Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

Abstract: A system of water supply, desalination and mineral salt retrieval includes a solar concentrating tower, the tower includes a pressure vessel that includes a layer of woven or non-woven carbon-nanotubes defining a thermal interface and providing a super heated surface for spray application of seawater or brine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating water, including the extraction of at least two ionic species, the ionic species including an anionic species and a cationic species and being present in the water to be treated, the method especially including a step of mixing a liquid hydrophobic organic phase and the water to be treated, the water to be treated being in the liquid state, in order to subsequently obtain liquid treated water and a hydrophobic liquid organic phase loaded with the ionic species, and a step of thermal regeneration of the organic phase loaded with chemical species. Also disclosed are compounds and compositions that can be used in the method.

Abstract: Methods are herein provided for preparing a material for casting a flat-sheet, extruding a solid-fiber, and/or extruding a hollow-fiber utilizing a chlorinated aqueous amine solution as an effective solvent to form a crystalline polymorph structure of the material. This material in the form of, for example, an effective vapor permeable membrane can be used in membrane distillation to desalinate saline streams.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.

Abstract: A forward osmosis apparatus includes a diluting means for bringing a feed solution and a draw solution containing a cation source and an anion source in an ionized state into contact through a semi-permeable membrane and diluting the draw solution with water separated from the feed solution by means of the semi-permeable membrane; a separating means for separating the diluted draw solution into the cation source and anion source and into water; and a dissolving means, returning the separated cation source and the separated anion source to, and dissolving the cation source and anion source in, the draw solution that has been diluted. The molecular weight of the cation source in an uncharged state is 31 or greater and the Henry's law constant of each of the anion source and cation source is 1.0×104 (Pa/mol·fraction) or greater in a standard state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reverse-osmosis water desalination plant comprising: a reverse-osmosis membrane unit (TP); at least one high-pressure pump (HP); a pressure-exchange-type energy collector (SRE) capable of transferring pressure from the concentrate leaving the membrane unit to a portion of the water to be treated; sensors for various operating parameters, in particular pressure, flow rate, temperature and salinity level, said sensors being provided at suitable locations; and control loops so that the various adjustable elements are maintained at a setpoint value. The plant also includes a secondary control system (D) comprising calculation means (26) programmed to determine, on the basis of the operating conditions of the plant supplied by the sensors, a combination of setpoint values for the flow rate of the high-pressure pump, the mixing ratio of the energy collector and the conversion ratio, which combination minimizes the energy consumption of the high-pressure pump.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for industrially advantageously manufacturing a sulfonated aromatic polymer while preventing a reduction in the molecular weight of the resulting sulfonated aromatic polymer. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sulfonated aromatic polymer, comprising sulfonating an aromatic polymer and a sulfonating agent in the presence of a solvent of a compound containing a sulfonyl group (—SO2—).

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A process for recovering solvents from inorganic and organic solutions is disclosed. The process utilizes a polymer capable of selectively extracting the solvent from the inorganic or organic solution. Introduction of the polymer into the solvent solution creates formation of a polymer-rich phase and a solute-rich phase. The recovered solvent may be separated from the polymer-rich phase by heating the polymer-rich phase to at least the cloud point of the polymer. The polymer and/or solute may be recycled for further use in the solvent recovery process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermo-responsive draw solute that can be applied to water desalination and purification based on forward osmosis. The thermo-responsive draw solute has a molar mass of 50 to 3000 g/mol and undergoes a phase transition at a temperature of 0° C. to 70° C. The thermo-responsive draw solute creates optimum conditions for the desalination of seawater and the purification of contaminated water based on forward osmosis. The present invention also relates to a method for water desalination and purification using the thermo-responsive draw solute. The method consumes little energy for water desalination or purification, is simple to apply to water desalination or purification, and enables separation of the draw solute in a very easy manner.

Abstract: A method for efficiently reducing water content of an object to be treated that contains water without requiring a high-temperature environment such as one exceeding the boiling point of water, and a method for efficiently extracting an oil-soluble substance from an object to be treated that contains water and the oil-soluble substance. A method for reducing water content of an object to be treated and/or extracting an oil-soluble substance in the object to be treated into oil is performed by mixing the object to be treated containing water or water and the oil-soluble substance with an oil at a temperature that is lower than the boiling point of water, at which temperature the oil is a liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A novel method of extracting minerals from an aqueous source, and an equipment system for carrying out this method, are provided. The method comprises feeding the aqueous source into the feed side of a forward osmosis device while simultaneously feeding a draw solution that includes an osmotic agent through the draw side of the forward osmosis device. The feed and draw sides are separated by a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to be drawn through the membrane to the draw side, thus yielding a concentrated stream from the feed side. The solids can then be separated from that stream and recovered for use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: Substantially pure water is produced via desalination using a directional solvent that directionally dissolves water but does not dissolve salt. The directional solvent is heated to dissolve water from the salt solution into the directional solvent. The remaining highly concentrated salt water is removed, and the solution of directional solvent and water is cooled to precipitate substantially pure water out of the solution.

Abstract: Methods for making brines may generally comprise forming a mixture comprising: (i) a solid material produced as a by-product of the Kroll process including solid anhydrous magnesium chloride and solid elemental magnesium; (ii) an amount of a previously-produced brine; and (iii) an amount of water sufficient to provide a predetermined brine concentration. At least a portion of the solid material in the mixture is dissolved while simultaneously controlling the temperature of the mixture. At least a portion of insoluble matter is separated from the mixture.

Abstract: A liquid membrane matrix is disclosed in the form of an aquaporin containing bulk liquid membrane matrix (BLM), wherein said liquid membrane matrix is formed from a solution of an amphiphilic copolymer detergent wherein transmembrane proteins have been functionally incorporated and wherein said matrix further contains a stabilising oil phase. The uses of the membrane matrix include water extraction from liquid aqueous media by forward osmosis, e.g. for desalination of salt water.

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: Substantially pure water is produced via desalination using a directional solvent that directionally dissolves water but does not dissolve salt. The directional solvent is heated to dissolve water from the salt solution into the directional solvent. The remaining highly concentrated salt water is removed, and the solution of directional solvent and water is cooled to precipitate substantially pure water out of the solution.

Abstract: Substantially pure water is produced via desalination using a directional solvent that directionally dissolves water but does not dissolve salt. The directional solvent is heated to dissolve water from the salt solution into the directional solvent. The remaining highly concentrated salt water is removed, and the solution of directional solvent and water is cooled to precipitate substantially pure water out of the solution.

Abstract: In the water purification process, apparatus, and method, contaminated water vapor is exposed to liquid solvent, which causes a transfer of contaminants from the contaminated water vapor to the liquid solvent. In an advantageous embodiment, this latter step is followed by a second purification step where the decontaminated water in liquid phase is exposed to water vapor which causes a transfer of solvent remaining in the decontaminated water to the water vapor. The energy freed during the condensation of the vapor can advantageously be used for evaporation of the liquids, optionally by compressing the vapors prior to condensation thereof within heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method for disposing of carbon dioxide is provided. According to the invention, CO2 is dissolved in seawater and the salinity of the seawater is increased to produce CO2-containing brine. The CO2-containing brine is denser than the seawater from which it is made. Therefore, when it is released into the ocean, the CO2-containing brine sinks to depth and sequesters the carbon dioxide. The brine may be produced by forming CO2 hydrate, which extracts fresh water from the seawater. Alternatively, the brine may be produced by forming water ice from the seawater and injecting CO2 into the seawater either before or, more preferably, after the water ice has been formed.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: Substantially pure water is produced via desalination using a directional solvent that directionally dissolves water but does not dissolve salt. The directional solvent is heated to dissolve water from the salt solution into the directional solvent. The remaining highly concentrated salt water is removed, and the solution of directional solvent and water is cooled to precipitate substantially pure water out of the solution.

Abstract: A system having a reactor for continuous processing of fluid is provided herein. The reactor, in general, includes an outer vessel to accommodate fluids to be processed or used in connection therewith, an inner vessel situated within the outer vessel to serve as an energy exchange surface, and an annular space defined between the outer and inner vessels and along which processing of the fluids can be implemented. The continuous thin film reactor can be used to perform, for example, distillation and evaporation, fluid-fluid or solid-fluid-fluid reactions, organic reactions, cooling, and desalination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and maintaining reverse osmosis membrane filters by injecting sulfurous acid into water to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3), and then sequentially filtering the acidified water through membrane filters to reduce alkalinity and mineral scaling, add sufficient SO2 as a biocide to attack bacteria and other micro organisms to prevent membrane fouling, reduce iron to prevent iron deposit build-up, scavenge and remove dissolved oxygen prior to filtration to prevent membrane oxidation, and prevent concentrated salts within the retentate from precipitating out of solution during transport for land application.

Abstract: Purification techniques have been developed for ceramic powder precursors, e.g., barium nitrate. These techniques can be performed using one or more of the following operations: (1) removal of impurities by precipitation or coprecipitation and separation using a nonmetallic-ion-containing strong base, e.g., tetraalkylammonium hydroxides; (2) reduction of higher oxidation-state-number oxymetal ions and subsequent precipitation as hydroxides that are separated from the solution; and (3) use of liquid-liquid exchange extraction procedures to separate certain impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a target from a liquid, which includes providing a polymer in an aqueous liquid, which polymer comprises at least one hydrophobic portion; contacting the polymer-containing liquid with the liquid comprising the target; applying a stimulus to the resulting mixture; and maintaining it until a reversible phase separation is obtained. One phase is polymer-rich and contains target(s) and another phase is polymer-poor. By either maintaining the stimulus, or applying a different stimulus and maintaining it, the polymer-rich phase is transformed into a substantially solid phase.

Abstract: A hybrid system including a fuel cell and a desalination system, such as, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) system or a thermal desalination process such as a multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation system. The fuel cell generates electricity and thermal energy exhaust which can be used to power and/or increase the energy efficiency of desalination systems. The hybrid system provides improved overall system efficiencies, generally exceeding the typical efficiencies of either fuel-cell power plants or traditional desalination plants. In reverse osmosis systems, for example, heating the salinous water feed with the thermal energy exhaust not only increases the potable water production, but also decreases the relative energy consumption of the desalination system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. In the first preferred embodiment, a reverse osmosis system containing one or more reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”) is supported by a platform on the sea floor. In the second preferred embodiment, a cylinder is supported by a flotation device, and the reverse osmosis system is retained on the cylinder. In both the embodiments, an elongated brine return runs downhill on the sea floor. The RODs each contain a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore.

Abstract: Desalinization of seawater is accomplished through the use of a forward osmosis process, which relies on a series of steps involving the opposition of various aqueous solutions across semi-permeable membranes. The process takes advantage of solutes having highly temperature dependent solubilities, as well as the relatively temperature indifferent solubility of NaCl(aq), the primary solute present in seawater. At least one utilized solute has a solubility directly dependent on temperature, and at least one utilized solute has a solubility inversely dependent on temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stabilizing soil and controlling dust from soil. The invention also relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced in purifying water. The method of the present invention includes applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust and effect soil stabilization.

Abstract: An osmotic concentration process for selectively extracting one or more volatile components from other components in a liquid mixture across a membrane structure which includes a semipermeable barrier film attached to a non-liquid-wettable microporous membrane is disclosed. The process includes the steps of:(a) contacting the liquid mixture with a surface of the semipermeable barrier film;(b) contacting a surface of the non-liquid-wettable microporous membrane with an extracting liquid in which one or more volatile components is soluble; and(c) collecting the remaining liquid mixture. As a result of the process the volatile component or components are extracted from the liquid mixture, passed through the membrane structure in a vapor phase and are dissolved in the extracting liquid. Also disclosed is a membrane arrangement for use in osmotic concentration of aqueous solution such as juice and other beverages, is constituted by a water-permeable sheet attached to a non-water-wettable microporous membrane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for osmotic distillation employing dehydrating aqueous solutions of potassium salts of phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, acetate, and blends thereof. Methods are also provided for the simultaneous osmotic distillation and removal of carbon dioxide from a sample of relatively low osmotic pressure employing alkaline potassium orthophosphate and pyrophosphate dehydrating solutions.

Abstract: A novel process for the extraction of salt from seawater based on the unique solubility properties of nonionic surfactants and the relative phobia of inorganic salts to organic surfactants has been developed. Nonionic surfactant is first added to the seawater to form a homogenous mixture. Then the temperature of the mixture is adjusted to cause it to separate into aqueous salt-rich and relatively salt-free phases. The relatively salt-free phase is then caused to phase separate into a surfactant-rich phase and a relatively surfactant-free and relatively salt-free water phase by further temperature adjustment. Finally, these latter two phases are separated to recover salt-free water.

Abstract: A method for controlling phosphonates which tend to precipitate with metal ions in water treatment operations comprising, adding to the water a water-soluble copolymer containing one or more of the following monomeric units: ##STR1## in which: R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, R.sub.1 is an alkyl group and X is hydrogen, NH.sub.4.sup.+, a water soluble metal ion or organic base; and[b] a monocarboxylic acid monomer; and adding the copolymer to the water to be treated in an amount sufficient to prevent precipitation of said phosphonates.

Abstract: Polyurethane polymers useful as hydrogels wherein the polyol is a specific polyol of block copolymers and a method for desalination of water.

Abstract: A method for controlling phosphonates which tend to precipitate with metal ions in water treatment operations comprising, adding to the water a water-soluble copolymer containing one or more of the following monomeric units:[a] ##STR1## in which: R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, R.sub.1 is an alkyl group and X is hydrogen, NH.sub.4.sup.+, a water soluble metal ion or organic base; and[b] a monocarboxylic acid monomer; and adding the copolymer to the water to be treated in an amount sufficient to prevent precipitation of said phosphonates.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for treatment of waste water streams having a sodium sulfate content of above 20 percent. The process is useful for treating waste water generated in the production of polyethyleneimine and cyclohexanone. The process includes the steps of removing sodium sulfate from waste water by the addition of organic solvent. The waste water having reduced sodium sulfate content is then subjected to biological treatment with activated sludge. First the waste water is subjected to pre-treatment. Pre-treated waste water is combined other waste water and treated by denitrification and nitrification.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus utilizing a reverse osmosis cartridge which supplies a measured amount of potable water to substantially fill an open top pitcher of known desired size. This free-standing apparatus includes an electric pump which withdraws water from an overhead reservoir and pumps it through prefilters and the reverse osmosis cartridge, from which a brine stream returns to the reservoir and a product water stream discharges from an overhead outlet above the pitcher. Control means monitors the level and quality of water in the reservoir and halts the operation of the pump as soon as the water level falls below a lower predetermined level which is set so that the desired measured quantity will have been delivered to the pitcher from a full reservoir. The control means also halts operation when the total dissolved solids content in the reservoir reaches a preset upper limit.

Abstract: An envelope having flexible water-permeable or porous walls contains a quantity of particulate water-insoluble hydrogel. The quantity of hydrogel in the envelope is such that, when the hydrogel is fully swollen at 20.degree. C., its volume is at least 66%, preferably at least 100%, of the maximum non-stretched internal volume of the envelope. Thus, the envelope according to the invention is limp and floppy under dry conditions but in a wet environment the hydrogel absorbs water and swells accordingly causing the envelope to swell and take on a more rigid configuration. The envelope is particularly useful for the administration of sustained release pharmaceutically or veterinarily active ingredients. Thus the limp dry envelope may for example be rolled up for introduction through the throat but will swell up and therefore be retained in the stomach for sustained release of the active ingredient therein.

Abstract: Non-brackish water can be produced from the brackish water or brine containing at least 500 ppm total dissolved solids coproduced in many active hydrocarbon product wells and found in many inactive gas wells. The brackish water or brine is desalinated producing non-brackish water, preferably, potable water. A preferred method of desalination is by reverse osmosis.