Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080296225 | WATER PERMEABLE MEMBRANES AND METHODS OF MAKING WATER PERMEABLE MEMBRANES - Water permeable membranes and methods of forming water permeable membranes are provided. The water permeable membranes are comprised of a cross-linked polyamide containing at least one bifunctional additive that is hydrophilic and reactive. Additionally, in accordance with other embodiments of this invention, methods of forming water permeable membranes comprised of a cross-linked polyamide containing at least one bifunctional additive that is hydrophilic and reactive are provided. Specifically, the water permeable membranes may comprise a membrane formed from a cross-linked aromatic or aromatic/aliphatic polyamide interfacially polymerized on a porous support. The presence of the at least one hydrophilic and reactive additive improves the flux and salt retention properties of the membrane in comparison to a membrane formed without the at least one hydrophilic and reactive additive. | 12-04-2008 |
20080308496 | INTEGRATED HEATED PREVAPORATION MODULE - An integrated heating system for adding heat to a feed fuel within a module by way of an integrated heating element within the body or casing of the module. The heat may be selectively added to maintain a selected temperature. | 12-18-2008 |
20090032467 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMOCAPILLARY EVAPORATION - A vaporization apparatus and related vaporization method is provided that relies on thermocapillary convection. The apparatus consists of a thermocapillary evaporator that has three sections: an evaporation section, a displacement section, and a storage system for storing the liquid to be evaporated. The evaporation section is operable to distribute thermal energy substantially along the entire liquid-gas interface. The method of the present invention consists of providing a thermocapillary evaporator that includes a storage system for the liquid to be evaporated. Advantageously, the present invention provides substantial evaporation from relatively low temperature heat sources, compared to conventional evaporators. | 02-05-2009 |
20090057224 | Dehydration processes using membranes with hydrophobic coating - Processes for removing water from organic compounds, especially polar compounds such as alcohols. The processes include a membrane-based dehydration step, using a membrane that has a dioxole-based polymer selective layer or the like and a hydrophilic selective layer, and can operate even when the stream to be treated has a high water content, such as 10 wt % or more. The processes are particularly useful for dehydrating ethanol. | 03-05-2009 |
20090114594 | Pervaporation Membranes Highly Selective For Volatile Solvents Present In Fermentation Broths - Liquid membrane systems are provided for use in pervaporation techniques that achieves high selectivity, ensure stability and prevent contamination of the fermentation broth. Tri-n-octylamine (TOA), tri-laurlyamine or tri-decylamine as a liquid membrane is immobilized in the pores of a hydrophobic hollow fiber substrate having a nanoporous hydrophobic coating on the broth side. The liquid membrane in the coated hollow fibers demonstrate high selectivity and reasonable mass fluxes of solvents in pervaporation. The mass fluxes were substantially increased with the same selectivity of solvents when an ultrathin liquid membrane was used. The addition of butanol into the feed solution increases membrane selectivity. | 05-07-2009 |
20090152199 | High-temperature membrane distillation - A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through at least a portion of the interior region, and having exterior surfaces and inner hollow regions, where the inner hollow regions are configured to provide flow paths for a distillate fluid. The membrane module further comprises an opening extending through the outer casing for providing a feed solution to the interior region adjacent the exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, where the feed solution provided to the opening has an elevated temperature that is greater than an atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature of the feed solution, and an elevated pressure at which an effective boiling temperature of the feed solution is greater than the elevated temperature. | 06-18-2009 |
20090188863 | POLYNORBORNENE PERVAPORATION MEMBRANE FILMS, PREPARATION AND USE THEREOF - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming polynorbornenes useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes. | 07-30-2009 |
20090200236 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A COMPOSITE MEMBRANE - A process for the production of a composite membrane, one or more microporous separation layers comprising a zeolite of the MFI type being produced by hydrothermal synthesis on a porous substrate, wherein one or more additives from the group consisting of linear (C | 08-13-2009 |
20090236285 | ETHANOL SEPARATION BY A MIXED MATRIX MEMBRANE - A mixed matrix membrane including at least one layer of a porous carbon-based structure and a plurality of silicalite crystals dispersed on a surface of the porous carbon-based structure and/or within the porous carbon-based structure. The membrane is suitable for use in processes involving the separation of ethanol from ethanol-containing mixtures. | 09-24-2009 |
20090301970 | ETHANOL PLANT RETROFIT WITH VAPOUR SEPARATION MEMBRANES - A system and process removes water from an aqueous fermentation product, for example ethanol, using distillation upstream of a first membrane separation unit to produce hydrous alcohol. Optionally, molecular sieves may be used to further dewater the hydrous alcohol. Another system or process removes water from hydrous ethanol using molecular sieves with a second membrane separation unit to process a regeneration stream. Optionally, there may be a distillation column in the regeneration stream upstream of the membrane separation unit. Further optionally, additional hydrous ethanol may be process through the distillation column or second membrane separation unit, by-passing the molecular sieve unit. These systems and processes may be combined and may be used, individually or together, to retrofit an existing ethanol plant. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308810 | Separation Apparatus and Method - The invention relates to a separation apparatus for separating a liquid from a solution, in particular fresh water from seawater. The separation apparatus comprises an evaporation space in which operatively an amount of the solution is present from which a liquid vapor evaporates under the influence of heat. The separation apparatus further comprises a condensation space which is in connection with the evaporation space via a condensation tube and which is arranged for condensing liquid vapor. The separation apparatus also comprises a flow-through device for transporting the liquid vapor from the evaporation space to the condensation space, wherein the flow-through device is arranged for intermittently transporting the liquid vapor. | 12-17-2009 |
20100051549 | Heat recuperating membrane distillation apparatus and system - A contactor module for separating a distillate from a feed solution includes an outer casing with an interior region, a distillate collection chamber, and pluralities of hollow fiber membranes and hollow tubes extending through the distillate collection chamber, where the hollow fiber membranes are configured to allow vapor transmission, and the hollow tubes are configured to substantially prevent vapor transmission, and further configured to allow transmission of thermal energy. | 03-04-2010 |
20100072135 | MEMBRANE DISTILLATION METHOD FOR THE PURIFICATION OF A LIQUID - The invention provides a method for the purification of a liquid by membrane distillation comprising: passing a heated vapourising stream of a liquid (retentate stream) through a retentate channel along a porous hydrophobic membrane ( | 03-25-2010 |
20100089830 | VACUUM ENHANCED DIRECT CONTACT MEMBRANE DISTILLATION - The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying an impaired liquid. In a particular example, the disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying water containing a solute. A feed stream of solute containing water is introduced in a flow chamber. A permeate stream of water at least substantially free of the solute is placed in the flow chamber. A hydrophobic membrane is placed between the feed stream and the permeate stream. A vacuum is applied to the permeate stream. A vapor pressure differential causes water to vaporize from the feed stream, pass through the hydrophobic membrane, and condense in the permeate stream. | 04-15-2010 |
20100108604 | MEMBRANES FILLED WITH POROUS HOLLOW PARTICLES - The present invention provides a new composite material comprising a polymer matrix comprising dispersed molecular sieve porous particles of which at least part are hollow particles, meaning that the particles comprise a shell enclosing cavities, of which the volume is at least two times larger than the average volume of the pores comprised in the shell of such particle. The invention further relates to membranes comprising such materials as well as the use of such membranes. | 05-06-2010 |
20100133186 | High Performance Cross-Linked Polybenzoxazole and Polybenzothiazole Polymer Membranes - In the present invention high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes and methods for making and using these membranes have been developed. The cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes are prepared by: 1) first synthesizing polyimide polymers comprising pendent functional groups (e.g., —OH or —SH) ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen and cross-linkable functional groups in the polymer backbone; 2) fabricating polyimide membranes from these polymers; 3) converting the polyimide membranes to polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by heating under inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or vacuum; and 4) finally converting the membranes to high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole membranes by a crosslinking treatment, preferably UV radiation. The membranes can be fabricated into any convenient geometry. The high performance cross-linked polybenzoxazole and polybenzothiazole polymer membranes of the present invention are suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations. | 06-03-2010 |
20100133187 | Polybenzoxazole Polymer-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes - The present invention discloses new types of polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes are prepared by fabricating a polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane by dispersing molecular sieve particles in a continuous aromatic polyimide matrix with pendent hydroxyl groups ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen; and then converting the polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane to a polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membrane by heating between 200° and 600° C. under inert atmosphere or vacuum. The polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes of the present invention can be fabricated into any convenient geometry such as flat sheet (or spiral wound), tube, hollow fiber, or thin film composite. These polybenzoxazole-based mixed matrix membranes exhibit high thermal stability, significantly higher selectivity than the neat polybenzoxazole polymer membranes, and much higher permeability than traditional mixed matrix membranes. | 06-03-2010 |
20100133188 | Polybenzoxazole Membranes Prepared From Aromatic Polyamide Membranes - The present invention discloses high performance polybenzoxazole membranes prepared from aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes by thermal cyclization and a method for using these membranes. The polybenzoxazole membranes were prepared by thermal treating aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes in a temperature range of 200° to 550° C. under inert atmosphere. The aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes used for making the polybenzoxazole membranes were prepared from aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) polymers comprising pendent phenolic hydroxyl groups ortho to the amide nitrogen in the polymer backbone. In some embodiments of the invention, the polybenzoxazole membranes may be subjected to an additional crosslinking step to increase the selectivity of the membranes. These polybenzoxazole membranes showed significantly improved permeability for gas separations compared to the precursor aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes and are not only suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations, but also can be used in catalysis and fuel cells. | 06-03-2010 |
20100155332 | Process for improving the cetane rating of distillate and diesel boiling range fractions - The present invention is directed to a process for producing a diesel fuel of enhanced cetane value from low cetane distillate and diesel boiling range fractions from poor crudes such as naphthenic crudes. | 06-24-2010 |
20100176057 | Liquid Filtration Using Pressure Difference Across a Hydrophobic Membrane - Method and devices for filtering liquid are provided that rely on pressure difference to filter liquid. In one embodiment, a device for filtering liquid includes a feed chamber, a permeate chamber, and a porous membrane that is at least partially hydrophobic and has one or more pores configured to be permeable to vapor. A pressure of a liquid substance in the feed chamber is increased such that vapor of the liquid substance is transported from the feed chamber to the permeate chamber. The resistance of flow in a hydrophilic layer of the membrane can be controlled to make the membrane defect-tolerant. In another embodiment, a second porous membrane is further included and the second porous membrane is spaced apart from the first porous membrane. Various methods for filtering liquid are also provided. | 07-15-2010 |
20100224560 | Ethanol Water Solution Concentrating Method - A method for yielding concentrated ethanol from an ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of a water solution of saccharide generated by a saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme is provided. Water is separated from the ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of the water solution of saccharide generated by the saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme with pervaporation method using a water separation membrane. Condensate prepared by condensing ethanol vapor existing in a space above a liquid level of the ethanol water solution is collected. | 09-09-2010 |
20100243567 | Polymer Membranes Derived from Aromatic Polyimide Membranes - The present invention discloses a new type of high performance polymer membranes derived from aromatic polyimide membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The polymer membranes described in the present invention were derived from aromatic polyimide membranes by crosslinking followed by thermal treating. The aromatic polyimide membranes were made from aromatic polyimide polymers comprising both pendent hydroxy functional groups ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen and cross-linkable functional groups in the polymer backbone. The high performance polymer membranes showed significantly improved permeability for gas separations compared to the aromatic polyimide membranes without any treatment. The high performance polymer membranes also showed significantly improved selectivity for gas separations compared to the thermal-treated but non-UV-crosslinked aromatic polyimide membranes. The high performance polymer membranes of the present invention are suitable for liquid, gas, and vapor separations, as well as for catalysis and fuel cell applications. | 09-30-2010 |
20100282680 | SUPERHYDROPHOBIC MEMBRANE DISTILLATION FOR WATER PURIFICATION - A distillation membrane for purifying water includes a superhydrophobic surface having a plurality of protruding features that each include a microchannel therein that protrude from a recessed surface portion that is in a uniform thickness portion of the distillation membrane. A thickness of the uniform thickness portion defines a channel length of the distillation membrane. The distillation membrane includes a plurality of micropores that are each fluidicly coupled to respective ones of the microchannels, wherein the plurality of micropores extend through the channel length. The superhydrophobic surface is operable to reject liquid water and the microchannels coupled to the micropores are operable to pass water vapor therethrough to allow condensation of the water vapor on a side of the distillation membrane opposite the superhydrophobic surface. | 11-11-2010 |
20100326913 | POLYBENZOXAZOLE MEMBRANES PREPARED FROM AROMATIC POLYAMIDE MEMBRANES - The present invention discloses high performance polybenzoxazole membranes prepared from aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes by thermal cyclization and a method for using these membranes. The polybenzoxazole membranes were prepared by thermal treating aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes in a temperature range of 200° to 550° C. under inert atmosphere. The aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes used for making the polybenzoxazole membranes were prepared from aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) polymers comprising pendent phenolic hydroxyl groups ortho to the amide nitrogen in the polymer backbone. In some embodiments of the invention, the polybenzoxazole membranes may be subjected to an additional crosslinking step to increase the selectivity of the membranes. These polybenzoxazole membranes showed significantly improved permeability for gas separations compared to the precursor aromatic poly(o-hydroxy amide) membranes and are not only suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations, but also can be used in catalysis and fuel cells. | 12-30-2010 |
20110042314 | METHOD FOR MAKING PURIFIED WATER AND ELECTRICITY AND A DEVICE THEREFOR - A method for producing clean water and electricity, in which water to be cleaned undergoes membrane distillation through one or several units ( | 02-24-2011 |
20110042315 | PERVAPORATION COMPOSITE MEMBRANE FOR AQUEOUS SOLUTION SEPARATION AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a membrane comprises: a nonporous, hydrophobic selective layer configured to be on a feed solution side of the membrane and polyethylene layer configured to be on a permeate side of the membrane, wherein the membrane is configured to selectively separate an organic component from an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the method for separating an organic component from an aqueous stream can comprise: contacting a nonporous, hydrophobic selective layer of a membrane with the aqueous stream comprising the organic component, creating a vacuum on the side of the membrane comprising the support layer, permeating the organic component through the membrane into an exit chamber, and removing the organic component permeate from the exit chamber. | 02-24-2011 |
20110049051 | PROCESS FOR SEPARATING PROPANE AND PROPYLENE USING A DISTILLATION COLUMN AND A MEMBRANE SEPARATION COLUMN - Process for separating propane and propylene using a distillation column and at least one membrane separation unit constituted by one or more modules operating in series, said membrane separation unit being placed either upstream, or downstream, or upstream and downstream of the distillation column. | 03-03-2011 |
20110073546 | HEATED AIR ASSISTED MEMBRANE SEPARATION OF WATER AND FUEL FROM ENGINE OIL IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - Contaminating water and/or fuel material may be removed from a stream of internal combustion engine lubricating oil being circulated over parts of an operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and/or fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membranes and housings using streams of flowing air heated to a pre-selected temperatures using waste engine heat for disposition outside the housing. Application of this practice to other membrane-separable mixtures is described. | 03-31-2011 |
20110089110 | FILLED POLYMERIC MEMBRANES, USE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - A method of manufacturing a filled polymeric membrane includes a first step of preparing a filler suspension having a solvent for a glassy polymer and nanometre-sized particles. The nanometre-sized particles in the filler suspension are aggregated in aggregates having an average aggregate size in the range between 50 nm and smaller than 200 nm. In a following step, the glassy polymer is added to the filler suspension to obtain a polymer suspension. Next, the glassy polymer is dissolved in the polymer suspension. In a next step, the polymer suspension is cast on a substrate, followed by a step of removing the solvent. A filled polymeric membrane includes aggregates of nanometre-sized filler particles. The membrane is used in pervaporation and nanofiltration. | 04-21-2011 |
20110127218 | Regenerator Configurations and Methods with Reduced Steam Demand - Steam for use as stripping medium in a regenerator is recovered from a portion of the regenerator bottom product using a pervaporation unit. In most preferred aspects, the portion is selected such as to maintain neutral water balance in the stripper for a desired regeneration level. | 06-02-2011 |
20110180479 | ZERO LIQUID DISCHARGE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A treatment system includes a feed source, a first treatment unit for separating a feed into a first product and a concentrated feed containing less than about 7% total dissolved solids, and a membrane distillation unit for separating the concentrated feed into a second product and a superconcentrated feed containing at least about 14% total dissolved solids. The membrane distillation unit includes hollow fiber membranes having inner bores for receiving the concentrated feed and membrane walls for allowing vapor transmission of distillate. A method includes delivering feed to a first treatment unit where it is separated into first product and concentrated feed streams; delivering the concentrated feed to internal bores of hollow fiber membranes where it is separated into second product and superconcentrated feed streams as vapor passes across the hollow fiber membranes; delivering the superconcentrated feed to a liquid removal unit; and collecting the first and second product streams. | 07-28-2011 |
20110198287 | Spiral Wound Hollow Fiber Membrane Module for Membrane Distillation - Membrane modules, and contactor apparatuses that utilize these modules, comprise a membrane contactor layer and a condenser region and optionally a core. The modules comprise a membrane contactor layer comprising a membrane envelope and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed therein; a feed fluid pathway defined at least in part by lumens of the hollow fibers; and a permeate fluid pathway defined at least in part by an interstitial space between outer surfaces of the hollow fibers and inner surfaces of the membrane envelope. | 08-18-2011 |
20110247979 | Process for Separating Components of a Multi-Component Feed Stream - Provided is a process and apparatus for separating a multi-component feed stream wherein a porous separator is used to effectively create, via permeation and phase change, at least three fractions of differing compositions. | 10-13-2011 |
20110266219 | PROCESS FOR SEPARATING LIQUID MIXTURES - The invention is directed to a process for separating liquid mixtures and an apparatus for separating liquid mixtures. The process of the invention comprises:
| 11-03-2011 |
20110266220 | SEPARATIONS WITH HIGHLY SELECTIVE FLUOROPOLYMER MEMBRANES - A method of separating components of mixtures of chemical compounds uses a nonporous membrane of copolymer of a perfluorinated cyclic or cyclizable monomer, and a 4 carbon dicarboxyl-containing comonomer, such as maleic anhydride. Optionally, the membrane composition includes an acyclic fluorinated olefin termonomer. The membranes provide a remarkably high selectivity of water relative to organic solvents and inorganic acids compared to dipolymer membranes of perfluorinated comonomers. | 11-03-2011 |
20110272354 | Membrane Distillation Apparatus and Methods - Membranes for membrane distillation include at least one hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membrane, the at least one membrane including carbon nanotubes incorporated into the pore structure of the membrane. Membrane distillation systems may include a heat exchanger operably connected to a hollow fiber membrane module with one or more membranes including carbon nanotubes. Methods of solvent removal, sample preconcentration and desalination employing hollow fiber porous hydrophobic membranes with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. | 11-10-2011 |
20110290725 | SOLAR MEMBRANE DISTILLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A water distillation system includes a membrane distillation unit which produces desalinated water from feed water comprising salt water. The system also includes a primary water heater which raises a temperature of the feed water upstream of the feed water entering the membrane distillation unit. The system additionally includes an evaporative cooler which lowers a temperature of a coolant upstream of the coolant entering the membrane distillation unit. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290726 | HIGH PRESSURE DEGAS ASSEMBLY FOR CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed. | 12-01-2011 |
20120024786 | SELF-SUPPORTING DYNAMIC POLYMERIC MEMBRANE, METHOD FOR PREPARING SAME, AND USES THEREOF - “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.” | 02-02-2012 |
20120061319 | THIN FILM PERVAPORATION MEMBRANES - The present invention relates to novel pervaporation membranes comprising a porous support layer upon which a thin coating is applied. More specifically, the present invention provides pervaporation membranes with an improved performance by applying an aggregate filled PTMSP coating with a maximal thickness of 25 μm onto the porous support. The present invention further relates to methods of the manufacturing of such pervaporation membranes. | 03-15-2012 |
20120067819 | OSMOTICALLY DRIVEN MEMBRANE PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRAW SOLUTE RECOVERY - The invention relates to osmotically driven membrane processes and systems and methods for recovering draw solutes in the osmotically driven membrane processes. Osmotically driven membrane processes involve the extraction of a 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. Draw solute recovery may be carried out by various means including with the use of a membrane device. The draw solute recovery may also include the use of multi-stage solute recovery using distillation columns and/or membranes, where the recovery may be assisted by a heat pump. | 03-22-2012 |
20120074061 | CERAMIC PERVAPORATION MEMBRANE AND CERAMIC VAPOR-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE - A ceramic pervaporation membrane and a ceramic vapor-permeable membrane where the total aperture length of discharge channels parallel to the channel direction of water collection cells is at least 10% of the length of filtration cells and where the ratio m/n of the number m of rows of filtration cells to the number n of rows of water collection cells is between 1 and 4 have a high water permeation rate and a high separation coefficient. | 03-29-2012 |
20120091061 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR DESALINATION OF BRACKISH WATER USING PRESSURE RETARDED OSMOSIS - Water from underground and other sources is brackish and not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in water make it brackish. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration systems, filtration systems, crystallizers and hydrophobic membrane carrying filter are used to desalinate the brackish water. Pressure retarded osmosis process using an apparatus is also used to further purify water. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide a useful technology to eradicate water scarcity. | 04-19-2012 |
20120132589 | SUPPORTED IONIC LIQUID MEMBRANE SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR AROMATIC SEPARATION FROM HYDROCARBON FEEDS - A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. | 05-31-2012 |
20120152840 | METHOD FOR DEWATERING WATER-CONTAINING ORGANIC SUBSTANCE - The present invention is to provide a VP dewatering method being applicable over a wide range, having good handling properties, and being economically efficient and highly energy-saving, which comprises compression-pressuring a dewatered vapor product to elevate a condensation temperature thereof and then re-using the same as a heat source for vaporizing a supply liquid. In dewatering a water-containing organic substance which is a liquid starting material according to a vapor permeation membrane separation method, a dewatered organic substance vapor discharged from a membrane module is pressurized with a compressor to elevate the condensation temperature of the vapor and then the vapor is fed to a vaporizer of said method to collect and use the latent heat of condensation thereof. | 06-21-2012 |
20120175304 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING MASS BETWEEN TWO FLUIDS - A mass transfer device, such as a desorption device has fluid channels, to transfer a component one fluid to the other. A microsieve is provided separating the channels. The microsieve comprising a sieve layer with a thickness of less than two micrometer deposited on a substrate with openings to expose areas of the sieve layer with holes straight through the sieve layer. The remaining portions of the substrate form a support web to support the sieve layer. In an embodiment the liquid channel is provided on the side of the microsieve opposite the substrate portions. An efficient very low height (e.g. 25 micrometer) liquid channel may be realized in this way. Preferably the liquid is supplied using a channel plate facing the microsieve, with grooves opposite wider portions of the substrate, the liquid flowing out sideways from the grooves into areas where the low height liquid channel is formed. | 07-12-2012 |
20120187045 | METHOD FOR SEPARATING SUBSTANCE MIXTURES BY MEANS OF MULTIPHASE POLYMER FILMS - The present invention relates to a process for separating substance mixtures by means of a nonporous polymer film which has
| 07-26-2012 |
20120211421 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING CO2 - Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed. | 08-23-2012 |
20120228225 | METHOD FOR THE SEPARATION OF AMMONIA AND CARBON DIOXIDE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS - The present invention relates to a method for contemporaneously recovering ammonia and carbon dioxide from an aqueous solution thereof, possibly comprising their condensates, in a synthesis process of urea, characterized in that it comprises a hydrophobic microporous membrane distillation phase of an aqueous solution comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide and their saline compounds or condensates, said distillation being carried out at a temperature ranging from 50 to 250° C. and a pressure ranging from 50 KPa to 20 MPa absolute, with the formation of a residual aqueous solution, possibly comprising urea, and a gaseous permeate stream, comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for effecting the above method and a production process of urea which comprises the above method. | 09-13-2012 |
20120234756 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREVENTING CORROSION IN HOT WATER SYSTEMS - Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter. | 09-20-2012 |
20120285889 | METHOD, EQUIPMENT AND SPECIFIC DRAWER FOR MEMBRANE SEPARATION UTILIZING CONCENTRATION POLARIZATION - The present invention relates to a membrane separation method and a relevant equipment, in particular to a method and an equipment for membrane separation utilizing concentration polarization during membrane filtration process, especially, to a concentration process and equipment and a drawer special for drawing a concentration polarization layer. The direct removal of the concentration polarization layer from membrane surface not only decreases the adverse influence of concentration polarization on membrane separation but also obtains concentrated retention components, thereby significantly improving the ability to maintain membrane flux, solving the twinborn problems concerning concentration polarization and membrane fouling during the membrane separation process, and achieving a high-efficiency concentration for retention components. The method and equipment of the present invention can be widely applied in various membrane techniques, in particular in a membrane separation process for concentrating biomacromolecule and organic micromolecule products such as sugars, organic acids and polypeptides etc. | 11-15-2012 |
20120305484 | Thermally Rearranged (TR) Polymers as Membranes for Ethanol Dehydration - Synthesis and use of a new class of polymeric materials with favorable separation characteristics for the dehydration of ethanol and other organic solvents is described herein. The thermally rearranged (TR) polybenzoxazole (PBO), polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polybenzothiazole (PBT) membranes of the present invention can be used for the dehydration of ethanol during processing to fuel grade biodiesel by either pervaporation or vapor permeation. The unique microstructure of the membranes provides excellent separation characteristics, and this, coupled with their inherent thermal and chemical stability, enables their usage in other separations, such as the dehydration of other organic solvents. | 12-06-2012 |
20130001164 | SOLAR MEMBRANE DISTILLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A water distillation system includes a membrane distillation unit which produces desalinated water from feed water comprising salt water. The system also includes a primary water heater which raises a temperature of the feed water upstream of the feed water entering the membrane distillation unit. The system additionally includes an evaporative cooler which lowers a temperature of a coolant upstream of the coolant entering the membrane distillation unit. | 01-03-2013 |
20130015133 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE REDUCTION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND CONCENTRATION IN WATER USING PRESSURIZED DIFFUSED AERATION - The system and method reduces volatile organic compound concentration in a water distribution system using pressurized diffused aeration. The system and method is used in-line in a water distribution system. The system and method can be used at the ends of the distribution system where volatile organic compounds, including trihalomethanes, are more likely to persist. The system and method of pressurized, diffused aeration reduces volatile organic compounds from groundwater remediation systems as well. | 01-17-2013 |
20130015134 | CARBON MEMBRANE AND METHOD FOR PERVAPORATION SEPARATION - There is provided a carbon membrane formed by carbonizing a phenol resin having at least one kind of atomic groups selected from the group consisting of a methylene bond, a dimethylene ether bond, and a methylol group, wherein the total mole content rate of the atomic groups is 100 to 180% with respect to the phenolic nuclei. | 01-17-2013 |
20130068689 | MEMBRANE DISTILLATION MODULES USING OLEOPHOBICALLY AND ANTIMICROBIALLY TREATED MICROPOROUS MEMBRANES - The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids. | 03-21-2013 |
20130075333 | Apparatus and Process for Treatment of Water - The invention relates to a system for use in the treatment of produced water, e.g., water treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in produced water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature, followed by any of membrane distillation (MD) or forward osmosis (FO), may be combined with a process of ceramic ultra-filtration (UF filtration) to treat water. Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The system comprises a plurality of units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, membrane distillation unit, UF filtration, etc) which can be configured as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075334 | Apparatus and Process For Treatment of Water - The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature may be combined with a process of ceramic ultra-filtration (UF filtration) employed to treat water, and optionally followed by any of membrane distillation or forward osmosis (FO). Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075335 | Apparatus and Process For Treatment of Water - The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature followed by ultra-filtration (UF filtration) may be combined with forward osmosis (FO) to treat water. Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment. | 03-28-2013 |
20130126432 | ORGANOPHILIC POLYSILSESQUIOXANE MEMBRANES FOR SOLVENT NANOFILTRATION AND PERVAPORATION - Selective retaining a relatively hydrophilic molecule from a mixture of a relatively hydrophobic molecule and the relatively hydrophilic molecule can be achieved using a hydrophobic, microporous hybrid membrane based on silica, wherein at least 25% of the silicon atoms is bound to a bridging C | 05-23-2013 |
20130153497 | VACUUM MEMBRANE DISTILLATION (VMD) USING ASPIRATOR TO GENERATE VACUUM PRESSURE - A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153498 | MEMBRANE SEPARATION APPARATUS AND MEMBRANE SEPARATION METHOD - [Problem] To provide a membrane separation apparatus and a membrane separation method capable of reducing energy consumption, | 06-20-2013 |
20130175218 | POLYMERIC NANOFIBROUS COMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT ETHANOL DEHYDRATION - Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate. | 07-11-2013 |
20130186826 | REDUCED-PRESSURE MEDICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING A MOISTURE PROCESSING DEVICE - Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented. | 07-25-2013 |
20130228515 | FACILITATED TRANSPORT MEMBRANE FOR THE SEPARATION OF AROMATICS FROM NON-AROMATICS - Certain embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream. The apparatus includes a membrane support, and a hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix disposed on the membrane support. The hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix includes an effective amount of polyvinyl alcohol and an effective amount of sodium alginate. The apparatus further includes a carrier agent bonded to the hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix using a cross-linking agent. The carrier agent exhibits a greater affinity for aromatics compared to aliphatics. The apparatus further includes a membrane housing configured to hold the membrane support. The membrane housing includes an inlet, a permeate outlet, and a retentate outlet, the inlet being operable to receive the aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream, the permeate outlet being operable to discharge a permeate stream, and the retentate outlet being operable to discharge a retentate stream. | 09-05-2013 |
20130292331 | IONIC LIQUID RECOVERY AND PURIFICATION IN BIOMASS TREATMENT PROCESSES - The invention includes a process for recovering ionic liquids used in the treatment of biomass for production of biofuels and other biomass-based products. Ionic liquid recovery and purification minimizes waste production and enhances process profitability. | 11-07-2013 |
20130313192 | ACID RESISTANT PBI MEMBRANE FOR PERVAPORATION DEHYDRATION OF ACIDIC SOLVENTS - A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid. | 11-28-2013 |
20140014583 | METHOD OF CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY INTO MECHANICAL ENERGY, AND AN APPARATUS THEREFOR - The invention relates to a method of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy wherein a working liquid such as is evaporated to generate a stream of a working fluid. According to the invention, the stream of the working fluid is a stream of pressurized distillate produced by evaporation and condensation using a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) unit, said stream of pressurized distillate having a pressure of at least one bar, and a converter such as a turbine is used for generating mechanical energy from said stream of said pressurized distillate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method. | 01-16-2014 |
20140042090 | CYCLOALKYLNORBORNENE MONOMERS, POLYMERS DERIVED THEREFROM AND THEIR USE IN PERVAPORATION - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide forming various polycycloalkyl polynorbornene polymers and copolymers which are useful for forming pervaporation membranes, the membranes themselves and methods of making such membranes. | 02-13-2014 |
20140102981 | PROCESS FOR THE PURIFICATION OF AN AQUEOUS STREAM COMING FROM THE FISCHER-TROPSCH REACTION - Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises feeding said aqueous stream to one or more pervaporation units obtaining an aqueous stream enriched in oxygenated organic compounds (retentate side) and an aqueous stream enriched in water (permeate side), feeding said aqueous stream enriched in oxygenated organic compounds to a saturator obtaining a gaseous stream leaving the saturator, feeding said gaseous stream to a synthesis gas production plant. Said process allows at least a part of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction to be used as process water in a synthesis gas production plant, subsequently sent to a Fischer-Tropsch plant for the production of hydrocarbons. | 04-17-2014 |
20140124443 | Systems and Methods for Integrated Heat Recovery in Thermally Separable Draw Solute Recycling in Osmotically Driven Membrane Processes - Embodiment methods and systems for the recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) are provided. Recovery of heat produced from an osmotically driven membrane process (ODMP) includes performing a draw solute thermal separation method on a first solution stream produced by the ODMP, in which the thermal separation method creates a first vapor stream containing draw solute from the first solution stream and a first liquid stream which is substantially free from the draw solute or which has a lower draw solute concentration than the first solution stream, and directing heat from at least a portion of the first vapor stream to a draw solute thermal separation method performed on a second solution stream from the ODMP. | 05-08-2014 |
20140263060 | Multi-Stage Membrane Distillation Process - Portions of a feed liquid are passed through respective condensers and liquid-liquid heat exchangers. The feed liquid is then heated and injected into a first feed-liquid containment chamber, where vapor from the feed is passed through a first gas-permeable membrane and directed into a first condenser, where the vapor is cooled by the feed liquid passing through the first condenser and condenses as it cools to produce a first liquid permeate. The first liquid permeate is passed through the first liquid-liquid heat exchanger where the first liquid permeate is cooled by the feed liquid passing therethrough. After the vapor is removed from the feed liquid in the first feed-liquid containment chamber, the remaining feed liquid from the first feed-liquid containment chamber is injected into a second feed-liquid containment chamber, where the process is repeated. The first liquid permeate from the first liquid liquid-liquid heat exchanger is combined with the second liquid permeate from the second condenser to form a combined liquid permeate; and the combined liquid permeate is passed through the second liquid-liquid heat exchanger where the combined liquid permeate is cooled by the feed liquid passing therethrough. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263061 | MEMBRANE CONTACTORS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEMBRANE DISTILLATION OR AMMONIA REMOVAL AND RELATED METHODS - New, improved, or modified membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, and/or methods of manufacture, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least selected embodiments, particular possibly preferred membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, and/or to particular possibly preferred membrane contactors, modules, systems, and/or methods for membrane distillation and/or ammonia removal, involving membrane contactors adapted for membrane distillation, for ammonia removal, or for both membrane distillation and for ammonia removal, as well as for other membrane contactor systems, methods or processes such as degassing, gasifying, separation, filtration, and/or the like. | 09-18-2014 |
20140291242 | MEMBRANE MODULE FOR ORGANOPHILIC PERVAPORATION - The invention relates to a membrane module for pervaporation, in particular organophilic pervaporation, having a liquid-tight housing with at least one feed inlet, at least one retentate outlet and at least one permeate outlet that is or can be subjected to a negative pressure or vacuum, wherein a membrane pocket stack is arranged in a housing interior and has a plurality of membrane pockets and seals laid on one another, wherein mechanical pressure is or can be applied to the membrane pockets in the stacking direction by means of a pressure application device for the mutual sealing of the membrane pockets, so that the housing interior is divided up by the membrane pockets into a feed chamber on the outside of the membrane pockets and a permeate chamber in the interior of the membrane pockets. The invention further relates to a use of a membrane module according to the invention. | 10-02-2014 |
20140339163 | PERFORMANCE OF A MEMBRANE USED IN MEMBRANE DISTILLATION - The present disclosure provides a method for improving the performance of a membrane for use in a membrane distillation process, and a membrane produced by the method. The method includes subjecting the membrane to a pressure difference across the membrane in order to open closed pores in the membrane. | 11-20-2014 |
20140353252 | Method of Supplying Engineered Waters for Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing Operations for Wells and Recapturing Minerals and Other Components from Oil and Gas Production Waste Waters - A method of supplying engineered water for drilling or hydraulic fracturing of wells, where the water comes from either fresh sources or is recycled from drilling or hydraulic fracturing operations whereby the water is treated for example with a mechanical vapor recompression unit or other treating apparatuses and methods to significantly reduce the concentration of constituents that are deleterious to drilling or hydraulic fracturing chemistries while keeping desirable constituents, such as semi-volatile antimicrobial constituents. The final composition of the engineered water is designed to contain constituents that are optimal for drilling or hydraulic fracturing operations. This method may also include the addition of chemicals or suspended constituents to the treated water that are desirable for drilling or hydraulic fracturing chemistries, or by limiting the treatment of the fresh or recycled water to leave behind constituents that are amenable to reuse operations, as well as refining and recycling components from the waste stream of the recycled waters to provide useful materials for oil field operations. A service for providing minimally engineered waters is also disclosed. | 12-04-2014 |
20150048028 | Water Purifier with Integrated Power Generator - A water filtration system with power generating capability includes a membrane that receives relatively hot water on a dirty side, purifies the hot water, and transmits it to a clean side having relatively cold purified water. The system further includes at least one thermoelectric element coupled to the membrane that absorbs thermal energy from the dirty side and emits thermal energy into the clean side to generate electrical power. The system further includes at least one conductor electrically coupled to the at least one thermoelectric element that channels generated electrical power away from the at least one thermoelectric element. | 02-19-2015 |
20150053616 | Dehydration of Water Containing Source of Formaldehyde, and a Method for Producing an Ethylenically Unsaturated Carboxylic Ester - Disclosed are methods for dehydrating a water containing source of formaldehyde in which water is separated from the water containing source of formaldehyde using a zeolite membrane. In certain aspects, the water containing source of formaldehyde includes a separation enhancer having a relative static permittivity ranging from 2.5 to 20, and the water containing source of formaldehyde may further include methanol. In certain aspects, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester may be produced using the dehydrated source of formaldehyde. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053617 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ISOTOPIC WATER SEPARATION - Methods and systems for filtering water according to its isotopic forms. In some embodiments, a stream of water comprising at least two distinct isotopic forms of water may be directed into one or more filtration modules comprising a graphene oxide membrane. The graphene oxide membrane(s) may be used to separate the stream into a permeate and a retentate, wherein the permeate comprises an increased concentration of light water relative to the retentate. | 02-26-2015 |
20150101985 | Method for Separating Water/Ethanol Using NAA Zeolite Separator - Disclosed herein are a method of preparing a NaA zeolite membrane for water/ethanol separation, and a method of separating water/ethanol using the same, wherein a water/ethanol mixture is separated by pervaporation using a NaA zeolite membrane employing a dual separation process, including: primary separation for increasing an ethanol concentration to 95˜97 wt % using a membrane having high water selectivity and low flux; and secondary separation for increasing the ethanol concentration to 97˜100 wt % using a membrane having low water selectivity and high flux, thereby obtaining excellent separation efficiency at comparatively low energy. | 04-16-2015 |
20150101986 | MIXED MATRIX POLYMERIC MEMBRANES - Disclosed are mixed matrix polymeric membranes comprising a plurality of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), or in some aspects a zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), and a polymeric matrix, wherein the plurality of MOFs are attached to the polymeric matrix through covalent or hydrogen bonds or Van der Waals interaction. | 04-16-2015 |
20150114906 | SILYLATED MESOPOROUS SILICA MEMBRANES ON POLYMERIC HOLLOW FIBER SUPPORTS - Described is a liquid separation device comprising a porous support structure further comprising polymeric hollow fibers; an inorganic mesoporous silica membrane disposed on the porous support structure, wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane is free of defects; and wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane has a network of interconnected three-dimensional pores that interconnect with the porous support structure; and wherein the inorganic mesoporous silica membrane is a silylated mesoporous membrane. Also described are methods for making and using the liquid separation device. | 04-30-2015 |
20150129496 | COMPOSITE MEMBRANE COMPRISING LAYER OF PERFLUOROPOLYETHER ON HYDROPHILIC SUBSTRATE - The invention relates to a composite comprising a porous substrate at least partially coated with a coating layer prepared from curing a coating composition (C), the coating composition (C) comprising at least one curable perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer. The invention further relates to a process for manufacturing a composite as afore-described, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a coating composition (C) comprising at least one curable perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer; (b) depositing said coating composition (C) on a porous substrate; and (c) crosslinking said coating composition (C) to form a porous substrate at least partially coated. | 05-14-2015 |
20150298997 | Method and Device for Obtaining Purified Water - A main object is to provide a method, a membrane module and a purified water manufacturing device that demonstrate a performance of manufacturing water stably for a long period of time and lower a salt concentration in purified water. In the method, raw water is made to flow along one surface of a gas-permeable membrane, vapor permeated through the gas-permeable membrane is condensed, and the purified water is obtained. | 10-22-2015 |
20150336055 | METHOD FOR USING CERAMIC FILTER, AND FILTER DEVICE - A method for using a ceramic filter including dividing a plurality of through channels into a plurality of zones including an outward path and a return path by use of through channel division means disposed along a row in which water collecting cells are arranged in at least one end face of a porous body constituting the ceramic filter in a state where the through channel division means is in contact with the row, so that a mixed fluid undergoes, at least once, a passing process of passing through the outward path in which the mixed fluid flows from the first end face to the second end face of the ceramic filter, returning and then passing through the return path in which the mixed fluid flows from the second end face to the first end face, and collecting a target permeable substance after permeation of a separation membrane. | 11-26-2015 |
20150353385 | HYDROPHOBIC PHOTOTHERMAL MEMBRANES, DEVICES INCLUDING THE HYDROPHOBIC PHOTOTHERMAL MEMBRANES, AND METHODS FOR SOLAR DESALINATION - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide structures or membranes including photothermal nanomaterials, devices including the structure, methods of use, methods of desalination, and the like. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360179 | CRYSTALLIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention relates to a system for crystallizing a material that is dissolved in a solvent and that is to be crystallized, comprising a crystallization device through which a solution that is to be concentrated and that comprises the solvent containing the material to be crystallized and dissolved in said solvent, and a liquid, comprising a lower temperature than the solution to be concentrated, flows, wherein the crystallization device comprises at least one flow channel guiding the solution to be concentrated and at least one flow channel guiding the liquid, wherein the inner space of each respective flow channel guiding the liquid is delimited at least in part by a membrane wall that is permeable for the vaporous solvent, however not for the liquid solvent and a respective flow channel guiding the liquid is adjacent to at least one respective flow channel guiding the solution to be concentrated, whereby a vapor pressure difference sets in via the membrane wall such that the solvent passes from the solution to be concentrated across the membrane wall. | 12-17-2015 |
20150367292 | PERVAPORATION MEMBRANE AND METHOD FOR CONCENTRATING PHENOLS - A pervaporation membrane having superior durability and a phenol concentrating method which can efficiently concentrate phenols with the pervaporation membrane are provided. A pervaporation separation apparatus | 12-24-2015 |
20160016118 | MEMBRANE FOR DISTILLATION INCLUDING NANOSTRUCTURES, METHODS OF MAKING MEMBRANES, AND METHODS OF DESALINATION AND SEPARATION - In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide membranes, methods of making the membrane, systems including the membrane, methods of separation, methods of desalination, and the like. | 01-21-2016 |
20160031727 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHOD, MEMBRANE DISTILLATION MODULE AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT APPARATUS - A wastewater treatment method for purifying heated wastewater produced when recovering bitumen from an oil sand layer by an in-situ recovery method for reuse as steam is provided. The method includes extracting bitumen from a bitumen-mixed fluid recovered by injecting high-temperature steam into the oil sand layer, and subjecting separated heated wastewater to membrane distillation using a hydrophobic porous membrane provided in a membrane distillation module to recover treated water from which an oil component, a salt component, and an organic matter contained in the heated wastewater have been reduced/removed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160039686 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHOD, MEMBRANE DISTILLATION MODULE AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT APPARATUS - Provided is a method for purifying wastewater containing an oil component, a salt component, and an organic matter produced when extracting petroleum from a stratum or a bedrock layer, including performing membrane distillation using a fluorine-based resin hydrophobic porous membrane made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) or PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene) and having a practical maximum operating temperature exceeding 100° C., and simultaneously removing the oil component, the salt component and the organic matter contained in the wastewater. | 02-11-2016 |
20160051945 | PERVAPORATION MEMBRANES DERIVED FROM POLYCYCLO-OLEFINIC BLOCK COPOLYMERS - A pervaporation membrane formed from a series of vinyl addition block polymers derived from functionalized norbornene monomers are disclosed and claimed. Also disclosed are the fabrication of membranes which exhibit unique separation properties, and their use in the separation of organic volatiles from biomass and/or organic waste, including butanol, phenol, and the like. | 02-25-2016 |
20160074812 | Energy-Efficient Conductive-Gap Membrane Distillation - Apparatus for energy-efficient conductive-gap membrane distillation includes a feed-liquid source and a distillation module. The distillation module includes a feed-liquid chamber in fluid communication with the feed-liquid source. The feed-liquid chamber includes a selectively porous material that allows a component of the feed liquid to pass through the selectively porous material and exit the feed-liquid chamber in vapor form but not in liquid form. The distillation module also includes a conductive-gap chamber adjacent to the selectively porous material on an opposite side of the selectively porous material from the feed-liquid chamber; a heat-transfer surface maintained at a lower temperature than the feed liquid in the feed-liquid chamber, wherein the heat-transfer surface is in thermal contact with the conductive-gap chamber; and a thermally conductive material extending across the conductive-gap chamber. | 03-17-2016 |
20160107121 | Hydrophobic Air-Gap Membrane Distillation - An energy-efficient liquid-gap distillation apparatus includes a source of a feed liquid; a distillation module comprising: (a) a feed-liquid chamber n fluid communication with the feed-liquid source to establish a flow of the feed liquid there through, wherein the feed-liquid chamber includes a selectively porous material that allows a component of the feed liquid to pass through the selectively porous material and exit the feed-liquid chamber in vapor form but not in liquid form; (b) a condensing surface maintained at a lower temperature than the feed liquid in the feed-liquid chamber, wherein the condensing surface is sufficiently hydrophobic to produce a contact angle with water of at least 150; and (c) a gap between the selectively porous material and the condensing surface. Vapor passing through the membrane can be condensed as jumping droplets at the condensing surface. | 04-21-2016 |
20160166992 | DISTILLATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME | 06-16-2016 |
20160193544 | CRYSTALLIZATION SYSTEM AND PROCESS | 07-07-2016 |
20160375406 | MONOLITHIC SEPARATION MEMBRANE STRUCTURE, METHOD FOR PRODUCING MONOLITHIC SEPARATION MEMBRANE STRUCTURE, AND METHOD FOR DEHYDRATING - A monolithic separation membrane structure comprises a support body and a separation membrane. The support body is composed of a porous material and includes a plurality of through holes. The separation membrane is formed in a tubular shape on an inner side of the plurality of through holes, and is used in a penetrative vaporization method or a vapor infiltration method. The helium gas permeation resistance in the support body is less than 8.3×10 | 12-29-2016 |
20190144309 | RESOURCE RECOVERY METHOD USING MULTI-STAGE SUBMERGED MEMBRANE DISTILLATION WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS | 05-16-2019 |