A miniature reverse osmosis-ultrafiltration system

Abstract

Abstract A miniature membrane separation system is described. Its two main components are a miniature high pressure pump and a miniature plate and frame reverse osmosis cell. The pump developed delivers up to 2.2 lit/hr of water at 80 atm. The reverse osmosis cell may accomodate membranes of a total area up to 4000 cm2. High solute rejections may be achieved even at extremely low flow rates and the system thus requires only a very moderate pumping energy. Potential uses of the system are water purification and desalination, laboratory separations and a medical application in a portable artificial kidney.