Randall Shaw, who heads up the US Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility in Alamagordo, New Mexico, has sent the following notes on ongoing and upcoming research at the facility.
This follows up his article published in the May/June 2013 issue of D&WR,
Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR)
Research By: New Mexico State University and General Electric
Funding Source: Office of Naval Research and Bureau of Reclamation
Research Period: 2013-2015
Beginning in the fall of 2013, research focused on EDR power consumption comparisons with reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. Upcoming work will consist of modeling of the EDR electrical field and segmented electrode research.
Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration
Research By: New Mexico State University and General Electric
Funding Source: Office of Naval Research and Bureau of Reclamation
Research Period: 2013-2015
In addition to power consumption comparisons with EDR, upcoming research will evaluate the hybridization of these technologies with EDR.
Solar Distillation
Research by: KII, Inc.
Funding Source: Reclamation DWPR Grant
Research Period: 2014
KII obtained a grant for research at BGNDRF with a second generation Suns River Solar Still. The second generation unit is a commercial-scale unit that uses a more compact design with double-pane glass and optimized vapor flow pathways. It was developed based on lessons learned from previous testing at BGNDRF of the first generation still ( D&WR feature, November-December 2012)
Radial Deionization
Research by: Danlin Industries
Funding Source: Privately Funded
Research Period: 2014
Danlin Industries is pilot-testing radial deionization, a second generation capacitive deionization technology, using the various brackish waters available at BGNDRF. Brackish water testing will be followed by testing of mine water that will be brought to the facility. Upon completion of these tests, Danlin Industries will proceed with obtaining National Science Foundation (NSF) certification of the technology for potable purposes.
ElectroMagnetic Desalination
Research By: Syntonix, Inc
Funding Source: Privately Funded
Research Period: 2014-2015
Syntonix will build a bench-scale and pilot-scale plant for developing a patent pending technology for desalination of various brackish waters available at BGNDRF. This technology will reduce the total energy needed for desalination using six specific techniques including electric and electromagnetic separation technologies.
KNeW Process
Research by: Trailblazer Technologies
Funding Source: Privately Funded
Research Period: 2014
The KNeW Process is an ion exchange process that removes ions from the feed water to produce fertilizer products and clean water. Demonstration pilot testing will be followed by NSF certification of various claims for the technology.