This project proposes extended field testing of a high recovery batch reverse osmosis process (batch reverse osmosis) using innovative anti-scaling and antifouling electrically conducting membranes…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation under the Water Desalination Research and Development Program (CFDA 15.506) provides $733,555.62 to support field testing of advanced reverse osmosis water treatment technologies. The project aims to demonstrate the performance of "batch reverse osmosis" and "active reverse osmosis" membrane systems in treating high total dissolved solids brackish groundwater with mineral scaling potential. The goal is to reduce the footprint, increase freshwater recovery, minimize waste, and lower capital and operating costs compared to conventional reverse osmosis. The 26-month project will be carried out by Harmony Desalination Corporation at a site in Los Angeles, California starting in July 2024. This award supports the program's objectives of augmenting the U.S. water supply and developing cost-effective, sustainable desalination technologies to minimize environmental impacts.

This project proposes extended field testing of a high recovery batch reverse osmosis process (batch reverse osmosis) using innovative anti-scaling and antifouling electrically conducting membranes (active reverse osmosis) in comparison with conventional reverse osmosis membranes (passive reverse osmosis). The goal is to demonstrate active reverse osmosiss performance through a 6-month test at an oil and gas produced water site in california with a high total dissolved solids brackish groundwater with significant mineral scaling potential as the feed source. Such applications have challenging chemistries with propensity for various degrees of mineral scaling and organic fouling which current commercial membrane cannot sustainably address without significant amount of pre-treatment, limited recovery and consequently a very high cost. Each of batch reverse osmosis and active reverse osmosis technologies can significantly reduce the footprint, increase the freshwater recovery, minimize concentrate waste, and as a result, reduce capital and operating costs and environmental impacts of desalination, and enable cost effective resource recovery from mineral rich unconventional water resources, with the latter being an emerging trend in desalination industry.