Semi-Permeable Water Extraction Loop Using Thermal Desorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems and methods for extracting water from aqueous solutions, such as seawater and brackish water, are inefficient and costly, requiring large amounts of electricity, producing excess brine, and relying on expensive filter systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reservoir with a reversibly closable outlet and a conduit with semi-permeable and non-permeable segments, using an extraction agent that absorbs water at ambient temperature and releases it upon heating, allowing for efficient water extraction with minimal brine production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional systems use large amounts of electricity for water extraction, then water can be produced, but the cost and energy consumption become too high to be practicable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the extraction agent to control water solubility. At lower temperatures, the extraction agent absorbs more water; at higher temperatures, it releases water. This parameter change enables efficient water extraction without requiring large amounts of electricity, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction agent undergoes phase transitions in its water absorption and release capacity driven by temperature changes. The system exploits the temperature-dependent solubility of the extraction agent to cyclically absorb and release water, achieving efficient water production with minimal energy input compared to conventional electrical systems.
2Productivity
If conventional systems transport aqueous solutions over long distances, then water can be extracted, but inefficiencies and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts water directly from the aqueous solution at the source using the temperature-dependent extraction agent, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation of the aqueous solution. This extraction approach at the point of source significantly reduces transport inefficiencies and energy losses.
3Productivity
If conventional systems produce large amounts of brine, then water extraction occurs, but disposal costs and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes in extraction agent temperature to selectively absorb and release water, leaving the brine behind in the original aqueous solution. This approach produces water without generating large volumes of brine waste, eliminating the disposal problem associated with conventional water extraction methods.
4Reliability
If conventional systems use expensive filter systems, then water purification occurs, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive mechanical filter systems with a chemical/thermal process using temperature-dependent extraction agents. This substitution achieves water purification through controlled chemical absorption and release mechanisms, eliminating the need for costly filter maintenance while maintaining water quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively extracts water from aqueous solutions with reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs, minimizing brine generation and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction agent that absorbs water at ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the wet extraction agent phase to a temperature of from about 35° C. to about 130° C. to form a heated mixture including a dry extraction agent phase and a water phase
Implementation Method 3
The conduit comprises a semi-permeable segment and a non-permeable segment, wherein the conduit is configured to permit the flow of at least a portion of the extraction agent through the semi-permeable segment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for extracting water from aqueous solutions are described herein. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system including a source of aqueous solution and an extraction loop. The extraction loop comprises a conduit. The conduit comprises a semi-permeable segment and a non-permeable segment. The conduit is configured to permit the flow of at least a portion of an extraction agent through the semi-permeable segment and the non-permeable segment. At least a portion of the semi-permeable segment contacts the source of aqueous solution and is configured to permit a portion of the aqueous solution to contact at least a portion of the extraction agent.