Saline Water Conversion

Abstract

The semipermeable membrane proposed for the demineralization of sea water is based on H. L. Calendar's theory that osmosis takes place through the membrane as vapor, condensing at the opposite membrane surface. The actual membrane being used consists of two sheets of untreated cellophane separated by a water-repellent powder, such as a silicone-coated pumice powder. The vapor gap is maintained by an air pressure in excess of the pressure on the sea water and the cellophane sheets support the capillary surfaces, which will withstand pressures up to 1500 p.s.i. A number of successful experiments are reported with over 95% desalinization. The present effort is directed toward obtaining reproducible experimental results and better methods of fabricating the vapor gap. The semipermeable membrane proposed for the demineralization of sea water is based on H. L. Calendar's theory that osmosis takes place through the membrane as vapor, condensing at the opposite membrane surface. The actual membrane being used consists of two sheets of untreated cellophane separated by a water-repellent powder, such as a silicone-coated pumice powder. The vapor gap is maintained by an air pressure in excess of the pressure on the sea water and the cellophane sheets support the capillary surfaces, which will withstand pressures up to 1500 p.s.i. A number of successful experiments are reported with over 95% desalinization. The present effort is directed toward obtaining reproducible experimental results and better methods of fabricating the vapor gap.