Patent classifications
B01D61/52
Implantable systems and methods for removing specific impurities from fluids such as blood
Systems and methods utilize semipermeable nanotubes in conjunction with application of controlled electrical potentials across semipermeable nanotube walls allow selective transport of charged impurities (e.g., charged impurities, ions, etc.) from a fluid into these nanotubes. Impurities collected in these nanotubes can then be removed from the fluid, (e.g., blood) as a waste stream. A collection of semipermeable nanotubes each carrying a waste stream can be aggregated and merged into a ureter for excretion thereby providing an artificial kidney system. Sensors that detect/measure various impurities may be included in the system to feed information to a microprocessor to inform on concentrations of impurities, and thereby control electrical potentials applied to the system.
System for rinsing electrodialysis electrodes
A system for rinsing electrodialysis electrodes includes an anode input coupled to an anode of an electrodialysis (ED) system for receiving a first fluid from the anode. The first fluid is for removing ions from the anode. The system also includes an anode output coupled to the anode of the ED system for providing the first fluid to the anode. The system includes a cathode input coupled to a cathode of the ED system for receiving a second fluid from the cathode. The second fluid is for removing ions from the cathode of the ED system. The system also includes a cathode output coupled to the cathode of the ED system for providing the second fluid to the cathode. The system includes an air stripper for receiving the first and/or second fluid, and for removing oxygen and/or a chlorine gas from the first and/or second fluid.
System for rinsing electrodialysis electrodes
A system for rinsing electrodialysis electrodes includes an anode input coupled to an anode of an electrodialysis (ED) system for receiving a first fluid from the anode. The first fluid is for removing ions from the anode. The system also includes an anode output coupled to the anode of the ED system for providing the first fluid to the anode. The system includes a cathode input coupled to a cathode of the ED system for receiving a second fluid from the cathode. The second fluid is for removing ions from the cathode of the ED system. The system also includes a cathode output coupled to the cathode of the ED system for providing the second fluid to the cathode. The system includes an air stripper for receiving the first and/or second fluid, and for removing oxygen and/or a chlorine gas from the first and/or second fluid.
Separation of Biomolecules and/or Demineralization of Solutions Containing Biomolecules and Ions by Electrochemical Ion Exchange
Methods and systems are provided for separation and/or purification of biomolecule(s) from a solution and for demineralization of a solution containing biomolecule(s) and ion(s). The methods and systems described herein include one or more ion exchange membrane(s), (e.g., ion exchange membrane(s) capable of water splitting), in an electrochemical cell, from which bound biomolecule(s) or ion(s) may be recovered from the membrane and separated from other components present in the solution by reversing the polarity of the electrodes. Using methods and systems described herein, biomolecules (e.g., whey proteins and lactose), and ions (e.g., milk salts), are able to be separated and recovered in their native forms with high biological value as premium food grade products. Methods and systems described herein offer a significant advantage over traditional processes used (e.g., in the food and beverage industry), for cost effective and chemical-free processing/extraction of valuable products from complex solutions such as whey.
Separation of Biomolecules and/or Demineralization of Solutions Containing Biomolecules and Ions by Electrochemical Ion Exchange
Methods and systems are provided for separation and/or purification of biomolecule(s) from a solution and for demineralization of a solution containing biomolecule(s) and ion(s). The methods and systems described herein include one or more ion exchange membrane(s), (e.g., ion exchange membrane(s) capable of water splitting), in an electrochemical cell, from which bound biomolecule(s) or ion(s) may be recovered from the membrane and separated from other components present in the solution by reversing the polarity of the electrodes. Using methods and systems described herein, biomolecules (e.g., whey proteins and lactose), and ions (e.g., milk salts), are able to be separated and recovered in their native forms with high biological value as premium food grade products. Methods and systems described herein offer a significant advantage over traditional processes used (e.g., in the food and beverage industry), for cost effective and chemical-free processing/extraction of valuable products from complex solutions such as whey.
ELECTRODIALYSIS PROCESSES USING AN ORGANIC SOLVENT FOR SEPARATING DISSOLVED SPECIES
Provided are water treatment systems and methods of treating water that include separating dissolved salts from a feed stream using an organic solvent brine stream. For example, described are water treatment systems comprising: an electrodialysis device comprising an inlet feed stream, an inlet brine stream, an outlet product stream, and an outlet brine stream; and a precipitation tank comprising an inlet stream and an outlet stream, wherein the inlet stream of the precipitation tank comprises the outlet brine stream of the electrodialysis device, and the inlet brine stream of the electrodialysis device comprises the outlet stream of the precipitation tank, and wherein inlet brine stream and outlet brine stream comprises an organic solvent.
ELECTRODIALYSIS PROCESSES USING AN ORGANIC SOLVENT FOR SEPARATING DISSOLVED SPECIES
Provided are water treatment systems and methods of treating water that include separating dissolved salts from a feed stream using an organic solvent brine stream. For example, described are water treatment systems comprising: an electrodialysis device comprising an inlet feed stream, an inlet brine stream, an outlet product stream, and an outlet brine stream; and a precipitation tank comprising an inlet stream and an outlet stream, wherein the inlet stream of the precipitation tank comprises the outlet brine stream of the electrodialysis device, and the inlet brine stream of the electrodialysis device comprises the outlet stream of the precipitation tank, and wherein inlet brine stream and outlet brine stream comprises an organic solvent.
3D PRINTED SPACERS FOR ION-EXCHANGE DEVICE
The present disclosure is directed to ion-exchange systems and devices that include composite ion-exchange membranes having 3D printed spacers on them. These 3D printed spacers can drastically reduce the total intermembrane spacing within the system/device while maintaining a reliable sealing surface around the exterior border of the membrane. By adding the spacers directly to the membrane using additive manufacturing, the amount of material used can be reduced without adversely impacting the manufacturability of the composite membrane as well as allow for complex spacer geometries that can reduce the restrictions to flow resulting in less pressure drop associated with the flow in the active area of the membranes.
ELECTROCHEMICAL SEPARATION DEVICE WITH SEGMENTED ELECTRODE
Systems and methods for electrochemical separation are provided. An electrochemical separation device may include at least one cell pair wound around an electrode to from a bundle having a racetrack configuration.
ELECTROCHEMICAL SEPARATION DEVICE WITH SEGMENTED ELECTRODE
Systems and methods for electrochemical separation are provided. An electrochemical separation device may include at least one cell pair wound around an electrode to from a bundle having a racetrack configuration.