Forward Osmosis separation processes using Magnesium Oxide and Carbon Dioxide

Background: Lehigh University has developed a forward osmosis separation processes using magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. The invention can purify water through a Forward Osmosis process from both surface water and saline water. The invention can concentrate waste from a dilute waste stream. Technology Description: In various applications it may be desirable to concentrate species of interest which are present in solution. In some conventional techniques heat may be applied to change the phase of the solvent to remove it from the solution thereby providing the species of interest in a higher concentration. Other conventional approaches involve hydraulic pressure driven membrane processes used to push solvent through a membrane which is permeable to the solvent but impermeable to the species of interest. In the context of waste water treatment membrane bioreactors have widely replaced traditional secondary waste water treatment methods for the removal of organic matter from aqueous waste streams. A hydraulic pressure-driven membrane system is typically used to separate water from a biologically active solution in which microorganisms consume organic matter as food these microorganisms then being separately removed as sludge. Applications: 1) Water treatment 2) Water pumping and Purification systems 3) Water filtration system 4) Desalination and Purification system 5) Waste water recycling. Opportunity for collaboration: Lehigh University is initially interested in identifying industry partners to co-develop the process ultimately leading to licensing.