Employing Ionomer Membrane Technology to Extract Water from Brine

Paragon Space Development Corporation proposes the use of an microporous-ionomer membrane pair to improve the robustness and effectiveness of membrane-based water separation processes. Improved robustness and effectiveness will be evident through (1) reduced loading on the downstream post processor due to the ionomer's unique property of selective permeability, and (2) inclusion of a backup barrier between the rententate and permeate. The microporous membrane's function is to prevent liquid wastewater from direct contact with the ionomer, a condition that would reduce the effectiveness of the ionomer. The ionomer's unique characteristic of selective permeability suggests a possible role in water purification processes. This activity is accomplished by means of the sulfonic acid groups. It is this property that we wish to exploit.