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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:


Country/Region

USA

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