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Hydrate-based desalination/purification using permeable support member

  • US 20030209492A1
  • Filed: 05/06/2003
  • Published: 11/13/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for separating components of a fluid system, said fluid system being 1) a solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent, 2) a suspension comprising solid material suspended within a suspension suspending fluid, or 3) an emulsion comprising liquid material suspended within an emulsion suspending fluid, said method comprising:

  • causing or allowing clathrate to form within said fluid system, said clathrate having a crystalline structure comprising one or more guest molecules disposed within a cage structure formed from a plurality of host molecules, and causing or allowing a generally solid layer of said clathrate to form along a surface of a permeable restraint, at least one of said guest molecules and said host molecules being supplied to said clathrate from said fluid system and said generally solid layer of said clathrate containing minimal amounts, if any, of residual fluid remaining after said hydrate has formed, said permeable restraint being configured to allow said host molecules and said guest molecules to pass through it upon dissociation of said clathrate and said generally solid layer of clathrate substantially isolating said fluid system, per se, from said permeable restraint such that said fluid system does not pass through said permeable restraint;

    causing portions of said generally solid layer of clathrate that are adjacent to said surface of said permeable restraint to dissociate such that said host molecules and said guest molecules pass through said permeable restraint to a collection region that is located across said permeable restraint from said surface thereof, and collecting said host molecules and/or said guest molecules from said collection region;

    whereby the collected molecules are collected in a relatively purified condition that is substantially free from said residual fluid and/or undesired components of said fluid system.

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