PassiveSolarDesalination
Links
- https://scitechdaily.com/mits-new-desalination-system-produces-freshwater-that-is-cheaper-than-tap-water/
- https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/170gwlx/mits_new_desalination_system_produces_freshwater/
- https://www.cell.com/cms/attachment/550ff376-8f1b-4a5b-abf9-f37fab663e2a/gr1.jpg
- https://www.cell.com/cms/attachment/a7b9c4e1-d6c2-43a3-8615-dccc7662df74/fx1.jpg
GPT
What do you know about using a PTFE membrane to separate a hot salt water side from a air gap side with a condenser, the whole system being used to desalinate water? Specifically, I'm curious about the PTFE membrane - is it something common that I could get from McMaster-Carr, or is it super-exotic stuff that only exists in laboratories?
A setup like the one you've described sounds like it might be an air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) system, which is one of the configurations for membrane distillation (MD). In this method, saline or brackish water is heated and then passed along one side of a hydrophobic membrane. Due to the temperature difference, water vapor passes through the membrane and then condenses on the other side, leaving the salts behind.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon, is a type of polymer with excellent thermal and chemical stability, making it an attractive material for use in many membrane applications, including membrane distillation. The hydrophobic nature of PTFE is key in ensuring only water vapor passes through the membrane and not the liquid water.
Regarding your question on the availability:
- Commonality: PTFE membranes are not just exotic lab materials. They have been used in various industries, from water treatment to the pharmaceutical industry.
- Availability: While I don't have access to real-time product catalogs, as of my last update in 2022, companies like McMaster-Carr and other industrial suppliers do carry PTFE membranes, sheets, and related products. However, if you're looking for a specific type of PTFE membrane optimized for membrane distillation or a particular pore size, you might need to look into companies or suppliers specializing in filtration or water treatment solutions.
- Considerations: When shopping for a PTFE membrane for this application, consider its pore size, thickness, and thermal stability. The pore size needs to be appropriate to allow water vapor to pass through while preventing liquid water from permeating. Also, the membrane should withstand the temperatures you intend to use in your desalination process.
If you're considering setting up or designing an AGMD system, I would recommend also looking into scientific literature and potentially reaching out to experts or companies that specialize in membrane distillation or desalination technologies to ensure you get the best and most suitable materials for your specific application.