Materials and Methods for Reducing Biofouling in Water Treatment Membrane Systems
AssigneeClemson University
InventorEzra Lucas Hoyt Cates
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Abstract
Methods and systems for preventing biofouling of membranes utilized in water treatment processes (i.e., water treatment membranes) are described. Methods include X-ray excitation of luminescent materials capable of emitting in the violet to UV range (e.g., from about 180 nm to about 440 nm). X-rays are directed at water treatment modules to contact the luminescent materials within the modules and excite internal violet/UV to prevent biofouling of membranes. The methods can be utilized in conjunction with existing processing equipment and can prevent biofouling of water treatment membranes in high volume treatment processes in an environmentally friendly fashion.
Claims27
A method for preventing biofouling of a water treatment membrane, the method comprising directing X-rays into a water treatment membrane module and at a luminescent material within the water treatment membrane module, the luminescent material emitting energy in response to the X-rays, the emission including energy at a wavelength in the violet to ultraviolet range, the luminescent material being in optical communication with a water treatment membrane such that the emitted energy contacts a feed side of the water treatment membrane, the water treatment membrane being contained within the water treatment membrane module.
A system for preventing biofouling, the system comprising
- a fluid flow path;
- a water treatment membrane held in the fluid flow path, the water treatment membrane being contained within a water treatment membrane module;
- a luminescent material, the luminescent material being capable of emitting energy at a wavelength in the violet to ultraviolet range upon X-ray excitation of the luminescent material, the luminescent material being configured to be permanently or temporarily located in optical communication with a feed side of the water treatment membrane;
- an X-ray source configured to deliver X-ray excitation into the water treatment membrane module and to the luminescent material that is within the water treatment membrane module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.