Osmotic distillation process and semipermeable barriers therefor
US5098566A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2325/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed is a semipermeable barrier for osmotic distillation, having a semipermeable matrix of an externally hydrophobic, high thermal conductibility material having a thickness of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 20 microns, a minimum porosity of 50% of the surface area and pore dimensions such that the flux is proportional to the pore radius (Knudsen) or to the square of the pore radius. Concentration of a dilute solution of low osmotic pressure is accomplished by the process of contacting the barrier on a first side with fluid of a first osmotic pressure and on the second side with fluid of a lower osmotic pressure, whereby the concentration of the fluid of lower osmotic pressure is increased due to the difference in osmotic pressure between the two fluids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.