Desalination Membranes for Subsurface Irrigation Patent

Highly saline wastewaters are generated in industrial applications such as the exploration and production of oil and natural gas.  This produced water is typically managed by injection into a deep well or evaporation ponds.  Both of these approaches are disposal techniques and not considered treatment processes, nor do they provide beneficial use.  KC Harvey’s CEO and Chief Scientist, Kevin Harvey, along with his partner Dr. Jonathan Brant (University of Wyoming) envisioned a system whereby saline water would be delivered to subsurface soil in tubes like those used in drip irrigation. The difference is that the tubes would be constructed of membranes and other materials that are used in separating solids, including salts, from water.  One application of such membranes is in a sub-surface irrigation system that utilizes saline produced water from oil and gas operations which would solve water management issues while simultaneously growing forage or food crops.  For more information, please see our What’s New article.

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