Technology
From science to technology to business.
Membrane distillation is the process in which pure water is separated from contaminated water (saltwater for example) by means of evaporation through a membrane. The porous membrane used in membrane distillation is typically hydrophobic, which means that it repels water in liquid form. Due to this hydrophobic nature, it only allows gasses to pass through the membrane pores. Water vapour is a gas, so for water to pass through the membrane it must first evaporate into water vapour. Hence in the process of membrane distillation, water is separated from contaminants by means of evaporation through hydrophobic membrane pores.
The process of membrane distillation is driven by a vapour pressure difference that is the result of a temperature difference. To create this temperature difference one side of the membrane contains hot water and the other side contains cold water. The evaporation of water consumes heat and as water evaporates through the porous membrane heat energy is subtracted from the hot side lowering it in temperature. After passing through the porous membrane the water is then condensed at the cold side. The condensation of water releases heat energy. So, this process of membrane distillation consumes heat energy and hence is regarded as a thermal process.
Systems for testing applications.
Aquastill offers the PURA-1 system and the various PLICA modules for testing and research projects. Next to the supply of these test systems and/or modules, we can provide technical support and training in order to help you assess the technical and economical feasibility of a specific application.
Systems for production applications.
Aquastill offers the PURA-10 and PURA-100 systems and the PLICA-26 modules for operational production projects of medium size. Next to the supply of these systems and modules we can provide technical support and training on location in order to secure an optimal commissioning of the installation.
Systems for research.
For your own investigations we offer our customized membrane distillation units. The main users of our PURAlab are universities, institutes, laboratories and companies who conduct research and practical studies on membrane distillation. This highly precise laboratory set up is fully automatic and suitable for the investigation of all aspects of the membrane distillation process as well as material research e.g. on membranes. The PURAlab is equipped with a flexible test cell, which can encompass any MD channel configuration or material sample.
Technical information:
– 120 cm x 140 cm x 85 cm
– Fully automated
– Integrated display
– Customizable according to specific rquirements
– All MD channel configurations possible|
– Suitable for continuous operation
– Power supply required
Research with our laboratory systems is being conducted for example in Qatar, Riyadh and Spain.
References:
– King AbdulAziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
– Plata Forma Solar De Almeria
– DVGW Research center (KIT)
– University of Bremen
Technology transfer through licensing.
To OEM partners, Aquastill offers a technology transfer of the patented MD technology in the form of a license contract, following a three stage approach: 1) supplying PURA systems to test and develop, 2) licensing to build locally PURA systems, sourcing PLICA modules from Aquastill and 3) licensing to build locally the PURA Systems with PLICA modules.
Engineering services.
Our engineers come from different fields and have many years of experience in process simulation, cost engineering and project management. Our development team understands your process goals and conditions, provide process engineering and a project specific design. We build consensus across all disciplines providing conceptual calculations, basic engineering, budgeting, feasibility studies, detail engineering, planning and risk management.
Knowledge
