Separation of Inorganic Salts From Supercritical Water by Cross-Flow Microfiltration

Abstract
A cross-flow microfilter capable of operating at elevated temperatures and pressures was evaluated for its ability to remove inorganic salts from supercritical water (SCW). The separation characteristics of molten sodium nitrate were investigated. The overall performance of the cross-flow microfilter and the effects of process variables on the separation efficiency were evaluated. Separation efficiencies up to 85% were observed. An empirical model was developed for the prediction of the filtrate salt concentration and the fluidized cake resistance as a function of the salt solubility and salt flux to the filter. Physical principles governing the separation process were defined.