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OSU Zero-Liquid Discharge Solar HDH Reactor

Membranes & Advanced Filtration • Est. CapEx: Low-Cost / Locally Fabricated • Lifespan: 10 Years (Standardized)


Technical Overview

Oregon State University is developing a modular, lightweight humidification-dehumidification system that treats highly saline water—including brines saltier than seawater—with zero liquid discharge. Funded by a $2 million DOE award, the process relies entirely on low-temperature solar-thermal heat.


Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters

Parameter Specification
Category Membranes & Advanced Filtration
Capital Cost (CapEx) Low-Cost / Locally Fabricated
Power / Energy Solar PV / Thermal
Target Scale Community Scale
Standard Lifespan 10 Years (Standardized)
Technology Maturity Prototype
Primary Mechanism A solar-heat-driven reactor forces air through precision nozzles that vaporize saline water into a humid air stream. The stream is then dehumidified to capture fresh water, while dissolved solids precipitate out, achieving zero liquid discharge without membranes or electricity.

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