Semi-Split OARO Configuration for High-Salinity Brine Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brine concentration technologies face challenges in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly at high salinities, with conventional reverse osmosis (RO) having recovery limitations and ultra-high-pressure RO increasing system costs, while osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) and low-salt rejecting RO (LSRRO) are still in development with inconclusive optimization parameters.
Innovation Solution
A semi-split OARO configuration with two OARO units in series, where a stream from a first OARO unit is split into two streams, one entering the concentrate side and one the diluate side of a second OARO unit, optimizing flow rates and salinity to minimize energy consumption, and incorporating energy recovery devices to depressurize streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional reverse osmosis is used for brine concentration, then system cost is reduced, but recovery is limited at high salinities resulting in excessive waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the brine concentration process into multiple stages with different functions: a first RO stage for initial concentration and a second RO stage for final concentration to crystallization point. This segmentation allows each stage to operate within its optimal range, achieving high overall recovery while managing high salinity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) that is added to the brine feed. This intermediary lowers the freezing point and modifies the phase behavior, enabling the system to concentrate brine to higher salinities without premature crystallization, thereby increasing recovery and reducing waste.
2Productivity
If ultra-high-pressure reverse osmosis is used to overcome recovery limitations, then recovery is improved, but system costs increase due to upgraded pumps and pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration process is segmented into two RO stages operating at different pressures. The first stage operates at moderate pressure for initial concentration, and the second stage operates at higher pressure for final concentration. This avoids the need for ultra-high-pressure equipment throughout the entire system, reducing overall device complexity and cost while achieving high recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters between stages: the first RO stage operates at lower pressure with higher flow rate, while the second stage operates at higher pressure with lower flow rate. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve high recovery without requiring ultra-high-pressure equipment from the start, thereby reducing system cost and complexity.
3Productivity
If thermal brine concentration technologies are used, then brine concentration is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal concentration processes with mechanical membrane-based reverse osmosis. The RO membranes enable water removal through pressure-driven filtration rather than thermal evaporation, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving the same brine concentration objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes operating parameters including pressure, temperature, and flow rate to minimize energy consumption. By operating at moderate temperatures and optimizing pressure gradients across the membranes, the system achieves efficient brine concentration with lower energy input compared to thermal methods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If osmotically assisted reverse osmosis or low-salt rejecting reverse osmosis is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but optimization parameters are inconclusive and system is still in development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a segmented two-stage RO configuration that builds upon proven technology while achieving the energy efficiency benefits of emerging methods. The first stage uses conventional RO for initial concentration, and the second stage uses optimized RO for final concentration, providing a reliable pathway to low energy consumption without relying on unproven single-stage technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary substances and intermediate processing steps that are well-understood and reliably optimized. The intermediary RO stage acts as a bridge between conventional and advanced methods, providing consistent performance with optimized parameters that are proven through practice rather than remaining inconclusive.
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 semi-split OARO configuration enhances salinity reduction, extends operating range, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes membrane area, offering improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to existing OARO and LSRRO systems.
Implementation Method 1
systems and methods for osmotically assisted reverse osmosis configurations
Implementation Method 2
Conventional techniques can use advanced brine concentration systems... reverse osmosis (RO) have surpassed other thermal desalination technologies
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for desalinating a liquid feed using a membrane-based fluid filtration system are disclosed herein. The desalination system of the present embodiments can include a first osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) unit in fluid communication with a second OARO unit for desalination and brine concentration of a liquid feed into the first OARO unit. The concentrate product from the first OARO unit can be split into a first stream and a second stream, with the first stream entering the concentrate side of the second OARO unit and the second stream entering the diluate side of the second OARO unit. Additionally, or alternatively, the diluate product of the second OARO unit can be further split between inlets of the first and second OARO units. In some embodiments, the OARO units can be in fluid communication with a reverse osmosis (RO) unit to receive a RO concentrate feed therethrough.