Centrifugal reverse-osmosis desalination unit incorporating an annular membrane cartridge
US6132613A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/131
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus for separating an original feed solution such as seawater into a product solution of decreased concentration (relatively fresh water) and an exhaust solution of increased concentration. The apparatus includes an annular reverse osmosis membrane means, contained in an annular pressure vessel that is housed in a rotor assembly. The rotor is arranged to spin on an axle and is located within an evacuated shroud. The apparatus further includes supply means for supplying the original feed solution to the reverse osmosis membrane, exhaust means at an outermost radius of the reverse osmosis membrane for removing the exhaust solution from the reverse osmosis membrane, product removal means at an innermost radius of the reverse osmosis membrane for removing the product solution from the reverse osmosis membrane and means for creating a pressure differential across the reverse osmosis membrane to separate the original feed solution into the product solution and the exhaust solution. The supply means and the exhaust means are relatively axially and radially spaced such that the feed solution travels along a combined radial and axial flow-path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.