Application of acoustic nanotube technology for obtaining potable water

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This water filtration innovation is an acoustically driven molecular sieve embedded with small-diameter carbon nanotubes. Turning the idea of filtration on its head, this technology pushes water away from contaminants, rather than removing contaminants from water. Water enters the device and first contacts the filter matrix, which can be made of polymer, ceramic, or metallic compounds, depending on end-use requirements. Carbon nanotubes within the matrix allow only water molecules to pass through, leaving behind any larger molecules and contaminants.


The unique aspect of the technology is its use of acoustics to help drive water through the filter. An oscillator circuit attached to the filter matrix propagates acoustic vibration, further causing water molecules to de-bond and move through the filter. This use of acoustics also eliminates dependence on gravity (and thus filter orientation) to move water through the device. When water exiting the system diminishes to a pre-determined set point, a cleaning cycle is triggered to clear the sediment from the inlet of the filter, re-establishing the standard system flow rate. Unlike other filtration systems, flushing of the filter system is not required.

Existing water filtration technologies are generally plagued by limited performance, high energy consumption, and high costs. New filtration and treatment techniques designed to mitigate these problems generally depend on pressure to drive water through the filtration system. The combination of acoustics and small-diameter carbon nanotubes in this innovation make it an effective and efficient means of producing contaminant-free, clean water.

It was developed by researchers at NASA. Originally aimed at purifying wastewater for reuse in the International Space Station, it can feasibly be used in Earth as well, where we need to create pure water from contaminated source. The unique aspect in this technology is that it uses its acoustics rather than pressure to make water flow through these nanotubes. It also has several advantages as it requires extremely less power than the regular conventional methods and can also be used in a variety of operations.

References:

https://www.nasa.gov/

Comments

  1. AppzNovember 6, 2020 at 6:44 AM

    Very innovative method. Although it appears a very inconvenient method due to its smaller application, I think it looks extremely futuristic and might be useful if it undergoes further development.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DanyNovember 10, 2020 at 3:11 AM

    Great innovative and futuristic method

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 10, 2020 at 3:12 AM

    Good work. This method is very useful for upcoming generation.

    ReplyDelete

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