Polymer and Separations (PolySep) ResearchLaboratory

Last update:

09/07/2006

Brian McCool     Degree Objective at UCLA: Ph.D.

Research Interests

• Brackish Water Desalination
• RO desalination process analysis for high recovery
• Diagnostic analysis for establishing RO desalination recovery limits

Current Project

My research project focuses on developing a methodology for determining the recovery limits and optimal operating conditions for brackish water desalination. My research involves both experimental diagnostic analysis of field source water and model solutions in addition to multi-solute solubility analysis and process optimization.  I am presently quantifying the recovery limits for desalination of brackish groundwater from different locations in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) in California.  I am applying laboratory desalination diagnostic tests and various other tests (e.g., biofouling potential assay, SDI and others) to determine the limits on desalination recovery.  In addition, I am evaluating the potential use of accelerated precipitation softening (developed in our laboratory) along with secondary RO desalting in order to increase product water recovery for the desalination of brackish water from the SJV which is prone to scaling by calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate. I expect that my research will also provide an economic evaluation of desalination of brackish water in the SJV.

Publications and Conference Presentations:

Contact Information

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