Reverse Osmosis

 Introduction

1. Definitions; Limitations

2. Purpose; Extent; Presentation

Part I : Membranes

Membranes : Introduction

§ 1. Membrane Form; Technical Fabrication

A. Hollow Fiber Membranes

B. Technical Fabrication of Unsupported Flat and Tubular Membranes

C. Technical Fabrication of Supported Tubular and Flat Membranes; Supports Therefor

§ 2. Membrane Manufacturing Methods and Membrane Materials

A. Manufacturing Methods

B. Membranes Fabricated from Specific Materials

§ 3. Membrane After-Treatment

A. Treating and/or Coating with Polymeric Substances

B. Drying

C. Treatment for Storing; Preservation; Sterilization

D. Regenerating or Restoring Membrane Performances

E. Converting Hydrophilic Membranes (to Membranes for Separating Organic Liquids)

F. Repairing; Bonding

G. Mechanical After-Treatment

H. Marking

General Conclusions Concerning Part I (Membranes)

Part II : Reverse Osmosis Devices

Reverse Osmosis Devices

§ 1. Hollow Fiber Modules; Fabrication Thereof

A. Fabrication of Hollow Fiber Modules

B. Repairing and/or Detecting Leaks

C. Hollow Fiber Modules

§ 2. Tubular Modules

A. Membranes on the Inner Surface of a Support Tube

B. Membranes on the Outer Surface of a Support Tube

C. Membranes on Inner and Outer Surface of a Support Tube (Coaxial Membranes)

D. Porous Body with Membrane Coated Passages

E. Flexible Membrane Tubes (on Inner or Outer Surface of Tubular Support

F. Small Diameter, Self-Supporting Membrane Tubes

Conclusions Concerning Tubular Membrane Modules (II.2.)

§ 3. Flat Membrane Modules

A. Modules Comprising a Stack of Flat, Supported Membranes (e.g. Plate-and-Frame Module)

B. Comprising a Single Supported Membrane

C. Special Supports; Clamping Arrangements

Conclusions Concerning the Flat Membrane Modules (II.3.)

§ 4. Spiral-Wound Modules

Conclusions Concerning the Spiral-Wound Module (II.4.)

§ 5. Other Membrane Modules such as the Pleat-Type Module

Conclusions Concerning the Pleated Membrane Module (II.5.)

§ 6. Rotary and Reciprocated Modules

A. Rotary-Type Modules

B. Reciprocated Modules

Conclusions Concerning the Rotary and Reciprocated Modules (II.6.)

General Conclusions Concerning Part II (Reverse Osmosis Devices)

Part III : Reverse Osmosis Process and Plant Design

Reverse Osmosis Process and Plant Design

§ 1. Pretreatment

A. Removing Fouling Substances

B. Rendering Fouling Substances Harmless

C. Prevention of Biological Fouling

D. Prevention of Chemical Attack on the Membrane

E. Prevention of Membrane Compacting

F. Coating the Membrane with a Protective Layer

§ 2. Plant Design; Flow Sheets

A. Establishing Flow at the Permeate Side of the Membrane

B. Concentrate Recycling

C. Permeate Recycling

D. Multiple Reverse Osmosis Units

E. Pressure Control

F. Permeate Quality Control

G. Combination of Reverse Osmosis and Electrodialysis

§ 3. Energy Considerations

A. Energy Recovery in Reverse Osmosis Plants

B. Use of Low Cost or Special Energy

General Conclusions Concerning Part III

Part IV : Reverse Osmosis Applications

Reverse Osmosis Applications

§ 1. Production of Potable and Industrial Water

A. Desalination of Sea Water, Brackish Water and Ground Water by Reverse Osmosis

B. Small Reverse Osmosis Units for Household Use

C. Sterilization and Deionization of Water for Medical Purposes

D. Production of "Ultra-Pure" Water; Production of Boiler Feed Water

E. Production of Water for Food Processing

§ 2. Advanced Waste Water Treatment by Reverse Osmosis

A. General Processes for Waste Water Treatment

B. Treatment of Effluents from Metal Processing Operations

C. Treatment of Effluents from the Pulp and Paper Industry

D. Treatment of Effluents from the Textile Industry

E. Treatment of Effluents from the Food Processing Industry

F. Treatment of Effluents from Industries such as Electric Power Generation and Coal Gasification; Zero Liquid Discharge Systems

G. Treatment of Sewage (Municipal and Domestic Waste Water)

H. Treatment of Other Effluents; Removal of Special Contaminants

§ 3. Mass Separations in the Industry

A. General Processes

B. Separations in the Food Industry

C. Recovery of Uranium

D. Other Separations

General Conclusions Concerning Part IV (Applications)

Part V : Accessories and Auxiliary Operations

Accessories and Auxiliary Operations

§ 1. Membrane Cleaning

A. Cleaning with Solid, Movable Bodies (e.g. Foam Balls)

B. Membrane Washing

C. Other Cleaning and/or Contamination Prevention Methods

§ 2. Other Auxiliary Operations; Accessories

A. Loading, Mounting and Replacement of Membrane Modules

B. Membrane Replacement

C. Sterilization of the Membrane Module

D. Methods for Keeping the Permeate Side of Tubular Membrane Clean

E. Replacing or Discharging Feed Liquid after Shut-Down

F. Preventing Mechanical Membrane Damage

G. Membrane Test Apparatus

H. Membrane Module Testing

I. Membrane Module Earthing

J. Heating and Cooling

K. Construction of the Pressure Vessel

General Conclusions Concerning Part V

Final Conclusions

General References

List of Cited Patent Documents

List of Patentees

Index