Membrane distillation method
US4460473A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/131
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and system for desalination of water by so called membrane distillation, wherein saline water is evaporated through the pores of a membrane whose proper operation requires that it not be wetted by either the distilland or distillate. Therefore, liquid intrusion into the pores of the membrane through which the distillate passes must be prevented by the surface tension of the liquid. Surfactants normally found in the saline feed water which have been found to cause liquid intrusion into the pores of the membrane are removed immediately prior to the distillation step by physical or chemical means such as adsorption by activated charcoal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.