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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A water treatment device including an electro-coagulation (EC) unit for treating a stream of feed water to produce a stream of EC treated water of lower salinity than the stream of feed water, an electrical separation unit for treating the stream of EC treated water to obtain a stream of product water of lower salinity than the EC treated water, and a precipitation unit for providing a stream of wash water to wash the electrical separation unit and become a stream of reject water flowing back to the precipitation unit, wherein precipitation in the precipitation unit produces the stream of wash water of lower salinity than the stream of reject water.

Abstract: A method for preventing, reducing and/or eliminating the fouling of a composite material is provided, the composite material comprising (1) a plurality of conductive or semiconductive nanotubes, which are aligned parallel to one another, and (2) a matrix arranged between the conductive or semiconductive nanotubes, the composite material in the form of an isoporous membrane with nanopores which correspond to the pores of the conductive or semiconductive nanotubes and optionally to the pores of the matrix arranged between the conductive or semiconductive nanotubes, the method comprising applying an electric field to the composite material, wherein the fouling is prevented, reduced and/or eliminated at the surface, at and in the pores of the composite material.

Abstract: Provided is a fresh water production method applying a combined water-treatment technology employing a plurality of semi-permeable membrane units, the method enabling prevention of problems caused by growth of a biofilm and allowing effective use of an injected chemical agent and an injected neutralizing agent. The fresh-water production method produces fresh water by treatment of source water by a semi-permeable membrane treatment device, the concentrated water resulting from the treatment by the semi-permeable membrane treatment device is mixed with other source water, and the water mixture is treated by a second semi-permeable membrane treatment device. A first chemical agent is injected continuously or intermittently into the source water and a second chemical agent is injected continuously or intermittently into the source water.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel derivatives of 4-hydroxybutyric acid and prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the foregoing. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, other disorders or conditions that are beneficially treated by improving nocturnal sleep or by administering sodium oxybate.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of compounds of the formula A2xMxSn3-xS6, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li+, Na+, K+, or Rb+; and M is Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, or Fe2+, are provided. Also provided are methods of remediating fluid samples using the compounds.

Abstract: Provided are biocidal compositions comprising: a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound and a polymeric biguanide. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems.

Abstract: A method or process for removing perchlorate ions from water includes mixing water containing perchlorate ions with a reducing agent such that the perchlorate ions and the reducing agent undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction. During the oxidation-reduction reaction, perchlorate ions are reduced to chloride ions and the reducing agent is oxidized. The oxidized reducing agent is separated from the water containing chloride ions and the oxidized reducing agent is regenerated and reused in the reduction of the perchlorate ions.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.

Abstract: A liquid or water treatment apparatus comprising one or both of an electrodialysis cell and a cavitation unit. The cavitation unit generates cavitation in the liquid by flow of the liquid into a constriction where cavitation bubbles are formed and then to an outlet where cavitation bubbles implode, and the constriction includes an aperture formed by walls which are long and narrowly spaced in a plane normal to the flow direction. The electrodialysis cell is arranged with an inlet flow path for directing only part of a quantity of water to be treated through the electrodialysis cell, and an outlet flow path for returning a product of the electrodialysis cell to the remainder of the water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for data center cooling and water desalination. In some aspects, the systems include a data center having a water cooling subsystem configured to receive cool water and output warm water and a desalination plant co-located with the data center and configured to receive and desalinate the warm water. Aspects of the invention also include methods for cooling a data center using a water cooling subsystem and desalinating water with a desalination plant that is co-located with the data center.

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

Abstract: Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting 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: The present invention relates to a material. In particular, it relates to a membrane for filtering water. More particularly, it relates to a membrane comprising carbon nanotubes and mixed cellulose ester porous membranes for water desalination and purification. Still more particular, the membrane comprising a fibrous substrate and carbon nanotubes formed on a fibrous substrate, wherein the surface of the carbon nanotubes is functionally modified. A microfluidic device comprising such a membrane and a method for filtering water are also disclosed.

Abstract: An osmotic power generation system and method for generating osmotic power includes a membrane chamber having a semi-permeable membrane therein defining a first portion and a second portion therein. The system also includes a first pump communicating a first fluid to the first portion and a second pump communicating a second fluid to the second portion. The second fluid has higher total dissolved solids than the first fluid. A second portion energy recovery device is in fluid communication with the second portion. A power generator is in communication with the second portion energy recovery device generating electrical power in response to the second portion energy recovery device and the pressure in the second portion.

Abstract: Methods and a system for removing carbon nanotubes from a water stream are provided herein. The system includes a purification vessel, wherein the purification vessel is configured to form a carbon oxide from the carbon nanotubes within the water stream.

Abstract: A portable water purification system is disclosed. The system can have a water storage receptacle, a reverse osmosis filter, a pump, and a solar panels array group. The reverse osmosis filter can be configurable to convert source water into drinkable water, and the pump can be configurable to provide the source water from a water source to the reverse osmosis filter. The array group can have at least one bi-fold solar panel array, and the array group can be configurable to provide power for the pump. The water storage receptacle can be configurable to contain the drinkable water in one configuration and configurable to contain at least one component of the purification system for storage in another configuration.

Abstract: Water treatment systems and methods are provided to minimize membrane fouling and the required maintenance that results therefrom. A water treatment system includes a pressure vessel with a plurality of spaced-apart membranes disposed therein, and an impeller or other means for circulating feed water through the interior of the vessel and past the membranes. Antifouling particles (such as diatomaceous earth or activated carbon) and/or pellets can be added to the feed water inhibit membrane fouling and extend the useful life of the membranes.

Abstract: Described are water-on-water valves for use in reverse osmosis filtration systems. The water-on-water valves are regulated by the pressure in a product line, which contains fluid from a product line of the filter module and/or the product side of a water-on-water storage tank. Exemplary valves are shuttle valves that are regulated by the pressure downstream of the product side of a reverse osmosis filter module. The valves may comprise a piston within a housing, and an end of the piston may have an enlarged diameter relative to the maximum diameter of the remainder of the piston. The body of the piston may have sections of differing diameters, where the smaller diameter sections form flow channels, or the body may a diameter that is substantially the same along its length in conjunction with gratings and flow channels.

Abstract: A process for producing ultrapure water, in which a stream of water is purified in a reverse osmosis device, wherein the water stream is subject to pretreatment including splitting the water stream into at least two partial streams, partial exchange of cations present in at least one of the partial streams for H+ ions by a cation exchanger operated in the H+ mode, and complete exchange of the anions present in at least one further of the partial streams for OH? ions by a softener operative in parallel to the cation exchanger, and treating the partial streams treated by the cation exchanger and the softener by at least one anion exchanger operating in the OH? mode, and wherein the water stream obtained from the pretreatment is fed into the reverse osmosis device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid comprising liquid particles and residual particles. It is hereby possible to generate substantially pure water from, for instance seawater.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for filtering wastewater. In one embodiment, a water filtering system comprises a first filtering stage and a second filtering stage. The first filtering stage receives a flow of wastewater, and uses electrocoagulation to separate suspended particles from the wastewater and produce filtered wastewater. The second filtering stage receives the filtered wastewater from the first filtering stage, and uses mechanical filtering to remove suspended particles from the filtered wastewater and produce filtered water that is substantially free from suspended particles.

Abstract: Energy is stored by injecting fluid into a hydraulic fracture in the earth and producing the fluid back while recovering power and/or desalinating water. The method is particularly adapted to storage of large amounts of energy such as in grid-scale electric energy systems. The hydraulic fracture may be formed and treated with resin so as to limit fluid loss and to increase propagation pressure. The fluid may be water containing a dissolved salt or fresh water and a portion or all of the water may be desalinated using pressure in the water when it is produced.

Abstract: Provided herein composition and methods for nanoporous membranes comprising single walled, double walled, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in a matrix material. Average pore size of the carbon nanotube can be 6 nm or less. These membranes are a robust platform for the study of confined molecular transport, with applications in liquid and gas separations and chemical sensing including desalination, dialysis, and fabric formation.

Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly reverse-osmosis system, comprising a water line with a plurality of filter stages, is characterized in that before and after at least one filter stage a respective line branches off from the water line, which is provided with a valve adapted to be switched by a control device and leads to a pressure sensor device.

Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly pre-filtration unit of the water treatment system, comprising at least one chlorine sensor device, is characterized in that the water treatment system contains a salt-water treatment device which is connected to the chlorine sensor device, an electrolysis cell being disposed in the associated line, and thereafter a pump and a release valve.

Abstract: A hollow fiber type semipermeable membrane which achieves both water permeability and selectivity in high level and performs efficient treatment using small membrane area utilizing the concentration difference from high concentration liquid having high osmotic pressure. The hollow fiber type semipermeable membrane is characterized in that, when an aqueous solution of 25° C. having NaCl concentration of 35 g/L and pressure of 1.0 MPa is flown into an outer side of the hollow fiber type semipermeable membrane having length of about 70 cm while freshwater of 25° C. having NaCl concentration of 0 g/L is flown into an inner side of one open end of the hollow fiber type semipermeable membrane and discharged from another open end at 10 kPa or less, the permeation flow rate is 30 to 70 L/m2/day. An inner diameter thereof is 50 to 200 ?m; and the hollow ratio thereof is 24 to 42%.

Abstract: We provide an evaporation based zero-liquid discharge method for generation of steam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes utilizing once-through steam generators (OTSGs). The method includes feeding the OTSG(s) with produced water, vaporizing a fraction of this water for steam injection and blowing down the balance of the water. This water, referred to as OTSG blowdown, can be flashed to produce a vapor stream and a liquid that is fed to a mechanical vapor compression (MVC) evaporative process. The latent energy contained in the vapor stream generated by the upstream flash is beneficially recycled to substantially reduce or eliminate the energy consumption of the MVC process. The evaporative process can be used to reduce the liquid waste for disposal or eliminate the need for liquid disposal by achieving zero liquid discharge.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for filtration and purification of a liquid. A purification system can be used for filtration and purification of water. A system can include a raw water treatment system, an ultra filtration system, a reverse osmosis purification system, and a solar power system. A purification system can include hardware and controls for decreasing energy use and system inefficiency by monitoring and controlling temperatures of individual components, of the system, or of the purified liquid. A purification system can include a wetted ground and ground monitoring system control or improve the effectiveness of a ground.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus includes a pretreatment device 13 having a pretreatment membrane 13a that filters suspended matters in raw water 11 with added chlorine-containing water 12, a reverse osmosis membrane device 17 having a reverse osmosis membrane 16 that removes a salt content from filtrate water 14 supplied from the pretreatment device 13 to produce permeated water 15, and a reducing-agent injection device 30 that neutralizes the added chlorine on an upstream side of the reverse osmosis membrane device 17. The reducing-agent injection device 30 extracts a part 14a of the filtrate water 14, adds metering SBS solution 18 to the part, obtains a maximum change point (equivalence point) of the oxidation-reduction potential of a reducing agent and chlorine, obtains reducing-agent additive concentration (Csm) corresponding to the equivalence point, and supplies the SBS solution 18 corresponding to the concentration to the filtrate water 14 to thereby neutralize the chlorine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active pressure intensifier which comprises an axial piston pump having a housing in which a drum which is driven via a drive shaft for rotation and has at least two piston chambers is disposed, the piston chambers respectively having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and, in the piston chambers respectively, a piston with at least one piston rod being disposed. Likewise, a reverse osmosis plant which has this active pressure intensifier is provided according to the invention. Likewise, a method for changing the concentration of dissolved components in liquid solutions by means of reverse osmosis is provided according to the invention. The subject according to the invention is used in particular in sea- and brackish water desalination, in waste water treatment, in the foodstuff industry, in the chemical industry and in mining.

Abstract: This invention presents innovative methods to treat saline streams such as produced water, seawater, and the like. The invention can be used to: (1) de-NORM produced water; or (2) de-NORM and partially de-salt produced water; or (3) de-NORM and partially de-salt and de-ionize produced water; or (4) de-oil, de-NORM, de-salt and de-ionize produced water. The invention can also be used to de-sulfate seawater and the like in conjunction with desalting plants.

Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.

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

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) containing a poly(oxyethylene) (POE) and a poly[sodium (diallylamino)alkylphosphonate-alt-sulfur dioxide] form a pH-responsive dianionic polyelectrolyte (DAPE). The two polymers form ATPS's at low concentrations, where the addition of HCl changes the charge types and their densities on the polymer chains.

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: Systems and methods for versatile water purification. The methods may include floating a raft on a source of water to be purified. The raft may provide inlet for the water. The methods may include pumping the water and selectively pre-treating the pumped water by chemical injection prior to filtration. The methods may include passing the pumped water, sequentially, through a multi media filter to produce filtered water, into a plurality of reverse osmosis columns to produce osmosis water, and into a buffer tank. The methods may include injecting ozone into water pumped from the tank, and selectively returning the ozone-injected water to the tank via a first valve. Via a second valve, the ozone-injected water may be passed to a bottle washing station for washing and sterilization of receptacles to receive purified waters pumped from the tank. Methods may include Ultra Violet and chemical treatment of water prior to dispensing.

Abstract: Improved integrally skinned asymmetric membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration, and their methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Membranes are formed from polyimides by phase inversion and are then crosslinked by addition of amine crosslinking agents that react with the imide groups of the polyimide, creating amide bonds. These stabilize the membranes and allow solvent nanofiltration to be maintained even in the solvents from which the membranes were formed by phase inversion.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis sub-sea desalination system is disclosed. The reverse osmosis system may include a reverse osmosis station configured to generate fresh water from salty water, a storage tank configured to store fresh water downstream of the reverse osmosis station, and a pump fluidly connected to the reverse osmosis station and the storage tank. The reverse osmosis station, the storage tank, and the pump may be disposed at one or more depths beneath a surface of a body of salty water.

Abstract: A method of preparation for polyimine self-supported dynamic polymeric membranes (called “dynameric” membranes) is provided along with their use in separation processes, especially for separating gaseous species.

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: The present invention relates to a process for purifying low molecular weight hydridosilane solutions, in which a solution to be purified comprising a) at least one low molecular weight hydridosilane, b) at least one solvent and c) at least one impurity selected from the group of the compounds having at least 20 silicon atoms and/or the group of the homogeneous catalyst systems is subjected to a crossflow membrane process with at least one membrane separation step using a permeation membrane.