METHOD FOR EMPLOYING SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANES

摘要

A method is disclosed which comprises the steps of (a) flowing a first fluid through a pressure transfer device (29) to increase the pressure of the first fluid; (b) flowing the first fluid into a semi-permeable membrane separation element (11), wherein flowing the first fluid into the semi-permeable membrane separation element (11) changes the first fluid into a second fluid; and (c) flowing the second fluid through the pressure transfer device (29) to transfer pressure from the second fluid to the first fluid. In an RO mode, the method can be used to produce high quality water. Power can be generated from two aqueous solutions of different salt concentrations in a PRO mode.