초록 ▼

A desalination system using hydrostatic pressure formed in a vertical mine shaft to function reverse osmosis membranes plumbed so that permeate water from the last membrane is input water to the next. The hydrostatic pressure forces the brine water from the first membrane nearly to the earth's surfa

A desalination system using hydrostatic pressure formed in a vertical mine shaft to function reverse osmosis membranes plumbed so that permeate water from the last membrane is input water to the next. The hydrostatic pressure forces the brine water from the first membrane nearly to the earth's surface. The second brine water is likely usable as drinking water. The final product water is pure enough to be agriculturally usable.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for desalinating salt water from a seawater source, comprising;first, second, and third shaft means formed in the earth;a first reverse osmosis element positioned for access in said second shaft means and being nonsubmerged relative to said salt water, said salt

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for desalinating salt water from a seawater source, comprising;first, second, and third shaft means formed in the earth;a first reverse osmosis element positioned for access in said second shaft means and being nonsubmerged relative to said salt water, said salt water being directed from said seawater source through said first shaft means to said first reverse osmosis element and having a hydrostatic pressure head created gravitationally by said salt water due to vertical height of said first shaft means, said first reverse osmosis element processing said salt water to create first permeate water and first brine water;a first check valve which when closed prevents said salt water from flowing from said first shaft means to said first reverse osmosis element positioned in said second shaft means;means for receiving said first brine water from said first reverse osmosis element and for compensating against said first hydrostatic pressure head and returning said first brine water to said seawater source, said first brine water receiving, compensating, and returning means including said third shaft means such that said first brine water is in fluid communication from said first reverse osmosis element through said third shaft means to said seawater source;a second check valve, which when closed prevents said first brine water from flowing from said third shaft means to said first reverse osmosis element positioned in said second shaft means;a second reverse osmosis element for receiving the first permeate water for processing to create second permeate water and second brine water;first and second reservoirs; andfirst and second tubular means for directing said second permeate water and said second brine water from said second reverse osmosis element to said first and second reservoirs, respectfully, said second tubular means including restriction means for maintaining a second pressure head for said second brine water so that said second permeate water is obtainable.