Author
Raphael Semiat
Other affiliations: Texas Center for Superconductivity, University of Houston
Bio: Raphael Semiat is an academic researcher from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Desalination & Adsorption. The author has an hindex of 46, co-authored 202 publications receiving 7320 citations. Previous affiliations of Raphael Semiat include Texas Center for Superconductivity & University of Houston.
Topics: Desalination, Adsorption, Membrane, Reverse osmosis, Fouling
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
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TL;DR: The current energy consumption of different desalination processes is reviewed and a comparison with other common energy-consuming ventures leads to some interesting conclusions.
Abstract: Water, energy, and environmental issues are closely related. New water techniques consume energy, and innovative renewable energy techniques using biofuels and biodiesel consume an incredible amount of water. Different desalination techniques that consume different energy levels from different sources are in use today. Some people, environmentalists, decision makers, and even scientists, mainly in nonscientific publications, consider energy consumption in desalination to be too high and are seeking new ways of reducing it, which often involves increasing capital investment. Efforts should be directed at reducing not only energy consumption but also total water cost. A competent grasp of thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer theory, as well as a proper understanding of current desalination processes, is essential for ensuring beneficial improvements in desalination processes. Thermodynamics sets the absolute minimum limit of the work energy required to separate water from a salt solution. Unavoidable i...
641 citations
TL;DR: A series of equations based on the physical processes thought to take place during slug flow were developed in this paper to predict the hydrodynamic character of this complex flow pattern, which appeared to validate the model.
Abstract: A series of equations are developed based on the physical processes thought to take place during slug flow which are used to predict the hydrodynamic character of this complex flow pattern. New experimental results are reported which appear to validate the model.
262 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors characterize transport properties of solvents permeating through solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes that have only recently become available, and reveal a marked variation in the level of permeate flux among the various Solvents.
256 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarized the environmental impacts of most aspects of desalination processes, highlighting the recognized problems and their available industrial solutions and special emphasis is placed on the energy as it is one of the most important environmental issues and a major expense in desalification.
249 citations
TL;DR: Even though the microbial population might be important with respect to biofouling patterns, membrane permeability decline seems to be more substantially influenced by the formation and accumulation of exopolymeric substances (EPS).
197 citations
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TL;DR: The possible reductions in energy demand by state-of-the-art seawater Desalination technologies, the potential role of advanced materials and innovative technologies in improving performance, and the sustainability of desalination as a technological solution to global water shortages are reviewed.
Abstract: In recent years, numerous large-scale seawater desalination plants have been built in water-stressed countries to augment available water resources, and construction of new desalination plants is expected to increase in the near future. Despite major advancements in desalination technologies, seawater desalination is still more energy intensive compared to conventional technologies for the treatment of fresh water. There are also concerns about the potential environmental impacts of large-scale seawater desalination plants. Here, we review the possible reductions in energy demand by state-of-the-art seawater desalination technologies, the potential role of advanced materials and innovative technologies in improving performance, and the sustainability of desalination as a technological solution to global water shortages.
4,840 citations
Book•
16 Dec 1999
TL;DR: Overview of membrane science and technology membrane transport theory membrane and modules concentration polarization reverse osmosis ultrafiltration microfiltration gas separation pervaporation ion exchange membrane processes - electrodialysis carrier facilitated transport medical applications of membranes other membranes processed.
Abstract: Overview of membrane science and technology membrane transport theory membrane and modules concentration polarization reverse osmosis ultrafiltration microfiltration gas separation pervaporation ion exchange membrane processes - electrodialysis carrier facilitated transport medical applications of membranes other membranes processed.
3,680 citations
TL;DR: Key parameters of an RO process and process modifications due to feed water characteristics are brought to light by a direct comparison of seawater and brackish water RO systems.
2,665 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the state-of-the-art of the physical principles and applications of forward osmosis as well as their strengths and limitations are presented, along with a review of the current state of the art.
2,235 citations
TL;DR: In this article, molecular-level design approaches for membrane materials, focusing on how these materials address the urgent requirements of water treatment applications, are reviewed for water scarcity and the pollution of aquatic environments.
Abstract: Membranes have an increasingly important role in alleviating water scarcity and the pollution of aquatic environments. Promising molecular-level design approaches are reviewed for membrane materials, focusing on how these materials address the urgent requirements of water treatment applications.
1,900 citations