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Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis

Technology Benefits
Costreduction of 66% compared to ROUpto 90% water recovery [for .5-4.0 molal NaCl solution]Separationof draw solution from product water using low-grade heatDrawsolution easily reusable
Technology Application
DesalinationTreatingproduced water from oil and gas drillingExtractionof dissolved commercial products like rare earths or radioisotopesSolutionminingCarbondioxide (CO2) captureAcidgas scrubbingBlowdownwater recovery
Detailed Technology Description
Researchers at INL  have developed methods and systems forimplementing FO using a switchable-polarity solvent draw solution that can beeasily extracted from the treated water stream. The BEA draw solution absorbsCO2, converting to a hydrophilic solute to use for FO. Applying low-gradeheat removes the CO2 and produces a hydrophobic molecule, allowingfor low-cost separation. This process is repeatable, allowing for low-costreuse. The process costs less than reverse osmosis or distillation, andrecovers fresh water from salt water, industrial waste water, and virtually anyother feed solution.The technology has broadapplication for the treatment of process wastewater both for chemical and waterrecovery.
Others

LICENSINGOPPORTUNITY:
IdahoNational Laboratory (INL) and its M&O Contractor Battelle Energy Alliance,LLC (BEA) are currently looking for commercialization partner(s) interested inentering into a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing thetechnology described below.  

INTELLECTUALPROPERTY STATUS:
This invention has associated intellectual property:

  • US Patent ApplicationNo. 13/480,053, BEA Docket No. BA-583: “Methods and Systems forTreating Liquids Using Switchable Solvents,” filed 24 May 2012
  • US Patent No. 9,399,194, BEADocket No. BA-808: “Methods for Treating a Liquid Using draw Solutions,” issued26 July 2016
  • US PatentApplication No. 15/177,528, BEA Docket No. BA-870: “Methods and Systems forTreating a Switchable Polarity Material, and Related Methods of LiquidTreatment,” filed 9 June 2016
DEVELOPMENTSTATUS:

This technology has been tested and validated invarious applications at an integrated bench scale. Additional development willbe required to demonstrate a pilot scale process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Factsheet

Summary

Summary video

Publications:
*Abstract

TECHNOLOGYMARKETING SUMMARY:
Water shortages are projected to be significant problems for 2/3 of the world’spopulation. Most of the fresh water in developed nations is used for irrigationand industrial applications [1]. This water istypically not returned to the supply directly, and is often not fit for reuse,leading to large amounts of water waste. Converting, conserving, and capturingwater from such sources for consumption and industrial use remains a globalchallenge.

Many separations methodsexist, including distillation and osmosis. Distillation is very energyintensive and often time consuming. Reverse Osmosis (RO) utilizes variousmembrane compositions to purify water and to concentrate solvents or solutes inprocesses. Current methods apply a pressure sufficient to overcome osmoticpressure, typically on the order of 10s of atmospheres, to drive water acrossthe membranes and leave solutes or solvents on the other side. This highpressure increases the expense of operation. Alternatively, forward osmosis(FO) can be achieved by utilizing a draw solution to create the osmoticpressure necessary to draw water across the membrane. Historically, FO systemshave had limited utility because draw solutes are difficult to separate fromthe treated water in a process known as regeneration.  
Country/Region
USA

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