CENTRIFUGAL REVERSE-OSMOSIS DESALINATION UNIT INCORPORATING AN ANNULAR MEMBRANE CARTRIDGE

摘要

This invention relates to an apparatus for separating an original feed solution such as sea-water into a product solution of decreased concentration (relatively fresh w ater) and an exhaust solution of increased concentration. The apparatus consist of 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 wit hin an evacuated shroud. The apparatus further consist of supply means for supplying th e original feed solution to the reverse osmosis membrane, exhaust means at an oute rmost radius of the reverse osmosis membrane for removing the exhaust solution from th e reverse osmosis membrane, product removal means at an innermost radius of the re verse osmosis membrane for removing the product solution from the reverse osmosis membrane and means for creating a pressure differential across the reverse osmos is membrane to separate the original feed solution into the product solution and th e exhaust solution. The supply means and the exhaust means being relatively axially and ra dially spaced such that the feed solution travels along a combined radial and axial flo w-path.