Summary

This invention addresses pervaporation membranes (filters) and gels to remove water (dewatering) from organic streams. Specifically, it deals with films or gels formed in a mixed matrix and applied to a solid substrate, such as a reverse osmosis membrane


Listing Information

Posted by Product Scout under Green Energy

 Product Idea/Concept  Patent for Sale  Original Creative Works
 Trademark  IP Portfolio  IP Wanted
 Other

Photo


Contact This Person

Full Description

Patent Information:  USPTO Site Listing  
  Patent Title: Hydrophilic Mixed Matrix Materials Having Reversible Water Absorbing Properties  
  Patent Number: 6881364  
  Issue Date: 4/19/2005  
  Lab Name: Sustainable Technology Division  
  Location: Cincinnati, OH  
  Contact: WVHTC Foundation  
 
Technical Description:
  This invention addresses pervaporation membranes (filters) and gels to remove water (dewatering) from organic streams. Specifically, it deals with films or gels formed in a mixed matrix and applied to a solid substrate, such as a reverse osmosis membrane or ceramic substrate, to separate alcohol from water as in solvents in industrial wastewater containing alcohol. The matrix construction is flexible to address feed stream and flow rate variation.
 
Industry Significance:
  Pervaporation, in general, has been in use for more than 20 years but has not gained widespread market acceptance because it cost more than methods such as chemical drying and distillation. It was also viewed as ineffective because the current membranes (polyvinyl alcohol or PVA membranes) are damaged at operating temperatures above 110°C and have poor water flux due to swelling. Improved membranes and module designs are expanding the number of applications for pervaporation. Microporous silica membranes and zeolite membranes seem to be the leading new technologies and this patent describes a mixed matrix that includes nanoscale silica particles, placing it in the class of accepted emerging technologies.
 
Potential Applications:
  This invention may provide a solution for overcoming a common problem in membranes: short useful lives due to the aggressive conditions under which they must be used, such as very high temperatures, while still maintaining high throughput, as well as mechanical, chemical and thermal stability. Once used, the membranes or gels may be stripped of their water content and reused. It also provides a means to easily and efficiently recover and reuse alcohols. The materials to fabricate the mixed matrix are commercially available, enabling easy development.
 
Partnership Opportunities:
 

The invention would require minimal development investment. The U.S. market for pervaporation membranes is small: estimated at $5 million in 2004 and growing annually by 5.4 percent to an expected $6.5 million by 2009. Current manufacturers of pervaporation membranes include: Sulzer Chemtech Ltd.; Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.; Grace Davison; Trans Ionics Corporation and CeraMem Corporation.

Additionally, the invention has shown through both bench-scale and field prototypes that pervaporation is also effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from organic streams. The patent was recently issued and there currently are no forward citations.

The EPA is seeking viable partners for licensing and/or cooperative research to further develop the technology for future agency needs and the specific needs and requirements of the industry partner.

http://www.epatechmatch.com/EPA/PATENT/BROWSEFEATURED.ASPX#