Abstract: The invention relates to a composite with a separation-active membrane layer and a supporting membrane, a process for the production of the same and a process for using the same. The composite membrane according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the separation-active membrane layer comprises a polymer hardened by electromagnetic radiation with wave length that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams. The process according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that a layer of a solution of a polymer that can be hardened by electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams and an initiator substance is applied to a supporting membrane and subsequently is hardened by electromagnetic radiation and/or by electron beams. The use according to the invention serves to retain low molecular weight substances from organic solutions.

Abstract: Desalination system includes a submersible module defining a water-receiving interior and including openings leading from the interior to an exterior, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes arranged in each opening such that the RO membrane is exposed to seawater when the module is submersed, a pump arranged in connection with the interior of module, and a movement system for adjusting the vertical depth at which the module is submersed. The movement system can move the module in vertical and horizontal directions, in any predetermined pattern, or in vertical—horizontal planes defined by the movement system from one location to another location to prevent an elevated salt concentration in an area adjacent the RO membranes and to thereby maintain the osmotic pressure of the seawater in the area adjacent the RO membranes low.

Abstract: A unique water purification system for use in vending machine applications. The invention can be configured several different ways, with the goal of purifying the water through the reverse osmosis component, and optionally sanitizing it with UV light, then re-mineralizing the water, and finally optionally alkalizing and electrolyzing with an electric-based water ionizing machine. The result is water from which all impurities have been removed and disinfected by optional ultra violet treatment, but which also contains never before seen amounts of beneficial alkaline helpful minerals and/or powerful anti-oxidants. Without adding the minerals, the machine would not ionize and alkalize the water as efficiently. This unique combination of reverse osmosis, with optional UV, will create very pure water that can then have liquid or granular minerals added, and be alkalized and ionized to make it very healthy for human consumption.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for treating seven types of saline waters each having a concentration of total dissolved solids exceeding 1 g/L, wherein the concentration of total dissolved solids, the ratio of the chloride ion concentration to the bicarbonate ion concentration and the ratio of the chloride ion concentration to the sulphate ion concentration of each of the water types are as indicated in Table 1. The process includes the steps of contacting the water with a first reagent comprising a source of calcium ions selected from calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide to form a first solid product which is recovered. The process includes a further step of subjecting at least a portion of the partially processed water to at least partial evaporation so as to promote the formation of a precipitate and a mother liquor. The precipitate is recovered as a second product.

Abstract: Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source.

Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.

Abstract: A process for combined ozone degradation and filtration using a multi-layered, nanocrystalline, sintered ceramic, metal oxide catalyst and ceramic membrane filter is described. The process reduces fouling of the membrane and degrades ozone remaining in the water from ozonation of water to kill microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying caustic feed streams using membranes that comprise polysulfonamide matrices.

Abstract: A method for generating new water with attached water rights comprising identifying a source of production water and treating the water in appropriate ways to provide water appropriate for beneficial use such as agriculture, irrigation, industrial or municipal or potable applications. Appropriate permits are obtained to create the new water with attached water rights.

Abstract: A water-on-water filtration system that includes a filter member and two storage vessels. The system includes a plurality of valves that are controlled to place a first of the storage vessels in a fill state in which the first storage vessel is being filled with filtered water, and concurrently place the second of the storage vessels in a service state in which filtered water held in the second storage vessel is delivered as an output of the filtration system. The filtration system can be configured to supply a constant output of filtered water to meet a constant demand while using a relatively small filter member and relatively small storage vessels.

Abstract: A process for irrigation involves monitoring reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary. The reclaimed water is tested with monitors to obtain results for water quality characteristics, including: pH; residual chlorine; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges for water quality characteristic, and to show any deviation from said acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment includes a dechlorination system to correct active chlorine, and, optionally, an oxidation system. There is also a reverse osmosis step for reduction of salts, such as sodium. Other monitors may include one or more of hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for treating a fluid to be injected into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a desalination system (12) having a fluid inlet (16) for receiving a first feed fluid (18) and a first fluid outlet (22) for delivering a first product fluid (20). The apparatus (10) also includes a selective ionic species removal plant (30) having a fluid inlet (36) for receiving a second feed fluid (34) and a fluid outlet (40) for delivering a second product fluid (38), wherein the second product fluid (38) has a preferred ionic concentration. A mixer (46) is provided for mixing at least a portion of the first product fluid (20) and at least a portion of the second product fluid (38) to provide a third or injection product fluid (48). Accordingly, injection fluid can be created which has a preferred ionic concentration suitable for injecting into a well (28).

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

Abstract: The present invention involves a water-based vessel for the production of desalinated water and concentrated brine. The former is usable for drinking water in areas that lack sufficient potable water, while the latter may be used as fuel in electricity production. The invention additionally includes capabilities of providing electricity, food, and lodging in response to emergency conditions.

Abstract: A method for processing wastewater is provided. The method includes concentrating a flow of the wastewater using a reverse osmosis process membrane, and evaporating the concentrated flow to produce at least distillate and solids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a semi-permeable membrane for use in osmosis consisting of one thin layer of a non-porous material (the diffusion skin), and one or more layers of a porous material (the porous layer), where the porous layer has a structure where porosity ?, thickness of the porous layer (m), and tortuosity ?, are related to one another as given by the expression: x·?=?·S wherein S is a structure parameter having a value equal to or less than 0.0015 meter. Further a method for providing elevated pressure by osmosis as well as a device for providing an elevated osmotic pressure and electric power is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating and/or analyzing fluids of interest. According to principles of the present invention, fluid analysis is accomplished with microfluidic devices and may be reported in real-time or near real-time in a subterranean environment. In addition or alternative to oilfield applications, the principles of the present invention contemplate separation in a laboratory or other environment for biological sample separation and analytical chemistry applications. The present invention is capable of separating liquid-liquid mixtures or emulsions in a microfluidic device without fouling.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled RO membrane in a module for RO separation, the membrane having feed side and permeate side, the foulant accumulating at the feed side. The cleaning method comprises: feeding concentrated saline solution to the feed side of the RO membrane under the high gauge pressure of the normal RO separation process; feeding dilute saline solution to the permeate side of the RO membrane under higher pressure than the permeate pressure of the normal RO process, so that a net driving differential ?PN is directed to the feed side, whereby the solvent is being sucked from the permeate side to the feed side, penetrates into the interface between the membrane and the accumulated foulant, and separates the foulant from the membrane surface; and withdrawing the concentrated saline solution together with the separated foulant and the penetrated solvent from the feed side of the RO membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method that achieves water desalination by utilizing and optimizing clathrate hydrate phenomena. Clathrate hydrates are crystalline compounds of gas and water that desalinate water by excluding salt molecules during crystallization. Contacting a hydrate forming gaseous species with water will spontaneously form hydrates at specific temperatures and pressures through the extraction of water molecules from the bulk phase followed by crystallite nucleation. Subsequent dissociation of pure hydrates yields fresh water and, if operated correctly, allows the hydrate-forming gas to be efficiently recycled into the process stream.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a fluid reservoir, a valve and a brine feed tank in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through an input. The brine feed tank has brine feed fluid therein. The system also includes a high pressure pump and a pressure vessel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through the high pressure pump. The pressure vessel comprises a permeate outlet. The brine feed tank is in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. During a permeate production cycle, the high pressure pump pumps additional fluid under high pressure from the fluid reservoir into the pressure vessel using a high pressure pump. The pressure vessel communicates brine fluid into the brine feed tank. The high pressure pump raises a pressure in the pressure vessel until an amount of permeate is produced from a permeate output of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and a method of operating the same includes a pressure vessel having a membrane therein, a high pressure fluid input, a low pressure fluid input, a permeate output and a brine output. The system further includes a high pressure valve, a low pressure valve and a high pressure pump in fluid communication with the high pressure input through the high pressure valve. The system also includes a low pressure pump in fluid communication with the low pressure input through the low pressure valve. The high pressure pump and the low pressure pump are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The low pressure pump initially fills the pressure vessel and the high pressure pump operates during permeate production.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis liquid filtering assembly includes a reverse osmosis membrane for receiving intake liquid and creating permeate and concentrate liquid and a tank having a first chamber for storing the permeate and a second chamber for receiving the concentrate liquid, the first and second chambers being operatively connected so that the concentrate liquid in the second chamber pressurizes the permeate in the first chamber. The embodiment may further include means for directing the concentrate liquid into the second chamber, wherein the means selectively directs the concentrate liquid into the second chamber only when the faucet is open. To relieve backpressure, a connection between the second chamber and drain may be provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of and an apparatus for continuously desalinating water by reverse osmosis, in particular desalinating sea water, wherein salt water is introduced under a first pressure by means of a delivery pump into a pressure compensating device, salt water is continuously introduced from the pressure compensating device at a second increased pressure into a membrane module and separated therein by means of a membrane into desalinated water and concentrated salt water, and the concentrated salt water discharged from the membrane module is continuously introduced under approximately the second pressure into the pressure compensating device and used there for acting with approximately the second pressure on the salt water introduced into the pressure compensating device and for introducing the salt water into the membrane module.

Abstract: A method for purifying water, comprising separating a supply stream into a permeate stream and a reject stream, removing non-monovalent salt impurities from the reject stream to produce a treated stream; providing the treated stream to a concentrating compartment of an electrodeionization unit; and, producing an EDI product stream of purified water.

Abstract: A desalination vessel has a water intake system having a water intake configured to be in communication with a body of water, and a water intake pump configured to draw water from the body of water, a water desalination system configured to produce desalinated water and concentrate from water drawn from the body of water, a mixing tank on the desalination vessel configured to mix the concentrate with water drawn from the body of water to produce diluted concentrate, and a concentrate discharge system configured to discharge the diluted concentrate into the body of water. The desalination vessel is configured to float on the body of water.

Abstract: A water purification system comprising a thermal hydrolysis catalytic reactor, an adsorbent media bed and a reverse osmosis unit is provided. The water purification system may provide potable water from non-potable water, such as non-potable water contaminated with chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, radioactive agents and/or Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). Methods for providing potable water using the water purification system of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a desalinated aqueous liquid. The process comprising passing a de-gassed aqueous liquid (115) through a reverse osmosis membrane (110). The process may additionally comprise the step of degassing an aqueous liquid (105) to produce the degassed aqueous liquid (115).

Abstract: A power recovery system is used for reducing the total energy consumption in a process such as an industrial treating process or a fluid refining process including the delivery of a fluid under a high pressure. The power recovery system includes a high-pressure pump for pressuring raw water, a reverse osmosis membrane cartridge for treating high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump with a reverse osmosis membrane to produce treated water, a positive-displacement piston pump for pressuring raw water under the pressure of concentrated water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane cartridge without being treated by the reverse osmosis membrane, and a power recovery pump turbine for boosting the pressurized raw water discharged from the positive-displacement piston pump and adding the boosted water to the high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump. The power recovery pump turbine is actuated by pressurized water generated in the power recovery system.

Abstract: A method for the removal of contaminants from a contaminated water stream, by pretreating the contaminated water stream to yield a pretreated water stream, wherein pretreating comprises passing the contaminated water stream to at least one electrocoagulation cell wherein coagulation of contaminants is promoted, yielding an electrocoagulated stream; and separating coagulated contaminants from the electrocoagulated stream. An electrocoagulation reactor comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned parallel to each other and provided with a means of energizing each electrode; a fluid inlet for an inlet stream comprising contaminated water; a fluid outlet for an outlet stream comprising electrocoagulated products; a flow distributor system; and a gas distribution system for injecting a gas into the electrocoagulation reactor. An electrocoagulation system for treating a contaminated water stream, the system comprising at least one electrocoagulation reactor.

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: Methods for treating landfill leachate taught herein comprise: (a) coagulatively settling leachate; (b) filtering the resultant supernatant liquid through multistage cartridges; (c) filtering the filtered liquid by reverse osmosis; and (d) treating the resultant liquid with chlorine-based oxidant. These methods provide the advantages of efficient wastewater treatment, compact equipment size, short process flow, and low startup and operational costs.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting corrosion in aqueous evaporative systems where soluble silica (SiO2) is maintained at residuals between 10 Mg/L and saturation, but more preferably maintained at greater than 300 mg/L as SiO2, to provide corrosion inhibiting silica films that protect system metals. Silica is provided by evaporation of water and subsequent concentration and transformation of silica naturally contained in source water. The methods of the present invention provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for mild steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel and various alloys of such metals. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of polyvalent metal ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of concentration of monovalent metal ions, and controlling pH at a minimum of 7.0 in the presence of an elevated temperature aqueous environment.

Abstract: A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurised by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for producing clear reverse osmosis retentates having silica concentrations which are substantially supersaturated in silica from feedwaters having silica concentrations, without substantial formation of alkali-soluble scale having substantial silica content in the associated reverse osmosis apparatus, by adjusting the pH of such feedwaters to an acidic pH range prior to reverse osmosis in accordance with this invention. Also disclosed are related processes and apparatus for periodically removing minor amounts of alkali-soluble scale having substantial silica content from the apparatus.

Abstract: A “polishing” water filter for the micro-filtration of fine particles comprises a porous ceramic substrate, having an average pore size in the range of about 0.2 to about 100 microns, which is coated with porous rice hull ash (RHA) particles that have an average particle size that is greater than the average pore size of the ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate preferably has an average pore size of about 30 microns; the RHA has an average particle size in the range of about 120 to about 150 microns and an average pore size in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 microns.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.

Abstract: Zero discharge processing methods for the treatment of agricultural drainage water (ADW) are disclosed. The disclosed methods are capable of meeting the three critical issues in treating ADW: (1) selective removal of sulfate scale-prone species and toxic species; (2) production of usable water that at least meets irrigation water quality; and (3) recovery of sodium sulfate and sodium chloride as valuable commodities.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Water for Injection using reverse osmosis. Water for Injection can be produced by reverse osmosis and the reverse osmosis membrane can be kept in a constantly self-sanitizing condition. One way of obtaining a constantly self-sanitizing condition is to maintain the reverse osmosis membrane at an elevated temperature during production of Water for Injection.

Abstract: An integrated treatment system using electrodialysis and pressure-driven membranes for deionizing and decontaminating liquids to a near-pure quality for use or reuse in industrial or municipal operations. The integrated system includes steps of pre-filtering contaminated feed liquids blending the filtered liquids in preparation for treating the mixed liquids in parallel or sequential treatment steps utilizing nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, proceeded by or followed by an integrated electrodialysis treatment. A control means selectively directs mixed liquids to each of the treatment units for treatment in parallel or in series depending on the conductivity and residual contaminants in the mixed liquids. In comparison with nanofiltration or reverse osmosis only systems, or electrodialysis only systems, the integrated system provides improved efficiencies for treatment, requires less energy to operate, and reduces maintenance and capital costs.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane, which comprises a separating functional layer comprising polyamide formed on a porous substrate film, wherein the separating functional layer comprising polyamide has a mean pore radius of 0.25 nm to 0.35 nm and a vacancy content of 0.2 nm3% to 0.3 nm3%, measured by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.

Abstract: A system may be used to remove contaminants such as blood proteins or manure from a wastewater stream. The system may include prefiltering the wastewater stream followed by passing the wastewater stream through a reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, or ultrafiltration membrane. The permeate may be further sanitized. The water output from such a system may meet drinking water standards or may be used for secondary uses such as dust prevention and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a reverse osmosis membrane for boron rejection enhancement, comprising contacting the reverse osmosis membrane with a chemical coating such as PHMB, wherein the reverse osmosis membrane is part of a single-pass reverse osmosis system is configured to reduce the boron concentration of normal seawater or brackish water to less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Process for separating a metal complex catalyst from a reaction mixture obtained from a telomerization reaction, wherein the metal complex catalyst is separated off at least one membrane which is more permeable to the telomerization product than to the metal complex catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration process for enriching and concentrating a neutral organic compound into the permeated liquid with negative retention.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.

Abstract: Process for the purification of aqueous peroxygen solutions comprising the treatment of an aqueous peroxygen solution with (a) at least one membrane purification step, (b) optionally at least one ion exchange purification step, (c) optionally at least one dilution step, and (d) at least one other purification step, all of which can be conducted in any sequence. Aqueous peroxygen solutions having a TOC level of less than 1 mg/kg can be obtained by this process. They can be used in the manufacture of semiconductors.

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 carbone 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: Water purification systems include a reverse osmosis unit, a treatment unit, and an electrodeionization unit. A reverse osmosis reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is treated in the treatment unit and provided to concentrating compartments of the electrodeionization unit.

Abstract: A method for filtering and recovering solids from potato process water that results in a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water is presented. In general, the method involves providing a plurality of vessels wherein a step in a manufacturing process takes place in each vessel and wherein at least one step in the manufacturing process produces a potato process water having solids. The potato process water is passed through at least one ultrafilter wherein each ultrafilter produces an ultrafilter (u/f) permeate stream and a u/f concentrate stream. The u/f concentrate stream is collected and reintroduced into at least one vessel in the manufacturing process producing a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water. The final characteristics of the product remain essentially unchanged.