Patent ID: 6185940
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B01D,C02F,F03G,Y02A

Abstract:
Apparatus for generating output energy comprising:a first osmosis chamber having a first osmotic volume for containing a first water supply and a second osmotic volume for containing a high pressure concentrated brine solution, where the first and second osmotic volumes are separated by a first osmotic membrane and where the brine solution has a salt concentration effective for fresh water flow from the first water supply into the brine solution by osmosis across the osmotic membrane to produce a high pressure relatively dilute brine solution;a first mass transfer unit defining a first volume and a second volume, where the first and second volumes are separated by a first movable interface;a first concentrator for concentrating a dilute brine solution to a concentrated brine solution;a first motor having an inlet connected to the second osmotic volume of the first osmosis chamber and an outlet connected to the first concentrator and generating output energy from the relatively dilute high pressure brine solution directed through the first motor;a first three-way valve for connecting the first volume of the first mass transfer unit to second osmotic volume of the first osmosis chamber or to the first concentrator; anda second three-way valve for connecting the second volume of the first mass transfer unit to the first concentrator or the second osmotic volume of the first osmosis chamber.