TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Pressure Enhanced DME-Driven Fractional Crystallization

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Pressure Enhanced DME-Driven Fractional Crystallization

An innovative water treatment technology that uses pressure-enhanced fractional crystallization to recover salts and achieve zero liquid discharge, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

Overview:        Conventional methods used for water treatment and mineral recovery, specifically in achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD), are often expensive and require a significant amount of energy. These methods primarily rely on evaporative crystallization. Researchers at INL have demonstrated a new technology called pressure-enhanced DME-driven fractional crystallization (DME-FC) that shows promise as a low cost alternative to current ZLD technologies. DME-FC has the potential to rival foundational technologies like reverse osmosis in terms of desalination and water purification. This technology is particularly relevant given the increasing demand for ZLD and mineral isolation from brines.

Description:    The DME-FC process involves the addition of dimethyl ether (DME) to aqueous solutions that contain dissolved solids. This addition changes the saturation point for these solids in solution under elevated pressure conditions. Unlike conventional practices, this method does not require high energy inputs for evaporative processes. It has been enabled by INL research in solvent-based saturation limit depression and vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium dynamics. The resulting technology  offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution for water treatment and mineral recovery.

Benefits:          

• Reduced Energy Consumption: Expected to require only about 1 kWh per m³, significantly lower than the 50-70 kWh/m³ for traditional methods.
• High Recovery Rates: Potential recovery rates of 72-98% for salts like NaCl, outperforming current methods.
• Environmental Sustainability: Aims to achieve zero liquid discharge, minimizing environmental impact.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Promises a substantial reduction in operational costs compared to evaporative crystallization.
• Versatility: Applicable to a range of salts, enhancing its utility across various industries.

Applications:    

• Desalination Plants: Efficient removal of salts from seawater.
• Industrial Water Treatment: Managing waste streams in various industries.
• Mineral Recovery: Isolating valuable minerals from solutions.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Treating agricultural runoff and reclaiming nutrients.

Development Status:  Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated.

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