration, ultra-filtration, micro-filtration or a suitable combination of these pre-treatment steps. The pre-treated water is then purified using a simple, economical single stage membrane system operating at a suitable pressure depending on the water TDS and desired permeate recovery. In order to prevent scale formation on the membranes, the membrane concentrate is softened using a “low-cost” ion exchange softening resin with high selectivity for hardness precursors.