Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The polymeric membranes of the present invention are fabricated by chemically crosslinking adjacent polymer membrane layers of the same or differing copolymer solutions to produce an integrally-layered polymeric membrane with improved separations properties.

Abstract: The invention provides porous matrices that comprise one or more surfactants that can be used in non-aqueous environments.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include at least one resin tank including an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal. The at least one resin tank may be configured to receive an output from an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The system may further include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a saturated resin tank and to apply a water rinse to the resin to generate a resin slurry, the vacuum filter band system including a vacuum filter band configured to receive the resin slurry. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Foreign substances which are not inherently contained in a polishing slurry are selectively separated and removed from a polishing slurry component comprised of abrasives, a solvent and an additive which are inherently contained in the polishing slurry.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

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 nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the following types of composite membranes; composites or composite membranes obtained by adding a metal salt, e.g. from ZrOCl2, to a solvent, especially DMSO, for dissolving one or more polymers in an organic solvent or in aqueous systems, in addition to the subsequent precipitation in the matrix of the thus produced composite-membrane by post-treatment thereof in an acid or in a salt solution, especially phosphoric acid. The invention also relates to composites or composite membranes obtained by subsequent ion exchange of finished polymer membranes with a suitable salt cation, especially ZrO2+, wherein the polymer membrane is, optionally, swollen with an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvent with water prior to the ion exchange and the subsequent precipitation of a low soluble salt, e.g. from Zr3(PO4)4, in the membrane by post-treatment thereof in an acid or in a salt solution, especially phosphoric acid.

Abstract: There is provided a method for highly treating distillation waste generated in the process of separating a distilled alcoholic material after alcoholic fermentation of starchy materials. The method includes the steps of adding sodium polyacrylate to the distillation waste from the starchy materials, then adding chitosan to treat the distillation waste, and further adding sodium polyacrylate to the waste. Furthermore, solid-liquid separation is then carried out. A liquid material thus separated is brought into contact with a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: An submersible desalination unit composed of a structure containing a water intake system for acquiring sea water, a sea water pre-filtration system for removing lager contaminants and debris, a reverse osmosis system for the purification of the water, a permeate transfer system to carry the water to where it will be used, a power source for powering the equipment used in the process and a control system that operates and monitors the equipment and process of removing salt from the water and transferring the desalinated water to other use and returning the brine solution to the sea.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a vessel for housing at least two filtration elements. One or more of the filtration elements is a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane and one of the other filtration elements is a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane. The vessel has an inlet port for providing a liquid feed to the filtration elements, an outlet port for directing a permeate produced by the elements from the vessel and an outlet port for directing a concentrate produced by the elements from the vessel. A number of vessels can be provided in a parallel arrangement and/or a series arrangement and the vessels can be arranged so as to allow regeneration of the microfiltration or ultrationfiltration membranes from another vessel in the arrangement.

Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber for holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.

Abstract: A filter system and method of filtering a feed liquid utilizing a combined plurality of filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge and a spiral passageway for imparting secondary flow currents, particularly Dean-Flow currents, to fluid flowing within the spiral passageways to prevent particulate build-up on filter surfaces so as to extend filter life and duration between replacement. The filter system can be operated within positive or negative pressure filtration processes. A dual-stage filtration process utilizing a cap filter and a cylindrical depth filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low water recovery rate desalination system and method. This system and method enables the purification of water in a more environmentally sustainable manner than conventional systems. The environmental benefit of this invention is derived from its ability to desalinate water and produce a brine byproduct that is less concentrated than that of conventional desalination systems. The system is composed of three elements. They are a water makeup element, a concentration element and a desalination system. The water makeup element and the concentration element can integrated with a conventional desalination technology to form a complete desalination system.

Abstract: A method of membrane separation and membrane separation apparatus, with which not only a supply liquid can be evaluated but also the problems, such as scale, occurring on reverse osmosis membrane can be monitored in a highly straightforward fashion. There is provided a membrane separation apparatus equipped with reverse osmosis membrane module (3) so as to be adapted for feeding of a supply liquid and obtaining of a permeated liquid and a concentrated liquid, characterized by comprising a feeding-side membrane separation means (10) which includes a separation membrane (11) of which the membrane face (11a) can be monitored and guides the supply liquid so as to separate the membrane, and a concentrating-side membrane separation means (20) which includes a separation membrane (21) of which the membrane face (21a) can be monitored and guides the concentrated liquid so as to separate the membrane separation thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.

Abstract: Process for separating colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants from a hydrocarbon mixture using a membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, by contacting the hydrocarbon mixture with the feed side of the membrane, and by removing at the permeate side a hydrocarbon permeate having a reduced content of colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants, wherein the membrane is arranged in a spirally wound membrane module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: In a pump apparatus of the present invention, a portion of fluid sent to a fluid-sending destination is circulated to a pumping driving chamber on one side of a cylinder through a circulation passage. The pump apparatus includes a switching valve which switches inflow and outflow of the circulated fluid with respect to the pumping driving chamber. The switching valve is connected to a piston rod through a link mechanism, and mechanically carries out the switching operation using a pumping driving force.

Abstract: A method and construction for treatment of sludge from waterworks and wastewater treatment plants is disclosed. The method for treatment of sludge from waterwork or wastewater treatment plant, comprising precipitated inorganic chemical coagulants and precipitated organic substances, comprises adding an acid to the sludge in such a way that a first sludge mixture with low pH is received. The first sludge mixture includes the inorganic chemical coagulants in solution and the organic substances. The sludge mixture is pumped, via heat exchangers to a pressure tank. An obtained first concentrate is fed to at least one membrane filtration process in which a second concentrate and a first permeate are obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric membrane composition utilizing the non-hazardous compound 4-aminophenyl disulfide (“APD”), a method of making the polymeric membrane, and a process for separating components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to utilizing the polymeric membrane composition in a process for the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstream containing aromatics and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: Environmentally protective Method of treating an aqueous radioactive fluid (AF) in a nuclear reactor cycle or radwaste system to selectively capture or remove radioactive isotopes in a reduced quantitative package to minimize radwaste generated and revitalize neutron absorption capacity of nuclear reactor coolant by separately carrying away boron constituents, when B10 is later added.

Abstract: A separation apparatus using a membrane for diafiltration, which provides precise fractionation of a target substance by monitoring and regulating permeability of the target substance based on measurement values and analytical values indicating separation status, such as physical values and concentration of a permeate liquid, a circulating liquid and an internal circulating liquid in a membrane device. A diafiltration process including adding a cleaning liquid to an treating liquid which contains multiple target substances and extracting a target substance into the permeate liquid supplied from a membrane separation apparatus to fractionate the target substance from other target substances remaining in a residual liquid.

Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater includes a fresh water supply, a reverse osmosis apparatus, a concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank, a concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve, a permeate heater, an institutional dishmachine and a control system. The reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. The concentrate storage tank and the permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receiving the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. The concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively, from their respective storage tank. The permeate heater heats the permeate rinse stream to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled or a scaled RO or NF membrane surface with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: treating the membrane surface in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer on said membrane surface; making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; optionally, rinsing the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention removes contaminants from well water without creating the problem of large volumes of waste liquid disposal. It uses double-cone devices as pressure amplifiers which due to their lack of moving parts avoid the risk of additional contamination of the well and provide a prolonged lifetime. For toxic contaminants, a periodic purging of the concentrated contaminants is required. In the case of (sea) salt contamination, there is no waste brine to be continuously handled at all and the system may be run without interruption over an extended period. In this case, the brine is dumped into the well simply by periodically stopping the plant. The brine pours out of the double-cone unit(s) and due to its higher density, sinks down in the well without disturbing the operation of the purification plant.

Abstract: Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting reverse osmosis processing of solutions are described. The techniques can be applied to provide diluted solution (i.e. purified solvent), concentrate solution or each. A variety of specific equipment, example systems and processes are depicted and described.

Abstract: Black currant anthocyanin-containing compositions for foods comprising 1 to 25% by weight of black currant anthocyanin on the basis of solid matters; a process for producing a black currant anthocyanin-containing composition for foods characterized by purifying and concentrating black currant juice employed as a starting material by using a charged reverse osmosis membrane; functional foods and drinks characterized by containing the above compositions for foods; and the above-described compositions for foods and the above-described functional foods and drinks having an effect of improving visual function, a function of improving blood fluidity, and/or a function of lowering blood pressure. The conventional black currant anthocyanin compositions have a low black currant anthocyanin content, strong acidity and poor stability, which makes them unsuitable as additives for foods and drinks.

Abstract: Sea water is extracted from a depth in excess of 400 meters below the sea surface and desalinated to produce potable water. A system to extract, desalinate and store the desalinated sea water is mounted aboard a ship.

Abstract: Method and system for processing of a liquid (“contaminant liquid”) containing water and containing urine and/or other contaminants in a two step process. Urine, or a contaminated liquid similar to and/or containing urine and thus having a relatively high salt and urea content is passed through an activated carbon filter to provide a resulting liquid, to remove most of the organic molecules. The resulting liquid is passed through a semipermeable membrane from a membrane first side to a membrane second side, where a fortified drink having a lower water concentration (higher osmotic potential) than the resulting liquid is positioned. Osmotic pressure differential causes the water, but not most of the remaining inorganic (salts) contaminant(s) to pass through the membrane to the fortified drink. Optionally, the resulting liquid is allowed to precipitate additional organic molecules before passage through the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising ion-exchanged molecular sieves such as UZM-5 zeolite ion-exchanged with Li+ cation (Li-UZM-5) and a continuous polymer matrix and methods for making and using these membranes. These MMMs, comprising ion-exchanged molecular sieves, in the form of symmetric dense films, asymmetric flat sheets, asymmetric hollow fibers, or thin-film composites, have exhibited simultaneously increased selectivity and permeability (or permeance) over polymer-only membranes and the mixed matrix membranes made from molecular sieves that have not been ion exchanged for gas separations. These MMMs are suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations such as desalination of water by reverse osmosis, deep desulfurization of gasoline and diesel fuels, ethanol/water separations, pervaporation dehydration of aqueous/organic mixtures, CO2/CH4, CO2/N2, H2/CH4, O2/N2, olefin/paraffin, iso/normal paraffins separations, and other light gas mixture separations.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for removing solutes from a solution using nano-filtration means to provide a treated wine.

Abstract: Pure halogen salts of alkaline and/or alkaline earth metals or a mixture thereof are prepared by (I) hydrolytically heating a suspension of 1 part by weight of a halogenic, organic waste material in a comminuted state in 1-10 parts by weight of an aqueous medium in the presence of a base to a temperature ranging from 200-300° C. at a pressure sufficient to maintain the water in a liquid state for a period of time sufficient to convert substantially all the organically bound halogen present to inorganic halides, and (II) separating the hydrolysate obtained in step (I) into a solid hydrolysate fraction and a liquid hydrolysate fraction, (III) neutralizing the liquid hydrolysate with hydrohalogenic acid, (IV) adding a flocculent to the neutralized hydrolysate; (V) separating the material from step (IV) into a solid containing fraction and an aqueous solution; and (VI) nanofiltering the aqueous solution to obtain a retentate and a permeate, wherein the permeate is further treated to obtain the pure salts.

Abstract: Method of maximizing resin utilization and optimizing reverse osmosis performance to polish an aqueous or radwaste fluid. The method provides resin scavenging of targeted isotopes and exposes filter media and resin to a higher influent activity concentration to enable higher waste loading and longer life of resin while protecting downstream reverse osmosis system from high concentration of contaminants. An aqueous waste feedstream is processed through steps of filtering, demineralizing, and reverse osmosis; and the feedstream is separated into permeate and reject streams for recycling and evaluation, respectively. The permeate stream is recycled in ways that permit it to return to a supply area for recycle reuse or discharge.

Abstract: A membrane contactor includes a housing, a stack of membrane mats, and a cap. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The closed end includes an outlet port. The cap is united to the open end and includes an inlet port. A stack of membrane mats is within the housing stacked substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Each membrane mat has a plurality of hollow fiber members. A potting material bonds the membrane mats to each other and simultaneously bonds one end of the stack to the closed end and bonds the other end of the stack to the cap. The potting material forms an internal chamber and at least one external chamber within the housing. The hollow fiber members extend through the potting material from the internal chamber into the external chambers. The inlet port and the outlet port are in communication with the internal chamber. At least one side port is in communication with the external chambers.

Abstract: A process in which isotopes of the same element belonging to the alkaline earth metals, transition elements and heavy metals having an atomic mass of less than 209, in particular lanthanide metals, are separated in an aqueous medium by treating an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method of producing safe drinking water from virtually any water source utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes a combination of water purification methods with a control system that evaluates water quality and functional processing parameters, such as pressure and flow. The control system determines what water processing methods to utilize and how most efficiently to operate them. The system is capable of treating highly contaminated water to the necessary degree to produce safe drinking water. Furthermore, the system regulates and cleans itself to maintain functionality despite receiving high concentrations of various contaminants from the feed water source.

Abstract: An apparatus for consecutive sequential closed-circuit desalination of a salt water solution by reverse osmosis having at least one circuit and a single container (CN), wherein the circuit includes at least one RO module (M1) connected in parallel.

Abstract: A hollow fiber cartridge includes a stack of hollow fiber mats. The stack has a major axis and two end faces. Each mat is substantially perpendicular to the axis. An end cap is united to each end face.

Abstract: A method for recovering demineralized water from zirconium-containing rinse water having a pH lower than 6.0, wherein a) the rinse water has added to it an aqueous solution of Ca(OH)2 containing no more than 0.1 wt% undissolved Ca(OH)2, in a quantity such that the pH of the rinse water rises to a value in the range from 6.2 to 8.0, b) a precipitate that forms is separated from the rinse water, and c) the rinse water from which the precipitate was removed in step b) is subjected to an ion exchange method or to reverse osmosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for elimination of boron from sea-water by reverse osmosis membranes characterized in that it comprises: adding to sea-water a composition consisting of at least one metal together with at least one antiscaling-dispersant agent, and a second phase in which an alkalinizing agent is added until a pH of between 8-9.5 is achieved, which can furthermore consist of a third phase in which the fluoride content of the sea-water is increased following the second phase, or a third phase in which a high molecular weight alcohol is added to the water.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment system including: a blood circuit having a first blood passage coupled at a first end to a first end of a blood treatment device and a second blood passage coupled at a first end to a second end of the treatment device, wherein the first and second blood passages each have a second end adapted to be coupled to a vascular system of a human patient; a first blood pump connectable to the first blood passage and a second blood pump connectable to the second blood passage, wherein said first and second blood pumps are adapted to move blood through the first and second blood passages in a first direction and in a reverse direction, and a pump controller operatively connected to the first and second blood pumps, said controller operates the blood pumps to cyclically move blood through the first and second blood passages in the first direction and the reverse direction.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a membrane biological reactor mixed liquor containing one or more nonionic polysaccharides and/or one or more organic molecules is disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film composite or TFC membrane formed by interfacial polymerization of an organic and aqueous phase on a support membrane with nanoparticles in the discrimination layer and/or the support membrane, optimized by the selection of nanoparticles for membrane flux, hydrophilicity and to minimize thickness of the support membrane while maintaining the strength and ruggedness characteristics required for forward osmosis (FO) and/or pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) so that the flux flow paths are less tortuous than conventional support membranes and thereby provide increased flux flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the production of D-pantothenic acid and/or salts thereof and use thereof as adjunct for animal feedstuffs.

Abstract: A method for operating a reverse osmosis membrane filtration plant having a raw water intake unit, a pre-treatment unit, and a reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit having a reverse osmosis membrane module in this order, the method including: disposing a biofilm formation base material under conditions that reverse osmosis membrane supply water and/or reverse osmosis membrane non-permeated water in the reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit are/is flowed at a linear speed equal to a non-permeated water linear speed in the reverse osmosis membrane module of the reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit; evaluating a biofilm amount on the biofilm formation base material at a frequency of from once a day to once in six months; and controlling the method for operating a reverse osmosis membrane filtration plant based on results of the evaluation.