Patent US5316637A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5316637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electrodeionization apparatus
Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp
•
Filing: 1992-08-28
•
Granted: 1994-05-31
•
Expires: 2012-08-28
Abstract
Abstract An electrodeionization apparatus is provided for removing ions from liquids. The apparatus is particularly well-adapted for the removal of large, heavily hydrated, highly charged or weakly ionized molecules or complexes from feed water. Such removal is achieved by substituting, in at least one section of the apparatus, ion exchange membranes and/or resins having lower crosslinking and/or lower selectivity, for the ion exchange membranes commonly used in electrodeionization systems. Methods for reducing the electrical resistance across the membrane also are provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary C. Ganzi
- 👤 Frederick Wilkins
- 👤 Anthony J. Giuffrida
- 👤 Christopher Griffin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:39
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/46; C02F1/469; C02F1/4693; C02F1/4695; B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/42; B01D61/44; B01D61/46; B01D61/48; B01J; B01J47/00; B01J47/02; B01J47/06; B01J47/08; C02F1/42; C02F1/4604; C02F2201/00; C02F2201/46; C02F2201/461; C02F2201/46105; C02F2201/46115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 181
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
An electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, wherein at least one membrane, comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane on an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
An electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, wherein at least one membrane, comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane on an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the membrane is an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at about 4% or less.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a homogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ion exchange resin is a Type II anion exchange resin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ion exchange resin is a Type II anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ion exchange resin is a Type I anion exchange resin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ion exchange resin is a Type I anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the membrane is a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a resin that is crosslinked at about 4% or less.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ion exchange resin is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the resistance of the cation exchange resin to calcium relative to hydrogen ions is less than 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the resistance of the cation exchange resin contained in the membrane to calcium relative to hydrogen ions is less than 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a mixture of an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 17, wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 used in combination with a source of UV radiation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 used in combination with reverse osmosis apparatus.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is utilized upstream of an ion exchange polishing cartridge.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 used in combination with electrodeionization apparatus capable of polarity reversal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 used in combination with conventional electrodeionization apparatus.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 1 used in combination with electrodialysis apparatus.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
53 words
An electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, wherein the apparatus includes means for removing at least about 70% by weight of sulfate ions contained in the liquid when operated under standard operating conditions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
53 words
An electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, wherein the apparatus includes means for removing at least about 70% by weight of sulfate ions contained in the liquid when operated under standard operating conditions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the apparatus includes means for removing at least about 80% by weight of sulfate ions contained in the liquid when operated under standard operating conditions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
48 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 29 including an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to sulfate relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at about 4% or less.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing a Type II heterogeneous resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a homogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a homogeneous membrane containing a Type II resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type II anion exchange resin.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type II anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a resin mixture comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 40 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 40 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 40 wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a cation exchange resin.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
83 words
An electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, wherein at least one membrane comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
83 words
An electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, wherein at least one membrane comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the membrane is an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 49 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type II anion exchange resin.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type II anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the membrane is a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment comprises a resin mixture comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 58 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 58 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 58 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 58, wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48 wherein the apparatus includes means for removing at least about 80% by weight of silica ions contained in the liquid.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 63, wherein the apparatus includes means for removing at least about 90% by weight of silica ions contained in the liquid.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
48 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 63, including an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 4:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
38 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a heterogeneous membrane containing a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 4% or less.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65 wherein the anion permeable membrane is a homogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 68, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a cation exchange resin.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 72, wherein the cation permeable membrane contains a resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 72, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 72, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
30 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a mixture comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 76 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 76 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 76, wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
52 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the ion exchange resin positioned between the membranes comprises a mixture of an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin and further wherein the cation exchange resin is present relative to the anion exchange resin at an amount of less than about 60%.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 80 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 80 wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II anion exchange resin crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
20 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 80 wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
66 words
An electrodeionization apparatus as claimed in claim 48, further including means defining a diluting stream and means defining a concentrating stream, and at least one membrane constructed and arranged such that, when subjected to a change in pH in either one or both of the diluting stream or concentrating stream allows an increase in the transfer of ions which are only weakly ionized at neutral pH.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization using the electrodeionization apparatus of claim 48, which further includes a concentrate stream, the improvement comprising, conducting the process under conditions of pH greater that about 9 in the concentrate stream.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvement of claim 85 wherein silica is collected in the concentrate stream.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization using the electrodeionization apparatus of claim 48, which further includes a concentrate stream, the improvement comprising, conducting the process under conditions of pH less than about 5 in the concentrate stream.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
41 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization using the electrodeionization apparatus of claim 48, which further includes a concentrate stream, the improvement comprising, conducting the process using a concentrate steam having a velocity of at least about 3 times nominal concentrate velocity.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
The improvement of claim 88 wherein silica is collected in the concentrate stream.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, the improvement comprising, using at least one membrane which comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane on an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, the improvement comprising, using at least one membrane which comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane on an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 90, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 91, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 91, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a homogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 91 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement of claim 91 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 90, further characterized by using a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 96, further characterized by using a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 100 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement of claim 98 wherein the resistance of the cation exchange resin to calcium relative to hydrogen ions is less than 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement of claim 96 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 96 wherein the resistance of the cation exchange resin contained in the membrane to calcium relative to hydrogen ions is less than 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 90 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a resin mixture comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 102, wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 102, wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type II resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement of claim 102, wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement comprising, using apparatus which includes means for removing at least about 80% by weight of silica ions contained in a liquid, said apparatus including at least one membrane comprising an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement comprising, using apparatus which includes means for removing at least about 80% by weight of silica ions contained in a liquid, said apparatus including at least one membrane comprising an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins that are crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 106 wherein at least about 90% by weight of silica ions contained in the liquid are removed.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improvement of claim 106 wherein the process comprises, using an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 4:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement of claim 108 wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 108, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 108 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 108 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin that is crosslinked less than about 6%.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 108, further characterized by using a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 113 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 113 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked less than about 8%.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 108 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a resin mixture comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 116, wherein the anion exchange resin comprises a Type I resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement of claim 116, wherein the cation exchange resin is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement comprising, using apparatus which includes means for removing at least about 70% by weight of sulfate ions contained in a liquid while operating the apparatus under standard operating conditions.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement comprising, using apparatus which includes means for removing at least about 70% by weight of sulfate ions contained in a liquid while operating the apparatus under standard operating conditions.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 119 wherein at least about 80% by weight of sulfate ions contained in the liquid are removed.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improvement of claim 119 wherein the process comprises, using an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to sulfate relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 121, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 122, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 122, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a heterogeneous membrane containing a Type II resin that is crosslinked at about 6% or less.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 122, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a homogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improvement of claim 122, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a homogeneous membrane containing a Type II resin that is crosslinked between about 30% and about 40%.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 122 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin that is crosslinked less than about 6%.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 122 further characterized in that the ion exchange in the depleting compartment is a Type I anion exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 122, further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a Type II anion exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6% of less.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement of claim 121, further characterized by using a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 120, further characterized by using a cation permeable membrane containing a cation exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 130 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement of claim 130 further characterized in that the ion exchange in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin crosslinked at about 8%.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, the improvement comprising, using a permeable membrane which comprises an ion exchange resins selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, the improvement comprising, using a permeable membrane which comprises an ion exchange resins selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement of claim 134, wherein the permeable membrane contains an anion exchange resin.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 135, further characterized by using an anion permeable membrane that is a heterogeneous membrane containing resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 135 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 135 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is an anion exchange resin that is crosslinked less than about 6%.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement of claim 134, wherein the permeable membrane contains a cation exchange resin.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 139 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improvement of claim 140 further characterized in that the ion exchange resin in the depleting compartment is a cation exchange resin crosslinked less than about 8%.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
68 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the cation exchange membrane containing a cation exchange resin, said resin having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
68 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the cation exchange membrane containing a cation exchange resin, said resin having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
68 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the anion exchange membrane containing an anion exchange resin, said resin having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
68 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the anion exchange membrane containing an anion exchange resin, said resin having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
84 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further containing at least one neutral ion exchange membrane comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin, at least one of said resins having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
84 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further containing at least one neutral ion exchange membrane comprising an anion exchange resin and a cation exchange resin, at least one of said resins having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
15 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 144 wherein said membrane comprises approximately 50% anion exchange resin.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
25 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 144, wherein the ion depleting compartment contains an ion exchange resin having a moisture content of at least about 45%.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
22 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 146 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a mixture of anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
17 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 146 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises approximately 50% anion exchange resin.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
113 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, each ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, at least one stage including a permeable membrane which comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
113 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, each ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the membranes having a conductance, at least one stage including a permeable membrane which comprises means for allowing an increase in the transfer of large or highly charged ions across the membrane an equivalent weight basis of at least 25%, when subjected to an increase in voltage across the membrane causing an increase in electric current across the membrane of the order of two times or less.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
70 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including an anion permeable membrane containing an ion exchange resin, when the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 4:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
70 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including an anion permeable membrane containing an ion exchange resin, when the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to silica relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 4:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
70 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to sulfate relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
70 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including an anion permeable membrane containing an anion exchange resin, wherein the resistance of the anion exchange resin contained in the membrane to sulfate relative to hydroxide ions is less than about 2:1 when measured using a DC conductance test.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
65 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including a permeable membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
65 words
Electrodeionization apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodeionization stages, each stage comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, at least one stage including a permeable membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
119 words
In the method of using electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement which comprises providing the apparatus with at least one membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%, and operating the apparatus under conditions that permit removal of silica ions to a level of less than about 50 parts per billion.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
119 words
In the method of using electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the improvement which comprises providing the apparatus with at least one membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%, and operating the apparatus under conditions that permit removal of silica ions to a level of less than about 50 parts per billion.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 153 wherein silica ions are removed to a level of less than about 5 parts per billion.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
99 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further comprising at least one neutral ion exchange membrane, wherein at least one ion exchange resin contained in the depleting compartment comprises a resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
99 words
Electrodeionization apparatus for the removal of ions from a liquid, the apparatus comprising at least one ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to at least one ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further comprising at least one neutral ion exchange membrane, wherein at least one ion exchange resin contained in the depleting compartment comprises a resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
16 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises an anion exchange resin.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
26 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a Type II anion exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
18 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a Type I anion exchange resin.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
26 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a Type I anion exchange resin that is crosslinked at less than about 6%.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
16 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155 wherein the ion exchange resin comprises a cation exchange resin.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
25 words
Electrodeionization apparatus as in claim 155, further including at least one cation permeable membrane containing a resin that is crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
127 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one stage, said at least one stage comprising an ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to an ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further including a concentrate stream, the improvement comprising, applying an AC overlay to at least one electrodeionization stage, and further wherein said at least one electrodeionization stage includes either one or both of an ion exchange resin or an ion exchange membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
127 words
In a process for conducting electrodeionization in an electrodeionization apparatus comprising at least one stage, said at least one stage comprising an ion concentrating compartment positioned adjacent to an ion depleting compartment, the ion depleting compartment comprising an ion exchange resin positioned between an anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane, the apparatus further including a concentrate stream, the improvement comprising, applying an AC overlay to at least one electrodeionization stage, and further wherein said at least one electrodeionization stage includes either one or both of an ion exchange resin or an ion exchange membrane which comprises an ion exchange resin selected from the group consisting of anion exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 6% and cation exchange resins crosslinked at less than about 8%.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement of claim 162, wherein the apparatus is operated under conditions of pH greater than about 9 or concentrate velocity of at least about 3 times nominal velocity.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
12 words
The improvement of claim 163, wherein silica is collected in the concentrate.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-30 | 1997-11-29 | 1998-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-11-29 | 2002-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-30 | 2005-11-29 | 2006-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |