Abstract: In a multi-ducted sink fitting assembly, a waste water connection to an assembly comprises a reverse osmosis waste water upright duct associated with the fitting; a dish water upright duct associated with the fitting to flow unclean dish water upwardly; and a discharge duct extending downwardly and associated with the fitting to receive flow from both the reverse osmosis waste water duct and the dish water duct.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying water is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, the process may be used to remove a divalent salt, such as calcium sulfate, from a water source in order to prevent the divalent salt from precipitating during the process. The water source, for instance, may be fed to an ion separating device, such as an electrodialysis device. In the electrodialysis device, an ion exchange takes place between the divalent salt and another salt, such as a monovalent salt to produce two concentrated salt streams that contain salts having greater solubility in water than the divalent salt. In one embodiment, the two salt streams that are produced may then be combined to precipitate the divalent salt in a controlled manner. During the process, various other components contained within the water feed stream may also be removed from the stream and converted into useful products. In one particular embodiment, the process is configured to receive a byproduct stream from a reverse osmosis process.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an influent wastewater stream includes initially chemically adjusting a pH of the influent wastewater stream to less than about 3.5 or maintaining the pH of the influent stream at less than about 3.5. After initially adjusting or maintaining the pH of the influent wastewater stream, the wastewater is directed to a first reverse osmosis system and contaminants are removed from the wastewater. The wastewater is then directed to a second reverse osmosis where additional contaminants are removed from the wastewater. After the wastewater has been subjected to treatment in the first reverse osmosis system and prior to treatment in the second reverse osmosis system, the pH of the wastewater is adjusted upwardly.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a method and apparatus for the treatment of water containing silica in order to recover as much treated water from a water source as possible while minimizing the generation of waste products. Other embodiments include removing specific elements from the water source and utilizing those elements. Embodiments of the method and apparatus uses in-line physical and physio-chemical treatment methods to remove potential biological, colloidal and hardness foulants continually so that there is minimal loss of water from the water source stream and minimal addition of chemicals to accomplish removal or reduction of these potential recovery-limiting foulants.

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. A water intake system installed on a sea-going vessel positioned on the surface of a body of water includes an apparatus for taking up seawater from the body of seawater. The apparatus includes a water intake member, a water intake positioned on the water intake member, and an impingement, entrainment, and entrapment mitigation device at least partially surrounding the water intake and including a plurality of apertures sized to prevent entry of marine organisms into the water intake.

Abstract: A method of producing multiple beverage products from a solution is presented. The method comprises providing the solution in a first container, with the solution having a concentration of a dissolved component. A portion of the solution is provided to a second container, and the portion of the solution in the second container is separated into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate has a lower concentration of the dissolved component and the retentate has a higher concentration of the dissolved component. The permeate is fed back into the first container to form a mixture of solution and permeate in the first container. A portion of the mixture is circulated with a portion of the retentate in the second container, forming a combination. The combination is then separated. The process may be repeated with the permeate from the combination separation being fed back to the first container, while the retentate from the separation of the combination is fed back into the second container.

Abstract: Desalination is carried out by a hybrid ion exchange-nanofiltration process in which ion exchange is followed by pressure-driven nanofiltration. Monovalent ions of sodium and chloride of saline water are exchanged for equivalent concentrations of poly-valent ions (for example, sodium ions for magnesium ions or chloride ions for sulfate ions) when passed through ion exchangers in the form of those poly-valent ions. The resultant solution has a lower osmotic pressure than the initial solution containing monovalent sodium and chloride ions, and requires less transmembrane pressure for membrane desalination compared to traditional reverse osmosis. The concentrated reject stream from the membrane process is used as regenerant for the exhausted ion exchanger, which has been converted to monovalent anionic or cationic form.

Abstract: Methods of treating a high salinity liquid, such as seawater, containing boron are provided, including adjusting the pH of the liquid to about 8 to about 9.5, optionally adding a scale inhibitor to the liquid, passing the liquid through a reverse osmosis device, and recovering a permeate having a boron concentration less than about 2 ppm. One embodiment includes removing colloidal matter from the liquid using a membrane filtration system, such as ultrafiltration or microfiltration, prior to passing the liquid through the reverse osmosis device, and preferably prior to adjusting the pH of the liquid.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.

Abstract: An energy accumulator includes a blast chamber, an explosive charge and a detonator that explodes the charge within the blast chamber. A piston forms part of the blast chamber and connects to an energy accumulator or potential energy storage device such as a spring. When an explosive charge is detonated, the piston is forced away from the blast chamber. Energy from the displacement of the piston is captured in the energy accumulator. The energy accumulator forces a fluid through different devices requiring high pressure such as desalinators, ultra and micro filters or chromatographs.

Abstract: A for preparing Tyrosol and/or Hydroxytyrosol from oil mill wastewaters. includes: a) Microfiltration (MF), Ultrafiltration (UF). Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) of the OMW; b) Separation of Tyrosol, Hydroxytyrosol and other phenolic compounds from the concentrated RO; c) Oxidation of the obtained Tyrosol to Hydroxytyrosol in the presence of methyl rhenium trioxide and of hydrogen peroxide in a protic solvent.

Abstract: A method for treating water includes directing the water to a ballasted flocculation system and mixing a coagulant, flocculant and a ballast with the water. Solids are separated from a clarified effluent at a speed greater than 15 m/h. The method further includes filtering the clarified effluent with one or more microfiltration membranes or ultrafiltration membranes to produce filtered water. Thereafter directing the filtered water to an RO unit or a nanofiltration membrane or membranes and subjecting the filtered water to filtration by the RO unit or the nanofiltration membrane or membranes.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis product water storage tank having first and second molded shells coupled together to form an enclosure, a bladder within the enclosure and coupled to separate product water from squeeze water within the enclosure, a first port through a wall of the enclosure to provide water access to the product water side of the bladder, a second port through a wall of the enclosure to provide squeeze water access to the squeeze water side of the bladder and wherein the inner surfaces of the enclosure having a topography configured to define a plurality of channels between the inner surfaces of the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water for accommodating squeeze water flow into the enclosure between the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for producing purified drinking water are disclosed. A hand pump is used in a closed system to generate pressure sufficient to pass the untreated water through a system of filters and a reverse osmosis membrane. The system preferably includes an ultrafiltration filter. The resulting water is substantially pure, being free of bacteria and having a significant amount of minerals and salts removed to make it safe for drinking. The system can produce enough potable water to supply the daily needs for a small village.

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: A method of removing one or more heavy metals including mercury from industrial wastewater by use of a filtration and/or a solid-liquid separation system by use of a water soluble ethylene dichloride ammonia polymer.

Abstract: An activated sludge system for the purification of wastewater includes a membrane reactor comprising: (i) an array of pairs of vertical membranes (14) parallel to each other, (5) the membranes being spaced apart from each other and being permeate to liquid but substantially impermeable to solid particles, (ii) liquid flow channels between the membranes (14) of each pair, (iii) a liquid-collecting channels communicating with the liquid-flow channels for receiving liquid which has permeated through the membranes (14), and (iv) gaseous fluid sparging ducts (5) allocated to and co-planar with the respective pairs of membranes (14) and extending substantially horizontally for introducing gaseous fluid into a mixture of the liquid and the solid particles about the array, so that the gaseous fluid rises through the gaps (8) among the outer major surfaces of the membranes (14), each of the ducts 5 having therealong only one row of sparge holes (6), those holes (6) being downwardty directed for emitting the gaseous fl

Abstract: A DEMWAX™ water treatment system includes membrane modules and a collection channel. The membrane modules are submerged at depth and tethered to one or more anchors on the ocean floor. A breathing tube extends between the collection channel and a buoy floating on the surface of the ocean to expose the collection channel to atmospheric pressure. A pump pumps the permeate from the collection channel to shore through a permeate pipe. One or more permeate storage tanks can optionally be disposed within the system, for example, as part of or extending from the collection channel, to provide extra storage.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a plurality of feed pumps each having a feed pump input and a feed pump output, an input manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump inputs and a membrane feed manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump output. The system also includes a plurality of membrane chambers each in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold and generating a permeate output and a brine output, each brine output in fluid communication with a brine manifold. The system further includes a plurality of booster devices each having a turbine portion with a turbine input in fluid communication with the brine manifold and a pump portion having a booster device pump input and a booster device pump output, each booster device pump output in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold. The system includes a pump input manifold in fluid communication with the booster device pump input.

Abstract: A cross flow filtration apparatus for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis has pressure vessels with a plurality of filter cartridges in each vessel. A feed port is provided at an intermediate position on the side of the vessel, and two permeate flows or branches exit opposite ends of the vessel, and the first branch has a characteristically high “upstream” flux and quality, while the second is of lesser flux and/or quality. The system provides a high degree of moduarity, enhancing flux or yield at a reduced driving pressure or overall pressure drop. Centered or off-center port, and a stop or valve in the permeate stream may apportion flows between the two outlets. Staged systems may employ a first stage bypass to achieve a target quality with increased yield. A flow divider or adaptor permits the cartridges to fit and seal in the vessel and an installation tool or sleeve may facilitate installation or replacement of cartridges having a directional perimeter seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining a natural, bioactive concentrate, rich on hydroxytyrosol, from olive tree residues and subproducts using clean technologies. These technologies comprise supercritical fluid extraction, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis which are used individually or in an integrated mode. The natural extract comprises a minimum concentration of 15% (mass fraction) in hydroxytirosol and a maximum concentration of 98% (mass fraction) in this compound. The hydroxytyrosol-rich concentrate exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities, which are superior to the activities observed for isolated hydroxytyrosol in equivalent concentration. The hydroxytyrosol-rich concentrate can be prepared in the form of solid particles, as an aqueous solution, in an emulsion or as lipidic based nanoparticles. Industrial application comprises the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for softening water is disclosed. In particular, an apparatus and method for softening water without the addition of ions the wastewater stream is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes at least one nanofiltration filter element configured and arranged to receive an input flow of hard water, discharge an output flow of permeate water comprising a portion of the input flow, and discharge an output flow of non-permeate water comprising a portion of the input flow. The nanofiltration filter element typically has an average pore size that permits the passage of water and monovalent ions but substantially prevents the passage of divalent ions.

Abstract: A process for treatment of acidic waters via membrane separation equipment. A feedwater is maintained or adjusted to a pH of 4.3 or lower, and fed to a membrane separation system. In this manner, species such as total organic carbon (TOC) become more ionized, and (a) their rejection by the membrane separation process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Passage of total organic carbon (TOC) through the membrane is significantly reduced. A recovery ratio at or exceeding eighty percent (80%) is achievable with most feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of the membrane separation equipment. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of high purity water.

Abstract: The process for irrigation of a man-made landscaped area, such as a golf course, playing field or agricultural area, involves monitoring a sample of reclaimed water, a sample of soil containing reclaimed water, or both from a supply of reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlife, and irrigating with the treated water via a subterranean distribution system. The sample is tested with monitors for water quality characteristics, including: total organic carbon compounds; pH; residual chlorine; chlorides; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges to show deviation from acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment may include a dechlorination system, an oxidation system, reverse osmosis system. Other monitors may be for hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.

Abstract: A method of producing lime water comprising deionising dilution water by membrane filtration, distillation or an ion exchange resin and adding silicate ions to the deionised water. Thereafter, the deionised water treated with the silicate ions is mixed with milk of lime to form lime water. In one embodiment, the milk of lime and dilution water are mixed in a saturator where the silicate ions are introduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new water purification method and system using reverse osmosis. In particular, the present invention provides methods and water purification systems using an ion exchange resin and absorbent media for pretreatment of water being fed to a reverse osmosis treatment system, where the pretreatment reduces fouling of, or deposits or chemical attack on the membrane surfaces and passageways. Particularly, a macroporous resin having an average pore diameter in the range of 1,000 to 500,000 Angstroms and a crush strength or Chatillon value of at least 24 g/bead (710 ?m bead diameter) is used.

Abstract: A pressurization device is described mobilizing gravity to mobilize seawater and to employ a weight (56) for gravitionally applying a force to and thereby pressurizing an enclosed pocket (58) of seawater, resulting in low energy utilisation. Energy is further recovered from the flow of pressurized seawater that is supplied to the desalination system (20), resulting in a mechanically robust and energy efficient pressurization system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water are provided. In certain examples, the system may include a first stage, a second stage fluidically coupled to the first stage and a third stage fluidically coupled to the second stage. In some examples, the system may provide treated water having a specific resistance of greater than or equal to 1 Megohm-cm. In certain examples, the water recovery rate using the system may be 90% or more by volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalinating seawater to yield desalinated water and a concentrate features a structure positioned on the surface of a body of seawater; a water desalination system installed on the structure, a water intake system installed on the structure; a concentrate discharge system installed on the structure and a device for removing the desalinated water per day from the apparatus so that it can be transferred to a land-based facility. The apparatus can be operated to intake seawater into the desalination system where it is separated into a concentrate and desalinated water. The concentrate can be discharged into the body of water and the desalinated water can be transported to a land-based facility for distribution.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the selective separation of sulfate from a saline stream such as seawater to produce nearly sulfate-free saline stream for oil-fields water injection operations. The separated sulfate in the form of gypsum from the treated saline stream can be used in different applications.

Abstract: This invention provides animal powered mechanical device for water desalination. It has unique features of using animal power as prime mover to effect brackish water desalination. Animal energy in form of high-torque low-speed can be converted into low-torque high-speed through speed increaser (4) to energize the high-pressure pump (6), the outlet manifold (8) of the pump (6) being connected to a reverse osmosis membrane module (9). With this device animal power can be used for obtaining safe drinking water from backish ground water/seawater resource in villages.

Abstract: A method for treating water includes removing a supersaturated sparingly soluble salt via a self-sustaining de-supersaturation process in which the supersaturated water is contacted with a nucleation material that is reused in the process. Supersaturated reject water from reverse osmosis systems may be de-supersaturated, reducing scale formation on downstream water treatment systems and pipelines. The method may be used for treatment of sulfate-contaminated groundwater, and groundwater contaminated via mining and processing of sulfide ores, and in other applications.

Abstract: Water-desalination and/or water purification devices. Alternatively, devices that are implantable in animal bodies, possibly configured as self-inflating spinal disc prostheses. The devices include specified types of water-absorbing solute encapsulated by non-porous, water-permeable polymer membranes having specified properties. Also, methods of using the devices in biomedical applications or water treatment.

Abstract: A structure improvement for a water purifier includes a streamlined main body combined by a pair of the symmetrically arranged half housings each of which has a large opening closed by a lid, a motor unit, a pipeline and a flat rectangular rack disposed inside the main body, a plurality of the membrane pipes and the filter element horizontally and superimposedly secured to two sides of the rack automatically connected to the pipeline and a water outlet. A bottom and a cup seat at front side, a socket aside several pipes and plurality of the air vents at rear side of the main body, an arcuate handle on the top, a sensor, an electric circuit card and a TDS (total dissolved solids) remover device inside the main body.

Abstract: The present invention is a water processing method comprising the steps of separating boron-containing water in a reverse osmosis membrane module to provide a permeated water and subjecting a part of the obtained permeated water to boron removal using an adsorbent, wherein the water subjected to the boron removal is mixed with the water not subjected to the boron removal of the permeated water to provide a mixed water. The present invention provides economic water processing method and apparatus that remove the boron from boron-containing water.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A method of removing one or more heavy metals from industrial wastewater by use of a membrane separation process is disclosed.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for treating the waste water contaminated with methanol and boron in addition to other contaminants. The systems and methods allow specifically for the removal of the methanol and boron without the addition of significant chemicals to raise the pH. The water is treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

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

Abstract: A method of recycling waste water is preferably provided in which hardness and gas are removed from the waste water. Additionally, salt and organic carbon are preferably removed from the waste water using high-efficiency reverse osmosis. The pH of the waste water can be controlled to optimize the processes. The recycled semiconductor waste water can then be made available for use as industrial water for performing a semiconductor fabrication process. As a result, a cost for manufacturing a semiconductor device may be reduced. The principles of the present invention also provide a more environmentally friendly manufacturing method, since it produces less semiconductor waste water when being performed than conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a leaf packet useful in forming a spiral filtration module, wherein the fold area of the leaf packet is reinforced with a UV cured adhesive. The invention further encompasses a spiral filtration module wherein the fold line, side seams and/or axial seams of the membranes utilized in the module are reinforced with a UV curable adhesive. The present invention further encompasses the method for making such leaf packet and such spiral filtration modules.

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

Abstract: Many treatment systems remove virtually all minerals and other elements from the water, however a quantity of certain minerals and elements is necessary for good health and acceptable water taste. Therefore, a water treatment system is provided in which a portion of the input water bypasses the primary filtration and treatment components. The amount of that portion is selectively controlled so that a healthy level of minerals remains in the treated water, which still is extremely clean. An optional component can be included to reduce pathogens in the treated water.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water via membrane separation equipment. A feedwater is maintained or adjusted to a pH of 4.3 or lower, and fed to a membrane separation system. In this manner, species such as TOC become more ionized, and (a) their rejection by the membrane separation process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Passage TOC through the membrane is significantly reduced. A recovery ratio of eighty percent (80%) or higher is achievable with most feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of the membrane separation equipment. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of high purity water.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting silica/silicate scale in aqueous systems is disclosed which comprises the addition to an aqueous system of a scale inhibiting amount of an ester of (A) a carboxylic acid functional polymer obtained by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer or copolymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer with one or more additional ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (B) a hydroxyl functional polyether obtained by reacting an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution tube to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is flown into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

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.