This research project is concerned with the desalination of seawater on an industrial scale at low operating costs compared to conventional methods. Methodology involves the fields of nuclear power, superconductivity, and reverse osmosis, Superconductors have the capability to generate extremely high magnetic fields at low cost. The principles of nuclear reactors are used to trap ions in a magnetic field away from the containing walls allowing the water to be desalinated to run directly through the center of the magnetic field. After the seawater passes through the magnetic field the impurities are reduced by approximately one order of magnitude. A modified reverse osmosis unit which operates on the centrifuge principle generates high pressure to desalt seawater form brackish water to drinking water. The separation phase provided by the high magnetic field brings the water to brackish water standards and reduces the high osmotic pressure barrier that needs to be overcome to desalinate seawater by reverse osmosis. All of the various aspects resulting from the above concepts will be studied and a system will be suggested which will make possible a desalinization process that is efficient and inexpensive.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
8811613
Program Officer
name not available
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1991-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
$89,400
Indirect Cost
Name
Florida Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Melbourne
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32901