Osmotic distillation process
US6569341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D61/365
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of raising the concentration of a liquid mixture utilizes osmotic distillation to transfer a volatile liquid component from the mixture in contact with one side of a nonporous, preferably high free volume, gas permeable membrane to a strip solution in contact with the other side of the membrane. Due to its nonporous nature the gas permeable membrane resists penetration and wetting by oily components that may be present in the feed mixture. Similarly, occlusion of the membrane by solids is resisted. Preferably, an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole is useful for the gas permeable membrane. Osmotic distillation utilizing such high free volume, nonporous gas permeable membranes can concentrate difficult liquid mixtures such as pulpy fruit juices and especially, limonene-containing juices, for example, orange juice. The process can be operated at high flux for long durations between membrane cleanings. Additionally, less contamination of the strip solution into the feed mixture occurs to provide a high quality concentrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.