Water purification without membranes: a novel technology from PARC

We describe the novel hydrodynamic separation of neutrally buoyant suspensions in curved channel structures. We also describe the application of this transformative technology to water treatment using the concept of in-line coagulation, floc formation, and immediate separation. Advantages of the approach include: high throughput, continuous flow, selectable particle-size cut-off separation, rapid processing, small footprint, and low energy (power and pressure). The capability to separate suspensions from a fast flowing stream is generic to many applications; including: municipal water treatment, pre-treatment for RO, waste water reclaim, ballast water treatment, industrial water purification, agricultural water, food and beverage, bio fuels (algae harvesting), produced waters, power plant cooling tower, and so forth. Identification of parallel applications for this platform technology, developing business valuation, mapping of the application landscape, and creation of a strategy to prioritize which application to go after presents a challenging business development effort