OSMOTIC SEPARATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

The invention generally relates to osmotically driven membrane systems and processes and more particularly to systems and processes for handling feed streams without pretreatment and increased brine concentration for zero liquid discharge, including forward osmosis separation (FO), direct osmotic concentration (DOC), pressure-assisted forward osmosis (PAFO), and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). The system includes: a plurality of forward osmosis units, each having a semi-permeable membrane assembly and a tank; and a separation system in fluid communication with the plurality of forward osmosis units and configured to separate the dilute draw solution into the concentrated draw solution and a solvent system.

主权项

1. A system for osmotic extraction of a solvent from a first solution, the system comprising:
a plurality of forward osmosis units, each comprising:
a semi-permeable membrane assembly comprising a framework and a plurality of membranes coupled thereto and having first sides and second sides, where the first sides define a first plurality of channels for receiving the first solution and the second sides define a second plurality of channels for receiving a concentrated draw solution, wherein the membranes are configured for osmotically separating the solvent from the first solution, thereby forming a more concentrated first solution in the first plurality of channels and a dilute draw solution in the second plurality of channels; anda tank configured for receiving the semi-permeable membrane assembly and the first solution, wherein the semi-permeable membrane assembly is at least partially submerged within the tank; a separation system in fluid communication with the plurality of forward osmosis units and configured for receiving the dilute draw solution from the forward osmosis units, the separation system comprising means for separating the dilute draw solution into the concentrated draw solution and a solvent stream; a plurality of recirculation systems, each in fluid communication with a corresponding forward osmosis unit and configured for recirculating the more concentrated first solution through each tank; and a plurality of hydrocyclone circuits, each in fluid communication with a corresponding recirculation system and configured to control a concentration of solids within the first solution within each tank.