Abstract: A water treatment management apparatus used for monitoring and evaluating water supplied to a water treatment system such as an ultrapure water production system and performing appropriate management of operation of the water treatment system includes: a pure water production unit for evaluation to which water to be supplied to the water treatment system is supplied as target water, the pure water production unit for evaluation including a TOC removal apparatus for performing a unit operation of removing total organic carbon (TOC) components; and measuring means for measuring TOC concentration at a plurality of measurement points in the pure water production unit for evaluation, the plurality of the measurement points including an inlet and an outlet of the pure water production unit for evaluation.

Abstract: A forward osmosis system is provided. The system includes forward osmosis container having a semipermeable membrane dividing the forward osmosis chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, a draw solution water removal unit including a quantity of draw solution solvent and water, wherein the draw solution solvent includes a nonaqueous liquid and a condenser configured to receive either water vapor or draw solution solvent vapor from the draw solution water removal unit and provide condensed draw solution solvent to the second chamber. The second chamber provides a water diluted draw solution solvent to the draw solution water removal unit. The first chamber takes in received water including a dissolved solute at an input mass per unit of volume and provides a fluid output having an output mass per unit of volume greater than the input mass per unit of volume.

Abstract: Liquid solution concentration systems, and related methods, are generally described. In some embodiments, the system is an osmotic system comprising a plurality of osmotic modules. For example, the osmotic system can comprise a feed osmotic module configured to produce an osmotic module retentate outlet stream having a higher concentration of solute than the retentate inlet stream transported to the feed osmotic module. The osmotic system can also comprise an isolation osmotic module fluidically connected to the feed osmotic module. The osmotic system can also optionally comprise a purification osmotic module fluidically connected to the feed osmotic module and/or the isolation osmotic module. Certain embodiments are related to altering the degree to which the feed osmotic module retentate outlet stream is recycled back to the retentate-side inlet of the feed osmotic module during operation.

Abstract: A universal water purification system and method that can desalinate salt water or just filter fresh water. Preferably, the system is portable and relatively lightweight and provides for emergency or recreational safe power and water accessibility. The components of the system can be installed on an aluminum frame and preferably include a waterproof front control panel, four pre-filters, a reverse osmosis membrane, ultraviolet (UV) LED lamp, a high pressure reverse osmosis (RO) pump and a low pressure water supplying pump, an electro valve preferably with a manual override in case of power loss, an additional electro valve, a plurality of quick connect couplings (preferably three), a power bank, an internal inverter, a universal power supply and battery charger preferably disposed within a military style suitcase. In a preferred embodiment, the suitcase can be a PELICAN brand case.

Abstract: A system for recovering gel-mass from a gel-mass-containing waste material. The system includes mangle rolls, a heated accumulator for receiving and melting the gel-mass-containing waste material to provide an oil phase and a non-oil phase; a pumping system; an optional mixer; and a control system.

Abstract: Provided herein is a nanopore structure, which in one aspect is a “carbon nanotube porin”, that comprises a short nanotube with an associated lipid coating. Also disclosed are compositions and methods enabling the preparation of such nanotube/lipid complexes. Further disclosed is a method for therapeutics delivery that involves a drug delivery agent comprising a liposome with a NT loaded with a therapeutic agent, introducing the therapeutic agent into a cell or a tissue or an organism; and subsequent release of the therapeutic agents into a cell.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to purify water is disclosed. Pumps and energy recovery devices for taking water from an intake, filtering the water to remove solid contaminates before running the filtered water through the reverse osmosis system to the discharge device and purified water lines are described. The system may comprise a control panel that controls the plurality of filters, plurality of reverse osmosis membranes, purified water line and effluent discharge device, to achieve favorable water purification. A method that utilizes the apparatus and/or system is described herein.

Abstract: A filtration system includes at least one spiral wound first filter section in fluid communication with at least one spiral wound second filter section. The first and second filter sections include: (i) a filtration membrane; (ii) a feed spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a feed flow channel; and (iii) a permeate spacer located adjacent the filtration membrane and defining a permeate flow channel. A thickness of the feed flow channel in the first filter section is different than a thickness of the feed flow channel in the second filter section, and/or an effective volume of the first filter section is different than an effective volume of the second filter section. A method of filtering a feed flow is also disclosed.

Abstract: A separation membrane (10) of the present disclosure includes: a separation functional layer (30) composed of a polyamide; and a coating (40) covering the separation functional layer (30) and containing a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), N+ is a nitrogen atom constituting a quaternary ammonium cation, and R1 and R2 are each independently a substituent containing a carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A portable device for removal of metabolic waste from the blood of patient having kidney disease or in need of hemodialysis is provided. Methods of hemodialysis employing the portable device beneficially obtain a dialysate by electrokinetic means from excess fluid in the peripheral blood of the patient in need thereof. The methods employ a branched microfluidic channel for the use of ion concentration polarization to separate charged from neutral species in blood to obtain the dialysate for undergoing hemodialysis. Beneficially the methods and device are resistant to biofouling, remove the need for a dialysate and/or dialysate reservoir, and provide a disposable, wearable device.

Abstract: A sterilization kit for a liquid treatment apparatus may include a liquid inlet passage into which the raw liquid is introduced from the outside, a hot liquid module and a liquid outlet passage. The hot liquid module may include a hot liquid tank in which the raw liquid introduced through the liquid inlet passage is received, a heat generation unit heating the liquid received in the hot liquid tank, and a controller disposed to be spaced apart from the outside of the hot liquid tank to control the heat generation unit.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to graphene oxide membranes for fluid filtration and more specifically to graphene oxide membranes having tunable permeability, rejection rate, and flux. Some embodiments of the graphene oxide membranes disclosed herein are characterized as having a flux of at least about 2.5×10?4 gallons per square foot per day per psi with a 1 wt % lactose solution at room temperature, and a lactose rejection rate of at least 50% with a 1 wt % lactose solution.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to durable graphene oxide membranes for fluid filtration. For example, the graphene oxide membranes can be durable under high temperatures non-neutral pH, and/or high pressures. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a filtration apparatus comprising: a support substrate, and a graphene oxide membrane disposed on the support substrate. The graphene oxide membrane has a first lactose rejection rate of at least 50% with a first 1 wt % lactose solution at room temperature. The graphene oxide membrane has a second lactose rejection rate of at least 50% with a second 1 wt % lactose solution at room temperature after the graphene oxide membrane is contacted with a solution that is at least 80° C. for a period of time.

Abstract: A CDI-type water treatment device according to the present invention comprises: a filter unit for purifying raw water in a CDI type through an electrode part formed by alternately stacking electrodes and separators; and a sterilization unit provided on the front of the filter unit to supply the electrode part with a sterilization substance, which has been generated from the raw water in order to sterilize the electrode part. The sterilization unit, in this case, preferably operates after a predetermined time has passed since the electrode part has both stopped purifying raw water and stopped regenerating the electrodes.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for a water treatment plant, the pumping apparatus comprising a gas supply, at least one gas turbine 11 connected to the gas supply, the at least one gas turbine connected to drive at least one primary pump 12 through a reduction gear train 13 and clutch 14, a waste heat boiler 26 having a feed water input, the waste heat boiler having an exhaust gas input 26a to receive exhaust gas from the at least one gas turbine 11 and generate steam from the feed water, the waste heat boiler having an steam output 18, the apparatus further comprising at least one steam turbine 20, the at least one steam turbine connected to drive at least one secondary pump 21, the at least one steam turbine being connected to the steam output 18 of the waste heat boiler, the at least one steam turbine 20 further having an exhaust steam output 27, the apparatus further comprising a condensing apparatus 28 to receive steam from the exhaust steam output and generate a feed water stream at a feed water output, the feed w

Abstract: A membrane stack comprising the following components: (a) a first ion diluting compartment (D1); (b) a second ion diluting compartment (D2); (c) a first ion concentrating compartment (C1); (d) a second ion concentrating compartment (C2); and (e) a membrane wall (CEM1, mAEM, mCEM, AEM, CEM2) between each compartment and on the outside of the first and last compartment of the stack; wherein: (i) each membrane wall comprises a cation exchange membrane (CEM1, mCEM, CEM2) or an anion exchange membrane (mAEM, AEM) and the order of the cation and anion exchange membranes alternates from each wall to the next; (ii) the membrane walls (mAEM, mCEM) on each side of compartment (a) both have a higher monovalent ion selectivity than the corresponding membrane walls (AEM, CEM2) on each side of compartment (b); and (iii) the stack further comprises a means for communicating fluid between compartments (a) and (b).

Abstract: A system and method for producing very high concentration brine streams from which commercially efficiently obtained minerals may be obtained is produced by a dual membrane brine concentrator system (DTRI Concentrator). The system includes a nano-filtration system which removes divalent ions from the seawater, a brine concentrator such as a hollow fine fiber forward osmosis system which receives and further concentrates the brine rejected from the nano-filtration system, a SWRO system which receives the NF system permeate and removes monovalent ions, and another brine concentrator which further concentrates the brine rejected from SWRO system. Various permeate and reject brine flow may be forwarded through the Dual Membrane Brine Concentrator system, and multiple stages of the system components may be used, to enhance brine concentration and improve system efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, In one example, there is provided a method of treating an aqueous system to inhibit growth of one or more micro-organisms therein and/or to reduce the number of live micro-organisms therein. The method includes adding treatment agents to an aqueous system wherein said treatment agents include: (a) a phosphonium compound; and (b) a hypohalite compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for water treatment and environmental remediation using nanoparticle supported lipid bilayers (NP-SLBs). In one embodiment, the NP-SLBs are single or multilayer lipid bilayers of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) supported by silica.

Abstract: Laundry, industrial or food processing wastewater is purified to the degree that it can be reused. Water quality is ensured through the final process of reverse osmosis (“RO”) which removes dissolved contaminants such as mineral hardness, soils and residual detergents. The process combines a ceramic tubular cross-flow membrane filter to remove the suspended solids, oils and greases ahead of the RO. The RO process employs high temperature, low fouling membranes. This enables the RO process to operate sustainably, i.e. without fouling, plugging or membrane degradation.

Abstract: A water treatment subsea installation and method are disclosed, adapted for scaling prevention and treatment of raw seawater into process water suitable for use in subsea hydrocarbon production. The water treatment installation comprises a seawater inlet to a primary filtration unit wherein a filtration membrane separates a receiving chamber from a permeate chamber having an outlet for treated water. A pump is installed in fluid flow communication with the treated water outlet, a recirculation loop feeding a portion of the treated water via a subsea electro-chlorinator back to the water stream upstream or downstream of the membrane of the primary filtration unit, and a secondary filtration unit is installed in the treated water stream between the primary filtration unit and the electro-chlorinator.

Abstract: A freestanding coating membrane is fabricated and is tested for ionic transport. An adhesive liner is situated on a flat surface, paint is poured on the liner, a leveling blade is used to impart a uniform thickness to the uncured paint, the paint when completely cured is peeled from the liner, and the thickness of the resultant freestanding membrane is measured. Saline water is placed in an open-ended reservoir in communication with an assembly holding the freestanding membrane and containing deionized water. A pump causes water to circulate through the assembly via a conduit, which is connected at both ends to the assembly. The electrical conductivity of the circulating water is monitored for an appropriate duration for indication of salt concentration. The conductivity is initially low because the circulating water is originally deionized, and gradually increases commensurately with the amount of salt (e.g., chloride) ions passing through the membrane.

Abstract: Improved reverse osmosis (RO) systems include at least first and second stages wherein each stage has at least one RO membrane, each stage has a feed stream inlet, permeate stream outlet, and concentrate stream outlet, the feed stream inlet of the second stage is coupled to the concentrate stream outlet of the first stage, the feed stream entering the first stage is pressurized to a first pressure and the feed stream entering the second stage is pressurized to a second pressure, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure. The systems include M number of reverse osmosis membranes in the first stage and N number of reverse osmosis membranes in the second stage, wherein M?N. The first pressure and second pressure are configured so that flux of the permeate streams of the first stage and the second stage has a spatial variance that is minimized.

Abstract: A membrane filtration system with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) elements is adapted to provide high recovery from difficult wastewater. The system has a plurality of stages. The system is configured to provide concentrate staging. The last stage also has concentrate recirculation. The valves and pumps of the system are arranged such that the order of flow and a recirculation pump may be switched between the first stage and the last stage at some times.

Abstract: An example water purification system for purifying high concentration feed solutions includes a high rejection forward osmosis module, one or more low rejection modules, and a high rejection reverse osmosis module. The low rejection modules may have different rejection levels. The system may be pressurized by one or more pumps. One or more of the low rejection modules may include one or more nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The draw solution may comprise a monovalent salt, a multivalent salt, or a combination of both.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to purify water is disclosed. In addition, the apparatus, system and method can effectively discharge the brine effluent. The apparatus can comprise an offshore structure, wherein the offshore structure comprises a water intake device connected to a pre-desalination filters connected to a plurality of reverse osmosis filters in communication with a purified water line and effluent discharge device. A plurality of filters for filtering the water from the intake, filter the water to remove solid contaminates before running the filtered water through the reverse osmosis system to the discharge device and purified water lines. Herein also disclosed is a wastewater discharge system. In an embodiment, the system comprises a control panel that controls, the offshore structure plurality of filters, plurality of reverse osmosis filters, purified water line and effluent discharge device, to achieve favorable water purification.

Abstract: A water treating method includes a step of installing a cavitation generation ring in a part of a water communication pipe, and a step of passing water through the inside of the cylindrical portion at high pressure, thereby cavitation being generated in the cylindrical portion and clusters of molecules of water being fined. A cavitation generation ring is configured to be installed in a part of a water communication pipe. A water treating apparatus includes a cavitation generation ring, a water communication pipe and a pressurizing pump for water.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane including: a substrate; a porous supporting layer formed on the substrate; and a separation functional layer formed on the porous supporting layer, in which the separation functional layer contains crosslinked wholly aromatic polyamide as a main component and contains a carboxy group, a ratio of (molar equivalent of the carboxy group)/(molar equivalent of an amide group) in functional groups contained in the separation functional layer is 0.40 or more, and an average ratio of oxygen atoms/nitrogen atoms in front and rear sides of the separation functional layer is 0.95 or less.

Abstract: Provided is a reverse osmosis treatment system capable of simultaneously and efficiently recovering energy generated both at brine and permeate sides. The system comprises a branched portion configured to divide second to-be-treated water into third and fourth to-be-treated water; a high-pressure pump configured to pressurize the third to-be-treated water thereby to feed fifth to-be-treated water having a higher pressure than the to-be-treated water before divided; a displacement type of first energy recovery device configured to exchange pressures between the fourth to-be-treated water and brine thus separated by a reverse osmosis treatment device, thereby to produce sixth to-be-treated water having a higher pressure than the fourth one; and a second energy recovery device configured to raise a pressure of the third to-be-treated water located at a downstream side of the branched portion with a pressure of first permeate thus separated by the reverse osmosis treatment device.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power system and pump suitable for the system are disclosed which can make efficient use of the energy available in water flows with considerably variable flow rates. A simple, compact variable displacement axial piston pump can be operated so as to provide an essentially constant output pumping pressure and variable output volume that varies efficiently in accordance with water flow rate. The system is particularly suitable for shoreline tidal power generation and provides firm power output throughout the tidal slacks occurring during the tidal reversals.

Abstract: A system for the production of ethanol is disclosed. The system comprises a system for recycling water in an ethanol production process. The system may comprise: a water supply that supplies water to the ethanol production process, a cooling tower system that supplies water to the ethanol production process, and a treatment system that supplies water to the ethanol production process. The treatment system may be a reverse osmosis system that supplies a retentate stream to the ethanol production process.

Abstract: Exchanger devices include a plurality of fixed exchange ducts and a rotating valve assembly for directing flow to and from the plurality of exchange ducts. Methods of exchanging pressure between fluid streams may include directing fluids through an exchange device and pressurizing a fluid in the plurality of exchange ducts of the exchanger device.

Abstract: Systems and processes for purifying and concentrating a liquid feed stream are disclosed. In the systems, the concentrated liquid output from the high pressure side of a reverse osmosis stage is used as the draw solution in the low pressure side of the reverse osmosis stage in a configuration called osmotically assisted reverse osmosis. This reduces the osmotic pressure differential across the membrane, permitting high solute concentrations to be obtained, hastening the purification of the liquid. Reduced system pressures are also obtained by arranging multiple osmotically assisted reverse osmosis stages in a cross-current arrangement. Overall system energy consumption is reduced compared to conventional thermal processes for high concentration streams.

Abstract: Systems and processes for purifying and concentrating a liquid feed stream are disclosed. In the systems, the concentrated liquid output from the high pressure side of a reverse osmosis stage is used as the draw solution in the low pressure side of the reverse osmosis stage in a configuration called osmotically assisted reverse osmosis. This reduces the osmotic pressure differential across the membrane, permitting high solute concentrations to be obtained, hastening the purification of the liquid. Reduced system pressures are also obtained by arranging multiple osmotically assisted reverse osmosis stages in a cross-current arrangement. Overall system energy consumption is reduced compared to conventional thermal processes for high concentration streams.

Abstract: A process for the industrial production of sea water (M3) that is basically suitable for alimentary use, includes the following steps: drawing sea water with corresponding decantation (3); filtration (4); and sterilization (5), until a purified sea water (M1) is obtained; the process being characterized in that it envisages the further steps of: boron abatement (6) until a sea water is obtained with a boron content of less than one milligram per liter (M2); further filtration (7); sterilization (8) of the possible residual microorganisms; continuous and strict analyses, examinations, and checks (9) of the sea water in the respective various steps of purification thereof, to guarantee that a sea water (M3) is obtained that is microbiologically pure, filtered, and hence free from any pathogenic agents; and storage in tanks or bottling (10) of the purified sea water ready for use in various applications, amongst which basically alimentary use.

Abstract: Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.

Abstract: A piping arrangement for a water purification apparatus that utilizes a number of manifolds and pipes to replicate the piping system of a water purification apparatus in a more compact manner. Metal pipes are joined to manifolds using elastomeric ring connections. Each manifold is designed with internal conduits that replicate the path of pipes in a water purification system.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment apparatus for a ship includes a water collection part for collecting sea water, a forward osmosis process unit for producing ballast water and treatment water obtained by desalinating the sea water collected through the water collection part, and a ballast water tank for storing the ballast water produced by the forward osmosis process unit. Since the sea water is treated using a forward osmosis process, fresh water required within the ship can be supplied and the treated sea water can be used as ballast water. In addition, since waste heat and carbon dioxide generated in the ship are used to treat the sea water, the ballast water can be treated and produced in a low-cost and high efficient manner.

Abstract: A method and/or technique for geolocation safety awareness is provided herein. When a user, having a client device, travels to a location, threats associated with that location may not be known to the user. To determine a safety of the location, the location of a client device may be determined. A search for safety information about the location may be performed, and a threat level may be determined based upon the safety information. When the threat level exceeds a threat threshold, a security operation may be performed. The security operation may comprise presenting a warning notice to the user and/or activating a security timer.

Abstract: A very low pressure and entirely mechanical sea water desalination device is described, which may be built and operated at a fraction of the current costs for the desalination of sea water. The desalination device is used to purify polluted or otherwise impure water and is a device is easily scaled and can be used in a very small facilities up to the largest facilities for desalinating or purifying water. The device operates with sunlight and ambient heat, and therefore will be very inexpensive to operate in desert and tropical regions; and slightly more expensive to operate in cooler regions, yet still substantially less expensive than the existing systems. The device reduces the cost of potable water made from sea water or other polluted sources to a level which is comparable to or less than the cost of such water received from traditional local fresh-water sources.

Abstract: Process for the production of lipids from biomass including at least one polysaccharide, which comprises fermentation of a biomass hydrolysate using an oleaginous microorganism and separation of oleaginous cellular biomass comprising lipids. An aqueous fraction obtained by reverse osmosis of a spent fermentation broth is recycled as a feed for growth of the oleaginous microorganism. The lipids thus obtained can be advantageously used in the production of biodiesel or green diesel which can be used as such, or in a mixture with other automotive fuels.

Abstract: A method is provided for merging different load forecasts for power grid centers. Area load forecasts are accepted from load forecast engines. A relational database saves load forecast engine data. A comprehensive operating plan integrates individual load forecasts into a composite load forecast to present a comprehensive, synchronized and harmonized load forecast.

Abstract: Provided is a reverse osmosis treatment apparatus which decreases operation power by utilizing a back pressure caused by regulating an amount of permeated water. The reverse osmosis treatment apparatus includes a first pressure vessel for a primary treatment of untreated water, and a second pressure vessel for a secondary treatment of the water treated by the primary treatment, wherein a reverse osmosis membrane element having a reverse osmosis membrane or the plurality of reverse osmosis membrane elements are arranged in series along a water collection pipe in the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel. The first pressure vessel includes a first outlet pipe which discharges permeated water, and a permeated water flow control valve connected to the first outlet pipe and regulating a pressure in the first pressure vessel. An energy recovery apparatus is provided between the first outlet pipe and the permeated water flow control valve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes providing agricultural grade gypsum to a mixing device using a conveyor, providing a fluid to the mixing device using a pump, mixing the agricultural grade gypsum with the fluid to produce a gypsum slurry using the mixing device, and pumping the gypsum slurry to a storage tank. In another embodiment a system includes a conveyor providing an agricultural grade gypsum, a pump providing a fluid, a mixing device configured to mix the agricultural grade gypsum provided by the conveyor with the fluid provided by the pump to produce a gypsum slurry, and a slurry pump configured to pump the gypsum slurry from the mixing device to a storage tank.

Abstract: A filtration element with a fiber-reinforced shell and a method for fabricating the same. The fabrication method including the steps of: i) coating a multi-strand fiber with a liquid resin, ii) winding the coated fiber about the cylindrical filtration element, and iii) solidifying the resin to form a fiber-reinforced shell. The method is characterized by utilizing a spliced fiber formed by: a) aligning an end of a first multi-strand fiber with an end of a second multi-stand fiber such that the aligned fibers extend along a common axis (X), b) wrapping a layer of a heat-shrinkable film about the outer diameter of the aligned ends of the fibers wherein heat-shrinkable film includes a layer of adhesive that contacts the overlapping strands of the fibers, and c) heating the film so that the film draws inward upon the aligned ends of each fiber and forms an integral bond such that the effective cross-sectional area of a section of fiber.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter with uniform pore sizes includes synthesizing a moiety so as to form a plurality of like platelets having a precisely sized pore extending therethrough, distributing the plurality of like platelets about a membrane having apertures therethrough, and bonding the plurality of platelets around the apertures to form precisely sized pores through the membrane. A filtration membrane is also disclosed which provides a porous membrane having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of platelets, wherein each platelet has a pore therethrough. The platelets are positioned over or in the apertures.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating ceramic membranes include providing a porous substrate having at least one inner channel extending therethrough and having surfaces defined by porous walls, depositing a coating slurry on surfaces of the inner channel(s), and sintering. Sintering temperatures for the processes range from about 400° C. to 800° C. Coating slurries for use in the processes include a boehmite sol and a colloidal suspension of porous alumina particles.

Abstract: A method for forming a lattice with precisely sized holes includes disposing cutter molecules with species attached about the periphery of each molecule on to the lattice. The method continues with the species cutting molecular bonds of the lattice so as to form precisely sized holes in the lattice. The edges of the holes may then be functionalized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification systems and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of water filtration systems to combat Legionella bacterial contamination of industrial and commercial water systems, such as grocery store misting systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for integrating carbon dioxide capture and desalination.