2015 results about "Desalination" patented technology

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.

An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Additionally, by using the waste steam from industrial sources and a heat pump to effectively distribute heat through the present method, the present method exhibits greater energy efficiency than prior art methods.

A reverse osmosis composite membrane that has a high salt rejection, a high water permeability, and a high fouling tolerance, and permits practical desalination at a relatively low pressure is provided by coating the surface of a reverse osmosis membrane of aromatic polyamide with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), for example, and controlling the surface zeta potential of the separation layer within±10 mV at pH 6. This reverse osmosis composite membrane is electrically neutral and controls the electrical adsorption of membrane-fouling substances having a charge group present in water. Therefore, a high separation property can be maintained without fouling the membrane even if water containing a surfactant or a transition metal component is supplied as raw water.

Methods and systems for low emission power generation in hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes integrated pressure maintenance and miscible flood systems with low emission power generation. An alternative system provides for low emission power generation, carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), or carbon dioxide sales using a hot gas expander and external combustor. Another alternative system provides for low emission power generation using a gas power turbine to compress air in the inlet compressor and generate power using hot carbon dioxide laden gas in the expander. Other efficiencies may be gained by incorporating heat cross-exchange, a desalination plant, co-generation, and other features.

A process for purification of fluids, for example, desalination of seawater or brackish water, using organic solutes in a concentrated water solution for use in a forward osmosis process, to extract fresh water out of salt water through the forward osmosis membrane, and subsequently separating the organic solutes out of the diluted forward osmosis permeate by cloud point extraction, thereby regenerating a concentrated organic solution for recycling to the forward osmosis process, and fresh water for potable water use.

A diffusion driven desalination apparatus and related method includes structure for receiving a heated water stream and creating at least one region having a thin film of water and structure for forcing a low humidity air stream over the thin film of water, wherein water from the thin film of water evaporates and diffuses into the air stream to create a humidified air stream. A diffusion tower including at least one plenum can be used to create and transfer the humidified air stream. At least one condenser, such as a direct contact condenser, condenses the humidified air stream, wherein purified water is produced. Waste heat from a power plant can be used to provide the heated water stream and power plants can use the waste heat generated to inexpensively provide purified water.

The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature. This way, the ice/snow mass that forms at the bottom of the chamber will consist of frozen ice crystals, and a residue of salt water brine, which can runoff from the mass, either from the sides, or through any voids or channels that may form within the mass.

A desalination apparatus capable of obtaining fresh water stably at low cost by utilizing low-temperature waste, wherein the desalination apparatus including a heat exchanger 92 cooperating with an evaporation can 60 so as to subject a low-temperature waste heat 11 and raw water 62 in the evaporation can 60 to heat exchange and generate water vapor 63 in the evaporation can 60; a condenser 98 cooperating with a raw water tank 72 so as to receive the water vapor 63 from the evaporation can 60, cool the water vapor 63 by subjecting the water vapor 63 and raw water 71 in the raw water tank 72 to heat exchange and obtain distilled water 76; a distilled water tank for storing the distilled water 76; vacuum means for evacuating the evaporation can 60 and depressurizing the inside thereof so as to promote generation of water vapor 63 in the evaporation can 60; and raw water supply means for supplying raw water to the evaporation can.

Disclosed is an improved method for the remineralization of process water in a desalination system. The method sequesters carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) from seawater or concentrate (brine) of desalination process via a gas transfer membrane. The sequestered carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is thereafter used in the production of soluble calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂). The calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂) adds hardness and alkalinity to the resulting process water.

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.

The invention discloses a high-selectivity composite nanofiltration membrane and a preparation method thereof. The high-selectivity composite nanofiltration membrane comprises a nonwoven layer and a polymer porous supporting layer; and the porous supporting layer is provided with one or two polyamide surface layers prepared by reacting polyamine and/or amine polyalcohol with chlorine polyacyl. Compared with the prior art, by forming one or two polyamide surface layers on the porous supporting layer through an interfacial polymerization method, the nanofiltration membrane has increased thickness of a surface layer, has more smooth, hydrolysis-resistant, oxidation-resistant and scratch-resistant surface, and improves pollution resistance; and the surface of the membrane can carry negative or positive charges, so that the composite nanofiltration membrane has a high-selectively functional desalting layer; besides, the method for preparing the composite nanofiltration membrane is simple to operate, high water flux and desalination rate are ensured under low pressure, and the service life of the membrane component is prolonged.

A desalination system is driven by a solar powered boiler that outputs a pressurized vapor to drive an expander that generates output motive force. A pump is responsive to the motive force to output pressurized saline water. A reverse osmosis unit receives the pressurized saline water to output fresh water and pressurized brine. A recuperator that transfers heat from the expander exhaust to the boiler feed liquid is incorporated to improve the efficiency of the system. In a particular embodiment, a hydraulic motor receives the pressurized brine and outputs an augmenting motive force to the pump. In another embodiment, a novel motorless boiler feed pump is defined.

A method for removing dissolved solids, particularly salts, from water. An apparatus for performing the inventive method is disclosed. The aqueous solution to be treated, for example sea water, is atomized using special non-pneumatic nozzles, and sprayed into an evaporation chamber through which air, heated by waste heat, is blown. The micro-droplets undergo rapid evaporation in the chamber, resulting in the separation of the salt solids from the vapor phase of the water. The mixture of suspended solids and water vapor is filtered to remove and collect the salts, and the water vapor is condensed to collect the salt-free water.

Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

A mobile emergency response apparatus providing water collection, handling, treatment, and storage capabilities, as well as serving as mobile telecommunication system. The apparatus comprises a raw water filtration system, a sodium ion exchange system, a storage system with a plurality of tanks, a reverse osmosis system, and heating and distributions systems. The apparatus also comprises a mobile electrical power system. Optionally, the apparatus includes a desalination system, a disinfection system, a rainwater collection system, a fluid containment and recovery system, and an auxiliary fluid distribution system. The disinfection system may include a chlorination, ultraviolet light, or ozone disinfection system, and may further include a distillation system that may be conventionally powered or solar powered. Water may be distributed through a plurality of auxiliary devices. The telecommunication system includes both satellite and terrestrial transmission and receiving capability, and location identification devices such as a global positioning system and a radiolocation system.

Carbon Dioxide capture processes utilizing ammonia, or ammonia in water as the capture fluid for carbon dioxide generate concentrated solutions of ammonium carbonate species in water, which are subsequently decomposed to capture the carbon dioxide and recycle the ammonia. Forward osmosis processes utilize ammonium carbonate species as draw solutions to pull water from saline solutions such as seawater in the ammonium carbonate solution. The ammonium carbonate solution is then heated to decompose the ammonium carbonate to ammonia and CO2 which are both reused, while a portion of the aqueous stream is recovered as pure water. Combination of carbon capture process with an integrated forward osmosis process provide great economies over standalone operations. Furthermore, the very high concentrations of ammonium carbonate provide a further opportunity to include osmotic power recovery cycles with the integrated forward osmosis and carbon capture process.

The disclosed preparation technique for inorganic salt/ceramic-base high-temperature phase- change energy-storage material comprises: first, preparing the porous ceramic precast body with three-dimensional connected ultrastructure; heating the phase-change potential heat heat-storage inorganic slat material to full fusion in normal-pressure resistance furnace, dipping the precast body rapidly into the fused material; finally, cooling to room temperature, taking surface desalination treatment. Wherein, as the well wettability and capillary tension effect, the inorganic salt will unprompted infiltrate into the precast body. This invention simplifies process, and improves heat exchange efficiency greatly.

The invention relates to a method of storing and transporting wind generated power in the form of compressed air energy, via a pipeline, from a location where wind conditions are ideal, to a facility or community where energy is needed. The method preferably comprises using at least one wind turbine to drive a compressor to compress air into storage, wherein the size and length of the pipeline can be adapted to reduce the pressure losses that are experienced along the length of the pipeline. The pipeline can be located on railroad ties, or on the desert floor, or can be extended along paths where existing right of ways are provided. The facility or community using the energy can use energy in the form of electricity, or to drive pneumatic tools or equipment, or to generate chilled air as a by-product, which can be used for refrigeration, air conditioning or desalination. A utility or grid can be provided to generate compressed air energy when the wind is not blowing, wherein compressed air energy can be produced and stored during low demand periods, and used during high demand periods.

The invention belongs to the field of chemical engineering and industry, and particularly relates to a mesoporous-macroporous carbon production method. The production method comprises: completely mixing a phenol formaldehyde resin, an epoxy resin and the like or a mixture thereof, and a curing agent according to a certain weight ratio, carrying out heating curing, adding polyvinyl alcohol and the like as pore forming agents and adding graphite powder and the like as support agents after the cured material is crushed, completely mixing, pressing to form a preform, and carrying out high temperature carbonization under the protection of gas to obtain the mesoporous-macroporous carbon. The mesoporous-macroporous carbon prepared by using the production method has advantages of simple preparation method, easy pore size control and the like, wherein the pore size of the mesoporous-macroporous carbon can be adjusted within 50 nm-10 mum, has a specific surface area of 100-1000 m<2>/g, and can be used in electrode materials of supercapacitors, electrode materials of lithium ion batteries, electrode materials of capacitance method desalination devices, blood purification, catalyst carriers, water treatments, gas purification, solvent recovery and the like.

In accordance with particular embodiments, a desalination system includes a plurality of evaporators. The plurality of evaporators includes at least a first evaporator and a last evaporator. The plurality of evaporators are arranged in cascading fashion such that a concentration of salt in a brine solution increases as the brine solution passes through the plurality of evaporators from the first evaporator towards the last evaporator. The desalination system also includes a plurality of heat exchangers. An input of each evaporator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers. The system also includes a vapor source coupled to at least one of the plurality of evaporators.

In one embodiment, this invention pertains to desalination of seawater by feeding methane into seawater at a depth generally exceeding 100 meters to form methane hydrate which rises to where it is decomposed into methane and water, and recoverig water. Methane is recycled to depth to form more buoyant hydrate.

Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

The invention provides a treatment system and treatment method for biochemical effluent of industrial wastewater. The treatment system comprises a flocculation sedimentation unit, a filtration unit, an advanced oxidation unit, an ultrafiltration unit, a reverse osmosis unit, a nanofiltration unit, an electrodialysis unit and an evaporation unit which are sequentially connected; and the water production outlet of the ultrafiltration unit is connected with the water inlet tank of the reverse osmosis unit, and the concentrated-water outlet of the reverse osmosis unit is connected with the water inlet of the nanofiltration unit. According to the invention, the treatment system and the treatment method utilize the coupling and synergistic effects of a physical-chemical method and a membrane technology to overcome the limitation of using a single technology, and the advanced treatment and desalination reuse of the industrial wastewater are realized; and the treatment system and the treatmentmethod have the advantages of strong adaptability to raw water, a high recovery rate of fresh water, a high concentration multiple of concentrated water, low energy consumption of evaporation and crystallization and the like, greatly improve the reuse rate of the industrial wastewater, reduce the amount of wastewater discharging, can be applied to the deep treatment and desalination reuse of various effluent wastewater, and promote the promotion and application of the technology in related industries.

A fluid deionizer includes at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to allow a flow of fluid and to disallow at least one particular type of ion contained in the flow of fluid. A purge valve is placed in an open position so as to collect the at least one particular type of ion disallowed by the graphene sheet so as to clean off the at least one graphene sheet. Another embodiment provides a deionizer with graphene sheets in cylindrical form. A separation apparatus is also provided in a cross-flow arrangement where a pressurized source directs a medium along a path substantially parallel to at least one sheet of graphene from an inlet to an outlet. The medium flows through the plural perforated apertures while a remaining portion of the medium and the disallowed components in the medium flow out the outlet.

An optimal two stage NF₂ membrane pretreatment unit is synergistically combined with a following two stage SWRO₂ desalination unit, where each of the two stage NF₂ and SWRO₂ has an energy recovery device (ERD) turbocharger (TC) in between the stages to form a dual hybrid of NF₂-SWRO₂ (FIG. 1 ); alternatively the two stage NF₂ unit is synergistically combined with one stage ERD equipped SWRO, unit operated at up to 85 bar (FIG. 2 a, b); or the two stage NF₂ unit combined with one stage ERD equipped SWRO₁ unit, with part of its reject recycled constituting part of the feed to the NF units (FIG. 3 a,b). The process of this invention raises significantly the product water recovery ratio, producing SWRO hybrids that exceed all prior arts in efficiency, including water yield, product recovery ratio, dramatically reduces both the energy consumption and water production unit cost.

The invention discloses a method for improving seriously saline-alkali land of an oasis area and planting a high-quality lawn, which relates to a soil improving method and the technical field of lawn planting. The method for improving seriously saline-alkali land of the oasis area and planting a high-quality lawn comprises 1 to 18 steps. The method disclosed by the invention has the advantages offast desalination, no salt accumulation in the surface soil, soil fertility improvement, water conservation, high salt absorbing efficiency of plants, and the like.

An apparatus and method for the distillation of ocean and brackish water that includes insulation means for preventing heat from escaping to the atmosphere is disclosed. The insulation means comprises a second wall surrounding the basic assemblies of a desalination system in which the space between the second wall and basic assemblies is under low partial vacuum and is partially or totally filled with an insulation material for structural support. The system provides a means for flash evaporation of heated input water and condensing the resultant vapors into pure distilled water. A means for recapturing and using the heat of condensation as well as heat from the salt byproduct to preheat the input contaminated water is also disclosed.

The invention relates to a method and device for desalting sea water and generating electricity by utilizing tidal energy drive. The high sea water in the sea when in rising tide is utilized to impact a water turbine to rotate in the process of flowing into an impounding reservoir, or the high sea water in the impounding reservoir when in ebbing is utilized to impact the water turbine to rotate in the process of flowing into the sea; the water turbine drives a high-pressure pump to operate to generate high-pressure water which is desalted through a reverse osmosis membrane module; the high-pressure concentrated sea water discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane module impacts a turbo machine to rotate; the turbo machine drives a generator to rotate to generate electric energy, thus realizing the comprehensive utilization and conversion of the tide energy; the effluents in the process of energy utilization and conversion do not cause pollution, are clean and environmental-friendly;the system does not need additionally provided external power, and is low in operation cost; and the tide energy is a renewable energy source, and has the advantages of sustainable development, better social benefits and application value.

A method and apparatus for purifying water are provided. A feed water such as seawater can be fed to a filter such as a microporous or nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.