Method and Apparatus for Advanced Vacuum Membrane Distillation

Abstract

Embodiments provide methods and strictures for purification or volume reduction of a brine by an advanced vacuum distillation process (AVMD) to achieve higher flux by passage of vapors through an AVMD distillation unit. In one example, brine is circulated in a tank. The tank may include one or more membrane pouches that are submerged in the circulating brine or placed above the water level of the hot circulating brine. In other embodiments the membrane pouches are outside of the tank that includes the hot circulating brine but still in communication with it. The circulating brine is heated, allowing creation of water vapor. Using a vacuum, the water vapor is drawn through the membrane, where it may be condensed and subjected to further beneficial use. This process can concentrate to levels to generate crystals or solids, which can be separated and utilized.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A membrane distillation pouch for recovery of water from brine, comprising:
 a first hydrophobic membrane and a second hydrophobic membrane, wherein the first membrane and the second membrane are sealed to each other to form an enclosure having an inside and an outside;   wherein the first membrane and the second membrane each have a membrane surface, and wherein each membrane surface is on the outside of the pouch;   a polymer netting within the pouch and between the first membrane and the second membrane; and   a first hole in the first membrane and a second hole in the second membrane, each of said holes placing the inside of the pouch in communication with the outside of the pouch; and   a vapor collector, said vapor collector attached to each of the first hole and the second hole, and said vapor collector including at least one opening permitting the inside of the pouch to remain in communication with the outside of the pouch.   
     
     
         15 . The pouch of  claim 14 , wherein the first membrane and the second membrane are selected from the group consisting of PVDF, PEEK, and PTFE. 
     
     
         16 . The pouch of  claim 14 , wherein the vapor collector is made up of polymeric material. 
     
     
         17 . A membrane cartridge, comprising a plurality of pouches of  claim 14 , wherein each of said pouches is connected by a header in communication with the vapor collector of each of said pouches. 
     
     
         18 . The membrane cartridge of  claim 17 , further comprising a plurality of spacers between each pouch. 
     
     
         19 . A membrane distillation apparatus, comprising:
 at least one tank comprising an inlet port and an outlet port;   at least one membrane cartridge of  claim 17  in operative communication with the inlet port and the outlet port.   
     
     
         20 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . The pouch of  claim 14 , wherein the first membrane and the second membrane maintain a gap of 4 to 10 mm. 
     
     
         39 . A membrane distillation pouch for recovery of water from brine, comprising:
 a polymeric plate comprising a first side and a second side;   a first hydrophobic membrane and a second hydrophobic membrane, wherein the first membrane is sealed to the first side of the polymeric plate and the second membrane is sealed to the second side of the polymeric plate;   wherein the first membrane and the second membrane each have a membrane surface, and wherein each membrane surface is on the outside of the pouch;   a polymer netting within the pouch and between the first membrane and the second membrane;   a first hole in the first membrane, a second hole in the second membrane, and a cavity in the polymeric plate, each of said holes and the cavity placing the inside of the pouch in communication with the outside of the pouch; and   a vapor collector, said vapor collector attached to each of the first hole and the second hole and the cavity, and said vapor collector including at least one opening permitting the inside of the pouch to remain in communication with the outside of the pouch.   
     
     
         40 . The pouch of  claim 39 , wherein the first membrane and the second membrane are selected from the group consisting of PVDF, PEEK, and PTFE. 
     
     
         41 . The pouch of  claim 39 , wherein the vapor collector is made up of polymeric material. 
     
     
         42 . The pouch of  claim 39 , wherein the vapor collector is made up of polymeric material. 
     
     
         43 . A membrane cartridge, comprising a plurality of pouches of  claim 39 , wherein each of said pouches is connected by a header in communication with the vapor collector of each of said pouches. 
     
     
         44 . The membrane cartridge of  claim 43 , further comprising a plurality of spacers between each pouch. 
     
     
         45 . A membrane distillation apparatus, comprising:
 at least one tank comprising an inlet port and an outlet port;   at least one membrane cartridge of  claim 43  in operative communication with the inlet port and the outlet port.