Method, apparatus, and processes for producing potable water...

Details Method, apparatus, and processes for producing potable water... Method, apparatus, and processes for producing potable water...

2011-03-08

2011-03-08

Fortuna, Ana M (Department: 1777)

Liquid purification or separation

Processes

Liquid/liquid solvent or colloidal extraction or diffusing...

C210S195100, C210S257200, C210S170100, C210S170110, C210S172200, C203S010000, C062S093000, C062S427000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07901580

ABSTRACT:
Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source. When used in conjunction with a ship, part or all of the reverse osmosis subsystem can be submersed to a depth sufficient to generate a hydrostatic pressure that is in turn sufficient to passively operate the reverse osmosis membrane such that additional pressurizing equipment, such as a pump, is not needed. Furthermore, the temperature of the water purified by the reverse osmosis subsystem may be low enough to be used as a condensing agent for the ambient humid air passing through the dehumidification subsystem.

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Paolo Pacenti, et al., Submarine Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination System, European Desalination Society and the International Water Services Association, Desalination 126, 1999, pp. 213-218, Europe.

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