Forward osmosis system comprising solvent separation by means of membrane distillation

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for separating a product contained as solvent in a solution to be processed, comprising at least one forward osmosis device (816) through which the solution to be processed and a draw solution flow, and a device connected downstream thereof for obtaining the product (56, 62) from the diluted draw solution exiting the forward osmosis device, wherein the forward osmosis device comprises at least one flow channel conducting the solution to be processed and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution, the inner space of a respective flow channel conducting the solution to be processed is delimited at least partially by a semi-permeable membrane wall that is permeable to the solvent of the solution to be processed but not to the substance dissolved therein, and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution is delimited on opposite sides by membrane walls that are associated with two adjoining flow channels conducting the solution to be processed, such that solvent from the solution to be processed passes through the membrane walls into the adjoining flow channels conducting the draw solution.

Claims

1. A system (10) for separating a product (14) contained as a solvent in a solution (12) to be processed, having at least one forward osmosis device (16) flowed through by the solution (12) to be processed and by a draw solution (20) and having a product recovery device (28) connected downstream thereof for recovering the product (14) from diluted draw solution (20) exiting the forward osmosis device (16), wherein the forward osmosis device (16) comprises at least one flow passage (18) conducting the solution (12) to be processed and at least one flow passage (22) conducting the draw solution (20), wherein the inner space (24) of a respective flow passage (18) conducting the solution (12) to be processed is at least partly bounded by a semipermeable membrane wall (26) which is permeable for the solvent of the solution (12) to be processed, but not for the substance dissolved therein, and wherein at least one flow passage (22) conducting the draw solution (20) is bounded on mutually oppositely disposed sides by membrane walls (26) which are associated with two adjacent flow passages (18) conducting the solution (12) to be processed such that solvent from the solution (12) to be processed arrives in the adjacent flow passages (22) conducting the draw solution (20) through the membrane walls (26), wherein the product recovery device (28) has a heated desorber stage (56) which is flowed through by diluted draw solution (20) exiting the forward osmosis device (16) and which comprises at least one gas space (58) as well as at least one flow passage (22) conducting the diluted draw solution (20), wherein a respective gas space (58) is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (38) and wherein at least one flow passage (22) is provided which is formed between such a gas space (58) and a heating unit (32) adjacent thereto and which conducts the diluted draw solution (20) such that gas mixture (60) expelled from the diluted draw solution (20) arrives in the gas space (58) through the membrane wall (38) and/or wherein the product (14) can be led off in the form of draw solution (120) exiting the heated desorber stage (56) and purified of the gas mixture (60); wherein the gas mixture (60) arising in the heated desorber stage (56) is supplied to a combined absorber/solution cooler stage (62) for generating regenerated draw solution (20), and/or wherein the regenerated draw solution (20) obtained through this absorber/solution cooler stage (62) is again supplied to the forward osmosis device (16); wherein the draw solution (20) is a solution which can be both separated and regenerated via the vapor pressure; wherein the absorber/solution cooler stage (62) comprises at least one gas space (58) and contains gas mixture (60) from the heated desorber stage (56) as well as at least one flow passage (22) conducting the purified or diluted draw solution (120 or 20), wherein a respective gas space (58) is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (38) and wherein at least one flow passage (22) is provided which is formed between such a gas space (58) and a cooling unit (52) adjacent thereto and which conducts the draw solution (20) such that the gas mixture flows from the gas space (58) through the membrane wall (38) into the flow passage (22) conducting the purified or diluted draw solution (120 or 20) and is dissolved in the purified or diluted draw solution (120 or 20) cooled by the cooling unit (52); and wherein a device (66) for drying and cooling gas (68) by means of a hygroscopic solution (70) is provided for supplying the absorber/solution cooler stage (62) or its cooling units (52) with cooling fluid (64).

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the draw solution (20) flows through the forward osmosis device (16) in counter-flow to the solution (12) to be processed.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the forward osmosis device (16) comprises a plurality of flow passages (18) in parallel with one another and conducting the solution (12) to be processed as well as a plurality of flow passages (22) in parallel with one another and conducting the draw solution (20).

4. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the flow passages (22) conducting the draw solution (20) are each bounded on mutually oppositely disposed sides by membrane walls (26) which are associated with two adjacent flow passages (18) conducting the solution (12) to be processed.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the heating unit (32) comprises a heating fluid space (36) at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall (34).

6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein some of the purified draw solution (120) exiting the heated desorber stage (56) or some of the diluted draw solution (20) exiting the forward osmosis device (16) is moreover supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage (62), and/or wherein in the latter case only such a part quantity of the diluted draw solution (20) exiting the forward osmosis device (16) is supplied to the heated desorber stage (56) by which the mass of the concentrated draw solution (20) increased on flowing through the forward osmosis device (16) while the remaining part quantity of diluted draw solution (20) is supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage (62).

7. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gas drying/cooling device (66) has a gas cooler/absorber stage (72) which comprises at least one gas flow passage (74) as well as at least one flow passage (76) conducting the hygroscopic solution (70), wherein the inner space or gas space (78) of a respective gas flow passage (74) is bounded at least partly by a vapor-permeable, liquid tight membrane wall (38) and at least one flow passage (76) is provided which is formed between such a gas flow passage (74) and a further such gas flow passage (74) adjacent thereto or an adjacent cooling unit and which conducts the hygroscopic solution (70) such that moisture is transferred into the hygroscopic solution (70) from the gas (68) via the membrane wall (38) and is absorbed therein.

8. The system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) comprises a plurality of gas flow passages (74) in parallel with one another as well as a plurality of flow passages (76) in parallel with one another and conducting the hygroscopic solution (70).

9. The system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the flow passages (76) of the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) conducting the hygroscopic solution (70) are respectively formed between two mutually adjacent gas flow passages (74).

10. The system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the flow passages (76) of the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) conducting the hygroscopic solution (70) are respectively formed between a gas flow passage (74) and an adjacent cooling unit.

11. The system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the hygroscopic solution (70) exiting the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) is supplied to a regeneration stage (80) in which it is regenerated, and/or wherein the regenerated hygroscopic solution (70) is again supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage (72), and/or wherein the regenerated hygroscopic solution (70) is again supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) via a cooler (82).

12. The system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the regeneration stage (80) comprises at least one gas flow passage (74), as well as at least one flow passage (76) which conducts the hygroscopic solution (70), wherein the inner space or gas space (78) of a respective gas flow passage (74) is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (38) and wherein at least one flow passage (76) is provided which is formed between such a gas flow passage (74) and a further such gas flow passage (74) adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution (70) such that moisture is transferred from the hygroscopic solution (70) via the membrane wall (38) into the gas conducted in the gas flow passage (74) and the hygroscopic solution (70) is concentrated.

13. The system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the regeneration stage (80) comprises a plurality of gas flow passages (78) in parallel with one another as well as a plurality of flow passages (76) in parallel with one another and conducting the hygroscopic solution (70), and/or wherein the flow passages (76) of the regeneration stage (80) conducting the hygroscopic solution (70) are each formed between two mutually adjacent gas flow passages (74).

14. The system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the regeneration stage (80) provided for regenerating the hygroscopic solution (70) has a heating stage (30) which is flowed through by the hygroscopic solution (70) exiting the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) and which comprises at least one heating unit (32) and at least one evaporator unit (V), wherein a respective heating unit (32) comprises a heating fluid space (36) at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall (34) and a respective evaporator unit (V) comprises a vapor space (40) at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (38), and wherein at least one flow passage (76), which is formed between a heating unit (32) and an evaporator unit (V) adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution (70), is provided in the heating stage (30) such that the hygroscopic solution (70) is heated via the fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall (34) and the vapor arising from the hygroscopic solution (70) arrives in the vapor space (40) through the membrane wall (38).

15. The system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the regeneration stage (80) has at least one condensation/evaporation stage (42) which is flowed through by the hygroscopic solution (70) exiting the heating stage (30), which is supplied with vapor (92) arising in the heating stage (30) and which comprises at least one condensation unit (K) and at least one evaporator unit (V), wherein a respective condensation unit (K) comprises a first vapor space (46) at least partly bounded by a condensation wall (44) and a respective evaporator unit (V) comprises a second vapor space (48) at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (38), and wherein at least one flow passage (77), which is formed between such a condensation unit (K) and such an evaporator unit (V) adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution (70), is provided in a respective condensation/evaporation stage (42) such that the hygroscopic solution (70) is heated via the condensation wall (44) and the vapor arising from the hygroscopic solution (70) arrives in the second vapor space (48) through the membrane wall (38), and/or with the hygroscopic solution (70) exiting the last condensation/evaporation stage (42) again being supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage (72).

16. The system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the regeneration stage (80) comprises a condensation stage (50) having at least one cooling unit (52) and at least one condensation unit (K), wherein a respective cooling unit (52) comprises a cooling fluid space (54) and a respective condensation unit (K) comprises a vapor space (46) at least partly bounded by a condensation wall (44) and wherein at least one cooling unit (52) is directly adjacent to at least one condensation unit (K) in the condensation stage (50) such that the condensation wall (44) of the respective condensation unit (K) is cooled via the cooling unit (52), and/or wherein the cooling fluid space (54) is at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall (34) and/or wherein vapor arising in a preceding condensation/evaporator stage (42) is supplied to the condensation stage (50).

17. The system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the system is configured as a modular flow system having a plurality of frame elements and the different functional units of the respective flow passage (18) conducting the solution (12) to be processed, the respective heating unit (32), the respective cooling unit (52), the respective gas space (58) and/or the respective gas flow passage (74) are provided in the form of such a frame element, and/or wherein the frame elements are provided with web structures (84), and/or wherein the frame elements can be connected to one another via the web structures for forming the forward osmosis device (16), a respective heating stage (30), a respective condensation/evaporation stage (42), a respective condensation stage (50), the heated desorber stage (56), the combined absorber/solution cooler stage (62), the gas cooler/absorber stage (72) and/or the regeneration stage (80) provided for regenerating the hygroscopic solution (70), and each comprise an inner region (88) which is surrounded by an outer frame (86) and which is provided with a spacer (90) having two sides, and/or wherein a respective corresponding functional surface is applied to the two sides, and/or wherein the functional surface is applied in the form of a film or membrane, for forming a respective inner space (24), a respective heating fluid space (36), a respective vapor space (40, 46, 48), a respective cooling fluid space (54), a respective gas space (58) or a respective inner space or gas space (78).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be explained in more detail in the following with reference to embodiments and to the drawing; there are shown in this:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system for separating a product contained as a solvent, e.g. water, in a solution to be processed such as seawater;

(3) FIG. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system for separating a product contained as a solvent, e.g. water, in a solution to be processed such as seawater having a heated desorber stage, a combined absorber/solution cooler stage and a gas drying/cooling device having a gas cooler/absorber stage flowed through by a hygroscopic solution and having a regeneration stage serving for regenerating the hygroscopic solution;

(4) FIG. 3 an exemplary embodiment of the system comparable with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 in which, however, only the product flow is liberated from the gas mixture in the heated desorber stage;

(5) FIG. 4 an exemplary embodiment of the system comparable with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 with an alternative regeneration stage serving for the regeneration of the hygroscopic solution;

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a forward osmosis device in the form of a parallel flow/counter flow exchanger with e.g. two forward osmosis units connected after one another;

(7) FIG. 6 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a forward osmosis device in the form of a counter-flow exchanger with e.g. two forward osmosis units connected after one another;

(8) FIG. 7 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a frame element; and

(9) FIG. 8 a schematic, exploded representation of an exemplary realization of the forward osmosis device in accordance with FIG. 6 provided in the form of a counter-flow exchanger e.g. using frame elements of the kind shown in FIG. 7 and using e.g. end-side plate elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) FIG. 1 shows in a schematic representation an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for separating a product 14 contained as a solvent in a solution 12 to be processed. In this respect, the solution 12 to be processed can, for example, be seawater and the product 14 can, for example, be water.

(11) The system 10 comprises at least one forward osmosis device 16 flowed through by the solution 12 to be processed and by a draw solution 20 as well as a device 28 connected downstream thereof for recovering the product 14 from diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16.

(12) The forward osmosis device 16 comprises at least one flow passage 18 conducting the solution 12 to be processed and at least one flow passage 22 conducting the draw solution 20.

(13) In this respect, the inner space 24 of a respective flow passage 18 conducting the solution 12 to be processed is at least partly bounded by a semipermeable membrane wall 26 permeable for the solvent of the solution 12 to be processed, but not for the substance, e.g. seawater, dissolved therein. In addition, at least one flow passage 22 conducting the draw solution 20 is bounded on mutually oppositely disposed sides by membrane walls 26 which are associated with two adjacent flow passages 18 conducting the solution 12 to be processed such that solvent from the solution 12 to be processed arrives in the adjacent flow passages 22 conducting the draw solution 20 through the membrane walls 26. The concentrated solution 12 to be processed, e.g. concentrated seawater, exiting the forward osmosis device 16 can be led off.

(14) The draw solution 20 can flow through the forward osmosis device 16 in counter-flow or also in parallel flow to the solution 12 to be processed.

(15) As can be recognized with reference to FIG. 1, the forward osmosis device 16 can comprise a plurality of flow passages 18 in parallel with one another and conducting the solution to be processed as well as a plurality of flow passages 22 in parallel with one another and conducting the draw solution 20.

(16) In this respect, the flow passages 22 conducting the draw solution 20 can each be bounded on mutually oppositely disposed sides by membrane walls 26 which are associated with two adjacent flow passages 18 conducting the solution 12 to be processed.

(17) As can again likewise be recognized with reference to FIG. 1, the product recovery device 28 can have a heating stage 30 flowed through by the diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16. Such a heating stage 30 comprises a heating unit 32 and at least one evaporator unit V. In this respect, a respective heating unit 32 comprises a heating fluid space 36 at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34 and a respective evaporator unit V comprises a vapor space 40 at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38. At least one flow passage 22, which is formed between a heating unit 32 and an evaporator unit V adjacent thereto and which conducts the draw solution 20, is provided in the heating stage 30 such that the draw solution 20 is heated via the fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34 and the vapor arising from the draw solution 20 arrives in the vapor space 40 through the membrane wall 38.

(18) The product recovery device 28 can additionally have at least one condensation/evaporation stage 42 flowed through by the draw solution 20 exiting the heating stage 30 and supplied with vapor 92 arising in the heating stage 30. Such a condensation/evaporation stage 42 comprises at least one condensation unit K and at least one evaporator unit V. A respective condensation unit K comprises a first vapor space 46 at least partly bounded by a condensation wall 44, while a respective evaporator unit V comprises a second vapor space 48 at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(19) In this respect, at least one flow passage 22, which is formed between such a condensation unit K and such an evaporator unit V adjacent thereto and which conducts the draw solution 20, is provided in a respective condensation/evaporation stage 42 such that the draw solution 20 is heated via the condensation wall 44 and the vapor arising from the draw solution 20 arrives in the second vapor space 48 through the membrane wall 38. The draw solution 20 exiting the last condensation/evaporation stage 42 can again be supplied to the forward osmosis device 16.

(20) As can likewise be seen from FIG. 1, the product recovery device 28 can additionally comprise a condensation stage 50 having at least one cooling unit 52 and at least one condensation unit K. A respective cooling unit 52 comprises a cooling fluid space 54 preferably at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34 while a respective condensation unit K comprises a vapor space 46 at least partly bounded by a condensation wall 44.

(21) At least one cooling unit 52 is directly adjacent to at least one condensation unit K in the condensation stage 50 such that that the condensation wall 44 of the respective condensation unit K is cooled via the cooling unit 52.

(22) Vapor arising in a preceding condensation/evaporation stage 42 can be supplied to the condensation stage 50. The product 14 is then in particular led off from the condensation stage 50 in the form of the distillate arising in the condensation stage 50.

(23) The product recovery device 28 comprising the heat stage 30, the at least one condensation/evaporation stage 42 and preferably also the condensation stage 50 and marked by a dashed line is preferably in a vacuum; the cooling fluid and the heating fluid are preferably at environmental pressure and the draw solution 20 is preferably in a vacuum. The draw solution 20 can in particular be at the boiling temperature corresponding to the absolute pressure in the vapor space of a respective adjacent evaporator unit over all stages in the condensation/evaporation stages 42 and in the heating stage 50, as is described in WO 2007/054311.

(24) A respective heating unit 32 can be flowed through by a heating fluid which is, for example, heated by solar power.

(25) The condensation stage 50 can be cooled by a cooling fluid 94, for example cooling water.

(26) A forward osmosis device can therefore, for example, be combined with a product recovery device comprising e.g. a heating stage, at least one condensation/evaporation stage and a condensation stage. The forward osmosis device can be built up of frame elements and, optionally, end-side plate elements, which are provided with membranes suitable for forward osmosis. Passages for the solution to be processed and for the draw solution are formed on the setting up of the frame stacks or plate stacks. The solution to be processed and the draw solution can flow in counter-flow or also in parallel flow.

(27) The forward osmosis device can be immersed into the solution to be processed, e.g. seawater, or it can be flowed through externally by the solution to be processed. If the forward osmosis device is immersed into the solution to be processed, provision must expediently be made that it flows along the membranes to avoid a concentration polarization.

(28) The draw solution diluted by the product, here water, for example, can be supplied to a concentration device comprising a heating stage, at least one condensation/evaporation stage and a condensation stage.

(29) The previously described concentration process can in particular also be replaced with other processes such as in particular reverse osmosis, an MSF process, an MED process or an MFC process on the desalination of seawater.

(30) In addition to saline solutions, solutions with organic compounds such as sugar can also be used. If these organic compounds are long-chain compounds and if they do not have any vapor pressure, it is desirable that they are so large that the product, e.g. water on a seawater desalination, can be separated via a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane. In this case, the water is the permeate. The unit for recovering the product and for concentrating the draw solution can in particular be made up of frame elements provided with web structures.

(31) Solutions can in particular also be used as draw solutions which can be both separated and regenerated via the vapor pressure, with e.g. ammonium hydrogen carbonate dissolved in water e.g. being named. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate can be dissolved in water such that a corresponding draw solution is obtained. If this solution is heated, gaseous NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2 is released. Pure water remains.

(32) FIG. 2 shows in an exemplary embodiment a system 10 for separating a product 14 contained as a solvent, e.g. water, in a solution 12 to be processed such as seawater having a heated desorber stage 56, a combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62 and a gas drying/cooling device 66 having a regeneration stage 80 flowed through by a hygroscopic solution 70 and serving for regenerating the hygroscopic solution 70.

(33) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the product recovery device 28 can e.g. have a heated desorber stage 56 which is flowed through by the diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16 and which comprises at least one gas space 58 as well as at least one flow passage 22 conducting the diluted draw solution 20.

(34) In this respect, a respective gas space 58 is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38. At least one flow passage 22 is provided which is formed between such a gas space 58 and a heating unit 32 adjacent thereto and which conducts the diluted draw solution 20 such that the gas mixture 60 expelled from the diluted draw solution 20 arrives in the gas space 58 through the membrane wall 38 and the product 14 can preferably be led off in the form of draw solution 120 which exits the heated desorber stage 56, which is purified from the gas mixture 60 and which can be pure water in the case of seawater desalination, for example.

(35) In this respect, a respective heating unit 32 can comprise a heating fluid space 36 at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34.

(36) Some of the draw solution 120 exiting the heated desorber stage 56, purified of the gas mixture 60 and in particular present in the form of pure water and the gas mixture 60 separated in the heated desorber stage 56 can be supplied to a combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62 for generating regenerated draw solution 20. The regenerated draw solution 20 obtained through this absorber/solution cooler stage 62 can again be supplied to the forward osmosis device 16.

(37) The absorber/solution cooler stage 62 can comprise at least one gas space 58 preferably acted on by vacuum and containing gas mixture 60 from the heated desorber stage 56 and can also comprise at least one flow passage 22 conducting the draw solution 120 purified of the gas mixture 60. In this respect, a respective gas space 58 is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(38) In addition, at least one flow passage 22 is provided which is formed between such a gas space 58 and a cooling unit 52 adjacent thereto and which conducts the purified draw solution 20 such that the gas mixture flows from the gas space 58 through the membrane wall 38 into the flow passage 22 conducting the purified draw solution 120 and is dissolved in the purified draw solution 120 cooled by the cooling unit 52.

(39) As can additionally be seen from FIG. 2, a device 66 for drying and cooling gas 68, for example air, in particular inflow air, by means of a hygroscopic solution 70 can be provided for supplying the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 or its cooling units 52 with cooling fluid 64, e.g. cold air.

(40) The gas drying/cooling device 66 can in particular have a gas cooler/absorption stage 72 having at least one gas flow passage 74 as well as at least one flow passage 76 conducting the hygroscopic solution 70. In this respect, the inner space or gas space 78 of a respective gas flow passage 74 is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(41) At least one flow passage 76 is provided which is formed between such a gas flow passage 74 and a further such gas flow passage 74 adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution 70 such that moisture, in particular water vapor, is transferred from the gas 68 via the membrane wall 38 into the hygroscopic solution 70 and is absorbed therein.

(42) The gas cooler/absorber device 72 can in particular comprise a plurality of gas flow passages 74 in parallel with one another as well as a plurality of flow passages 76 in parallel with one another and conducting the hygroscopic solution 70.

(43) In this respect, the flow passages 76 of the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 conducting the hygroscopic solution 70 can in particular respectively be formed between two mutually adjacent gas flow passages 74.

(44) As can additionally be seen from FIG. 2, the hygroscopic solution 70 exiting the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 can be supplied to a regeneration stage 80 in which it is regenerated. The regenerated hygroscopic solution 70 can in particular again be supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 via a cooler 82.

(45) The regeneration stage 80 can comprise at least one gas flow passage 74 in particular flowed through by environmental air and can also comprise at least one flow passage 76 conducting the hygroscopic solution 70.

(46) In this respect, the inner space or gas space 78 of a respective gas flow passage 74 is at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(47) At least one flow passage 76 is provided which is formed between such a gas flow passage 74 and a further such gas flow passage 75 adjacent thereto sand which conducts the hygroscopic solution 70 such that moisture, in particular water vapor, is transferred from the hygroscopic solution 70 via the membrane wall 38 into the gas, in particular environmental air, conducted into the gas flow passage 74 and the hygroscopic solution 70 is concentrated.

(48) The regeneration stage 80 can in particular comprise a plurality of gas flow passages 78 in parallel with one another as well as a plurality of flow passages in parallel with one another and conducting the hygroscopic solution 70. In this respect, the flow passages 76 of the regeneration stage 80 conducting the hygroscopic solution 70 can in particular respectively be formed between two mutually adjacent gas flow passages 74.

(49) The hygroscopic solution 70 exiting the regeneration stage 80 can be conducted back to the gas cooler/absorption stage 72 via a cooler 82. The gas, e.g. environmental air, can be supplied to the regeneration stage 80 via a gas heater 96, optionally an air heater. The gas exiting the regeneration stage 80 can therefore in particular be led off as exhaust air.

(50) The gas 68 supplied to the gas cooling/absorber stage 72 can in particular be inflow air. The gas, e.g. dried air, exiting the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 can be supplied to the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 via a cooler 98. The absorber/solution cooler stage 62 is therefore supplied with cool gas or cool air. The gas again exiting the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 can be led off as exhaust gas or exhaust air 122.

(51) The respective portion of the purified draw solution 120 or pure water exiting the heated desorber stage 56 can be supplied to the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 via a cooler 100, with seawater optionally being able to be used for cooling.

(52) The forward osmosis device 16 can in particular again at least essentially be designed like the forward osmosis device 16 described with reference to FIG. 1.

(53) The forward osmosis process can in particular be carried out using sodium hydrogen carbonate with this system described with reference to FIG. 2. Seawater and the draw solution can thus e.g. be conducted in counter-flow in the forward osmosis device 16, for example. Water e.g. flows through the semipermeable membrane walls at the osmotic pressure of the draw solution into the draw solution such that the latter is diluted. The diluted draw solution 20 flows in the desorber stage 52 heated e.g. by solar energy. Said desorber stage contains passages for the diluted draw solution 20 and for the heating fluid as well as for the expelled gases, here NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2, for example, with water vapor being contained in this gas mixture in accordance with its vapor pressure.

(54) The distillate purified, for example, of the gases NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2 and recovered in the desorber 56 is expelled from the circuit.

(55) Due to its pressure gradient, the gas mixture 60 flows to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62. It comprises passages for air, for example, which may in particular be bounded by films; passages for the gas mixture which may be bounded by a water-tight, vapor-permeable membrane; as well as passages for the purified draw solution 120 which may be delineated from the adjacent passage on one side respectively by a membrane and on the other side respectively by a film. Gas mixture 60 and draw solution 120 purified of the gas mixture 60, for example pure water, flow from the heated desorber stage 56 toward the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 in parallel flow, for example.

(56) The purified draw solution 120 or the water can be precooled on the way to the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 via a cooler or heat exchanger 100.

(57) Cooling fluid 64, here cold air, for example, in particular flows toward the absorber/solution cooler stage in counter-flow to the gas mixture and water. In the system shown in FIG. 2, inflowing air comes, for example, as dried air from the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 and can then be further cooled via an interposed cooler 98, here an air cooler, for example.

(58) NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2, for example, flow from the passage for the gas mixture 60 through the microporous, water-tight membranes of the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 and are dissolved in the water which is cooled here, for example, by the airflow. The volume reduction of the gas mixture by absorption of NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2 ensures that gas mixture always flows on from the heated desorber stage 56. The water vapor remaining in the passage can be supplied via a vacuum system 124 to a condenser and can be condensed there. This vacuum system also results in a flowing of the gas mixture from the heated desorber stage 56 to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62. A new draw solution 20 exits the latter and can again be supplied to the forward osmosis device 16.

(59) The air supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage comes from the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 to which the regeneration stage 80 serving for regenerating the hygroscopic solution 70 can be connected in parallel. Gas 68, here air for example, can be dried in this circuit by the hygroscopic liquid 70 in the gas cooler/absorber stage 72. The hygroscopic solution 70 diluted by the taking up of the water vapor can be supplied to the regeneration stage 80 in particular acting as a desorber for concentration. After the desorption of the previously taken up water vapor, the hygroscopic liquid 70 can, for example, be cooled in the cooler 82 before it is again supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 for drying the gas 68 or air.

(60) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the total diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16 can, for example, be supplied to the heated desorber stage 56. In this case, some of the draw solution 120 exiting the desorber stage 56 purified of the gas mixture 60, in particular pure water, can be supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62 for regenerating regenerated draw solution 20. The diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16 and supplied to the heated desorber stage 56 therefore exits the heated desorber stage 56 as draw solution 120 purified of the gas mixture 60, in particular as pure water. Some of this draw solution 120 purified of the gas mixture 60 or some of this pure water serves as a basis for the draw solution 20 to be formed again in the absorber/solution cooler stage 62.

(61) FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the system 10 comparable with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 in which, however, only the product flow is liberated from the gas mixture 60 in the heated desorber stage 56. In this case, some of the diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16 is supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62 for new formation of the draw solution 20. In this respect, in particular only such a part quantity of the diluted draw solution 20 exiting the forward osmosis device 16 is supplied to the heated desorber stage 56 by which the mass of the concentrated draw solution 20 increased on flowing through the forward osmosis device 16. The gas mixture 60, here NH.sub.3 and CO.sub.2, is now separated from this additional volume flow in the heated desorber stage 56 to form the product 14. The remaining part quantity of diluted draw solution 20 from the forward osmosis device 16 is supplied to the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62. The separated gas mixture 60 or NH.sub.3, CO.sub.2, is then supplied to this remaining part quantity of diluted draw solution 20 in the absorber/solution cooler stage 62.

(62) In another respect, this embodiment of the system 10 described with reference to FIG. 3 can in particular again at least substantially have the same design as the system described with reference to FIG. 2. Mutually corresponding parts have the same reference numerals associated with them.

(63) FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the system 10 comparable with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 having an alternative regeneration stage 80 serving for regenerating the hygroscopic solution.

(64) As can be seen from this FIG. 4, the regeneration stage 80 provided for regenerating the hygroscopic solution 70 can alternatively have a heating stage 30 which is flowed through by the hygroscopic solution 70 exiting the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 and which comprises at least one heating unit 32 and at least one evaporator unit V, wherein a respective heating unit 32 comprises a heating fluid space 36 at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34 and a respective evaporator unit V comprises a vapor space 40 at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(65) At least one flow passage 76, which is formed between a heating unit 32 and an evaporator unit V adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution 70, is provided in the heating stage 30 such that the hygroscopic solution 70 is heated via the fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 34 and the vapor arising from the hygroscopic solution 70 arrives in the vapor space 40 through the membrane wall 38.

(66) The regeneration stage 80 can also have at least one condensation/evaporation stage 42 which is flowed through by the hygroscopic solution 70 exiting the heating stage 30 and supplied with vapor 92 arising in the heating stage 30 and which comprises at least one condensation unit K and at least one evaporator unit V.

(67) A respective condensation unit K comprises a first vapor space 46 at least partly bounded by a condensation wall 44, while a respective evaporator unit V comprises a second vapor space 48 at least partly bounded by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 38.

(68) At least one flow passage 76, which is formed between such a condensation unit K and such an evaporator unit V adjacent thereto and which conducts the hygroscopic solution 70, is provided in a respective condensation/evaporation stage 42 such that the hygroscopic solution 70 is heated via the condensation wall 44 and the vapor arising from the hygroscopic solution 70 arrives in the second vapor space 48 through the membrane wall 38.

(69) The hygroscopic solution 70 exiting the last condensation/evaporation stage 42 can in particular again be supplied to the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 via a cooler.

(70) As can additionally be seen from FIG. 4, the regeneration stage 80 can moreover comprise a condensation stage 50 having at least one cooling unit 52 and at least one condensation unit, wherein a respective cooling unit 52 comprises a cooling fluid space 54 preferably at least partly bounded by a fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall and a respective condensation unit K comprises a vapor space 46 at least partly bounded by a condensation wall 44.

(71) At least one cooling unit 52 is directly adjacent to at least one condensation unit K in the condensation stage 50 such that that the condensation wall 44 of the respective condensation unit K is cooled via the cooling unit 52.

(72) Vapor 92 arising in a preceding condensation/evaporation stage 42 can be supplied to the condensation stage 50.

(73) The regeneration stage 80 marked by a dashed line in FIG. 4 and comprising a heating stage 30, at least one condensation/evaporation stage 42 and preferably a condensation stage 50 is preferably in a vacuum; the cooling fluid and the heating fluid are preferably at environmental pressure and the hygroscopic solution 70 is preferably in a vacuum. In the condensation/evaporation stage(s) 42 and in the heating stage 30, the hygroscopic solution 70 can in particular be at the boiling temperature corresponding to the absolute pressure in the vapor space of a respective adjacent evaporator unit V over all stages, as is described in WO 2007/054311.

(74) The heating stage 30 can in particular be flowed through by a heating fluid heated by solar power, for example.

(75) The gas spaces 58 of the absorber/solution cooler stage 62 and the vapor space 46 of the condensation stage 50 can be connected, for example, via a vacuum line 102 to a vacuum system and to a condenser. The condensation stage 50 is cooled via a cooling fluid 94, here water for example. Distillate arising in the vapor space 46 of the condensation stage 50 can be led off via a line 104, for example.

(76) In another respect, this system described with reference to FIG. 4 can in particular again at least substantially be designed as was described with reference to FIG. 2 or 3. Mutually corresponding parts have the same reference numerals associated with them.

(77) In particular a solution can again be used as a draw solution for this system described with reference to FIG. 4 which can be separated and regenerated via vapor pressure differences.

(78) FIG. 5 shows in a schematic representation an exemplary embodiment of a forward osmosis device 16 in the form of a parallel flow/counter-flow exchanger having e.g. two forward osmosis units 16, 16 connected after one another.

(79) As can be recognized with reference to FIG. 5, the solution 12 to be processed, e.g. seawater, and the draw solution or forward osmosis solution 20 are supplied at one side of the two-stage forward osmosis device 16. The solutions flow toward one another in every stage or unit 16, 16.

(80) FIG. 6 shows in a schematic representation an exemplary embodiment of a forward osmosis device 16 in the form of a counter-flow exchanger having e.g. two forward osmosis units 16, 16 connected after one another. The solution 12 to be processed, e.g. seawater, and the draw solution or forward osmosis solution 20 are supplied at different sides of the two-stage forward osmosis device 16. The solutions flow toward one another in every stage or unit 16, 16.

(81) The system 10 in accordance with the invention for separating a product 14 contained as a solvent in a solution 12 to be processed can in particular be configured as a modular flow system having a plurality of frame elements 112 and, optionally, in particular end-side plate elements 114 (see also FIGS. 6 and 7). In this respect, the different functional units such as in particular a respective flow passage 18 conducting the solution 12 to be processed, a respective heating unit 32, a respective evaporator unit V, a respective condensation unit K, a respective cooling unit 52, a respective gas space 58 and/or a respective gas passage 74 can each be provided in the form of such a frame element.

(82) In this respect, the frame elements 112 can, such as can in particular also be recognized with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, be provided with web structures 84 via which they can in particular be connected to one another for forming the forward osmosis device 16, a respective heating stage 30, a respective condensation/evaporation stage 42, a respective condensation stage 50, the heated desorber stage 56, the combined absorber/solution cooler stage 62, the gas cooler/absorber stage 72 and/or the regeneration stage 80 provided for regenerating the hygroscopic solution 70.

(83) The frame elements 112 can, as likewise again visible from FIGS. 7 and 8, each comprise an inner region 88 which is surrounded by an outer frame 86 and which can be provided with an in particular grid-like spacer 90 to whose two sides in particular a respective corresponding functional surface, preferably in the form of a film or membrane, is applied for forming a respective inner space 24, a respective heating fluid space 36, a respective vapor space 40, 46, 48, a respective cooling fluid space 54, a respective gas space 58 or a respective inner space or gas space 78.

(84) In this respect, depending on the function to be satisfied, a respective frame element can be provided on both sides with a respective membrane, on both sides with a respective film or on the one side with a membrane and on the other side with a film.

(85) The web structures 84 via which the individual frame elements 112 can be connected to one another can, for example, be welded web structures or bonded structures via which the frame elements are welded or bonded to one another. In the case of welded web structures, a friction welding process, a laser welding process and/or a heating element welding process can be used, for example, for connecting the frame elements. The system in accordance with the invention can be designed in a particularly simple manner and can be varied in the desired manner using the frame elements in accordance with the invention. The frame elements or the devices, units or stages obtained via them are characterized by a relatively simple form and provide different possibilities of the solution supply, gas supply or air supply, cooling fluid supply and heating fluid supply.

(86) FIG. 7 shows in a schematic representation an exemplary embodiment of a frame element 112 having an inner region 88 which is surrounded by an outer frame 86 and which is provided with a spacer 90 which is grid-like in the present case, for example. As already stated, a respective corresponding functional surface, in particular in the form of a film or membrane, can be applied to the two sides of such a frame element 112.

(87) The frame element 112 is here provided e.g. in the corner regions with leadthroughs 106 which are each delineated by a web section 108 from the inner region 88. A respective further leadthrough 110 is provided in the region of these leadthroughs. As can be recognized with reference to FIG. 6, these leadthroughs 110 are, unlike the leadthroughs 106, not delineated by an additional web section 108.

(88) FIG. 8 shows in a schematic, exploded representation an exemplary realization of the forward osmosis device 16 provided in the form of a counter-flow exchanger in accordance with FIG. 6 using frame elements of the kind shown in FIG. 7. In this respect, mutually corresponding parts have the same reference numerals associated with them.

(89) As can be recognized with reference to FIG. 8, two such frame element 112 are provided between two end-side plate elements 114.

(90) In the present case, the two frame elements 112 are, for example, each provided with membranes (not shown) at both sides. The frame elements 112, and preferably also the plate elements 114, are connected to one another via web structures 84.

(91) As can be recognized with respect to FIG. 8, the plate elements 114 are also provided with leadthroughs 116, 118. In this respect, the leadthroughs 116 of the plate elements 114 can be aligned in the assembled state with the leadthroughs 106 of the frame elements 112 and the leadthroughs 118 of the plate elements 114 can be aligned with the leadthroughs 110 of the frame elements 112. The course of the solution 12 to be processed as well as of the draw solution 20 through the assembled forward osmosis device is shown schematically by corresponding lines.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

(92) 10 system 12 solution to be processed 12 concentrated solution to be processed 14 product 16 forward osmosis device 16 forward osmosis unit 16 forward osmosis unit 18 flow passage conducting solution to be processed 20 draw solution 20 diluted draw solution 22 flow passage conducting draw solution 24 inner space 26 semipermeable forward osmosis membrane wall 28 product recovery device 30 heating stage 32 heating unit 34 fluid-tight, heat-conducting wall 36 heating fluid space 38 vapor permeable or gas-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall 40 vapor space 42 condensation/evaporation stage 44 condensation wall 46 first vapor space 48 second vapor space 50 condensation stage 52 cooling unit 54 cooling fluid space 56 heated desorber stage 58 gas space 60 gas mixture 62 combined absorber/solution cooler stage 64 cooling fluid 66 gas drying device/cooling device 68 gas 70 hygroscopic solution 72 gas cooler/absorber stage 74 gas flow passage 76 flow passage conducting hygroscopic solution 78 inner space or gas space 80 regeneration stage 82 cooler 84 web structure 86 outer frame 88 inner region 90 spacer 92 vapor 94 cooling fluid 96 gas heater 98 cooler 100 cooler 102 vacuum line 104 line 106 leadthrough 108 web section 110 leadthrough 112 frame element 114 plate element 116 leadthrough 118 leadthrough 120 purified draw solution 122 exhaust gas, exhaust air 124 vacuum system K condensation unit V evaporator unit