Self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device and self-cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device and a self-cleaning method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of concentration equipment, which comprises a concentration bin, a plurality of insertion holes are arranged at the bottom of the concentration bin, reverse osmosis membrane assemblies are insertedly connected in the insertion holes, the reverse osmosis membrane assemblies are in threaded connection with the bottom of the concentration bin, a liquid inlet interface of an external liquid inlet pipeline is arranged at the upper left side of the concentration bin, a liquid outlet interface of an external liquid outlet pipeline is arranged at the lower right side of the liquid inlet interface, a blowdown valve is arranged at the bottom of the concentration bin, and a water outlet pipe is communicated with the lower end of the reverse osmosis membrane assembly through a short pipe. The water flux of the reverse osmosis membrane pipe is improved through double flushing, the concentration efficiency of the reverse osmosis membrane assembly can be effectively improved, and the service life of the reverse osmosis membrane assembly can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of concentration equipment technology, specifically to a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device and its self-cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] Concentration equipment is a type of industrial unit operation device used to remove solvents from materials, thereby increasing the concentration of target substances. Its core principle lies in using physical or chemical methods to separate solutes and solvents, and it is widely used in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental protection, and seawater desalination industries. Based on different separation mechanisms, it can be mainly divided into the following categories: The first category is thermal concentration equipment, such as evaporators, which use heating to vaporize the solvent, thus achieving concentration. This is suitable for materials with large processing volumes and low heat sensitivity requirements. The second category is membrane concentration equipment, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, which utilize selective separation membranes to achieve solute enrichment under pressure. Because it operates at room temperature, it effectively protects heat-sensitive components and has significant energy-saving advantages.

[0003] Reverse osmosis membrane concentration equipment is a typical example of membrane concentration technology. It utilizes the selective separation characteristics of reverse osmosis membranes to forcibly separate the solvent from the solution under external pressure exceeding the solution's osmotic pressure, thereby achieving solution concentration and purification. The core component of this equipment is the reverse osmosis membrane element, with extremely small pore sizes that effectively retain most ions, small organic molecules, and microorganisms, allowing only water molecules to pass through. A complete reverse osmosis membrane concentration system typically consists of a pretreatment unit, a high-pressure pump, membrane modules, a cleaning system, and a control system. The pretreatment unit is crucial, aiming to remove suspended solids, colloids, and residual chlorine from the raw water that may contaminate or damage the membrane modules; the high-pressure pump provides the necessary operating pressure for the separation process. Compared to traditional thermal concentration, this technology has significant advantages such as room temperature operation, no phase change, lower energy consumption, simpler process, easier scale-up, and maintenance of the bioactivity of active ingredients. Therefore, it is widely used in seawater and brackish water desalination, fruit and vegetable juice concentration, whey protein concentration, industrial wastewater reuse, and the concentration of traditional Chinese medicine extracts.

[0004] However, the biggest problem with reverse osmosis membrane concentration equipment is membrane fouling. The traditional approach to address reverse osmosis membrane fouling is to replace it with a new one or to disassemble it, clean it, and reuse it. However, replacing the reverse osmosis membrane undoubtedly increases the cost of reverse osmosis membrane concentration, while disassembling it, cleaning it, and reusing it is time-consuming and inconvenient. Therefore, a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device and its self-cleaning method.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is: a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device, comprising a concentration chamber, the bottom of which is provided with multiple insertion holes, into which a reverse osmosis membrane module is inserted and connected, the reverse osmosis membrane module being threadedly connected to the bottom of the concentration chamber, an inlet port for an external inlet pipe being provided on the upper left side of the concentration chamber, and an outlet port for an external outlet pipe being provided on the lower right side of the inlet port, a drain valve being provided at the bottom of the concentration chamber, a water outlet pipe being connected to the lower end of the reverse osmosis membrane module through a short pipe, a water pump being connected to the end of the water outlet pipe, and a water storage tank being connected to the outlet of the water pump, and a plurality of cleaning components for cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane module being provided on the top of the concentration chamber, the cleaning components being connected to a suction pump installed inside the water storage tank through a water supply hose.

[0007] Furthermore, the reverse osmosis membrane assembly includes an upper fixing member and a lower fixing member, which are fixedly connected by a support filter screen. The outer side of the support filter screen is wrapped with a reverse osmosis membrane tube. The outer wall of the lower fixing member is threaded to the concentration chamber, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection.

[0008] Explanation: The support filter provides strong support for the reverse osmosis membrane tube, preventing deformation of the reverse osmosis membrane tube due to the internal and external pressure difference, which would lead to a decrease in the water flux of the reverse osmosis membrane module. The sealing ring ensures a seal between the lower fixing component and the concentration chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, a flow rate sensor is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet, and a control valve is fixedly connected to the inner side of the flow rate sensor.

[0010] Note: The flow rate of the incoming liquid is controlled by flow sensor 1 and control valve 1.

[0011] Furthermore, a flow rate sensor two is fixedly connected to the liquid outlet interface, and a control valve two is fixedly connected to the lower end of the flow rate sensor two.

[0012] Note: The flow rate of the liquid is controlled by flow sensor two and control valve two.

[0013] Furthermore, a backflush pipe is fixedly connected to the side wall of the outlet pipe, and a control valve three is fixedly connected to the backflush pipe and the outlet pipe. A control valve four is provided in the middle of the outlet pipe, and the end of the backflush pipe is fixedly connected to a water pump two installed in the water storage tank.

[0014] Explanation: Water is introduced from the storage tank into the reverse osmosis membrane module through the backflush pipe, thereby flushing out the deposits on the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module from the pores of the membrane module, thus improving the filtration effect of the reverse osmosis module.

[0015] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly includes a hydraulic rod, the fixed end of which is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the concentration chamber, the telescopic end of which extends into the concentration chamber, and an annular tube fixed to the lower end of the hydraulic rod. The annular tube is located outside the reverse osmosis membrane assembly, and multiple flushing nozzles are fixedly connected to both the inner and outer sides of the annular tube. A flushing water pipe is connected to one side of the annular tube, and the upper end of the flushing water pipe is fixedly connected to the water supply hose.

[0016] Explanation: The hydraulic rod's telescopic end drives the annular tube to move up and down, thereby causing the flushing nozzles on the annular tube to flush the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module. The flushing nozzles on the outside of the annular tube can flush the inner wall of the concentration chamber.

[0017] Furthermore, the inner top of the concentration chamber is fixed with multiple snap-fit ​​slots for snapping onto the fixing components.

[0018] Note: The snap-fit ​​groove can fix the upper end of the reverse osmosis membrane module, improving the installation stability of the reverse osmosis membrane module.

[0019] Furthermore, an observation tube for observing the water in the concentration chamber is fixed at the bottom of the concentration chamber, and a cleaning plug is threaded to the lower end of the observation tube.

[0020] Note: The observation tube allows you to observe the viscosity of the concentrate in the concentration chamber or the content of crystalline salt in the concentrated salt solution. Cleaning the plug makes it easier to remove any adhering substances to the inner wall of the observation tube.

[0021] Furthermore, the self-cleaning method for a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described above includes the following steps: S1. The solution enters the concentration chamber through the inlet interface, and water molecules enter the water storage tank through the reverse osmosis membrane module. As the solute accumulates in the concentration chamber, the concentration of the solution in the concentration chamber increases to form concentrated liquid. The concentrated liquid is discharged through the outlet interface and collected. S2. When the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module is adhered to by solutes or crystals, causing the filtration effect of the reverse osmosis membrane module to decrease, the water in the water storage tank is passed through the cleaning component by the water suction pump. The cleaning component is used to rinse the reverse osmosis membrane module and the inner wall of the concentration chamber. Depending on the nature of the rinsed liquid, it is discharged through the drain valve or through the water outlet.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention uses backwashing to flush out deposits from the pores on the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane tube, thereby effectively increasing the water flux of the reverse osmosis membrane. At the same time, a hydraulic rod drives a flushing nozzle on the annular tube to flush out deposits from the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane tube. This dual flushing method increases the water flux of the reverse osmosis membrane tube, effectively improving the concentration efficiency of the reverse osmosis membrane module and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of point C in the middle.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse osmosis membrane module structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a top view of the annular tube structure of the present invention.

[0029] The components are as follows: 1-Concentration chamber, 11-Insert hole, 2-Reverse osmosis membrane module, 3-Inlet interface, 4-Outlet interface, 12-Drain valve, 13-Short pipe, 5-Outlet pipe, 51-Water pump, 6-Water storage tank, 7-Cleaning component, 8-Water supply hose, 81-Suction pump one, 21-Upper fixing component, 22-Lower fixing component, 23-Support filter screen, 24-Reverse osmosis membrane tube, 25-Sealing ring, 31-Flow rate sensor one, 32-Control valve one, 41-Flow rate sensor two, 42-Control valve two, 52-Backflush pipe, 53-Control valve three, 54-Control valve four, 55-Suction pump two, 71-Hydraulic rod, 72-Annular pipe, 73-Flush nozzle, 74-Flush water pipe, 14-Snap-fit ​​groove, 15-Observation tube, 16-Clean blockage. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Example 1: like Figure 1As shown in the figure, a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device includes a concentration chamber 1. The bottom of the concentration chamber 1 is provided with multiple insertion holes 11, and a reverse osmosis membrane module 2 is inserted into the insertion holes 11. The reverse osmosis membrane module 2 is threadedly connected to the bottom of the concentration chamber 1. The upper left side of the concentration chamber 1 is provided with an inlet port 3 for connecting an external inlet pipe, and the lower right side of the inlet port 3 is provided with an outlet port 4 for connecting an external outlet pipe. The bottom of the concentration chamber 1 is provided with a drain valve 12. The lower end of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 is connected to an outlet pipe 5 through a short pipe 13. The end of the outlet pipe 5 is connected to a water pump 51. The outlet of the water pump 51 is connected to a water storage tank 6. The top of the concentration chamber 1 is provided with multiple cleaning components 7 for cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane module 2. The cleaning components 7 are connected to a suction pump 81 installed inside the water storage tank 6 through a water supply hose 8.

[0031] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the reverse osmosis membrane assembly 2 includes an upper fixing member 21 and a lower fixing member 22. The upper fixing member 21 and the lower fixing member 22 are fixedly connected by a support filter screen 23. The outer side of the support filter screen 23 is wrapped with a reverse osmosis membrane tube 24. The outer wall of the lower fixing member 22 is threaded to the concentration chamber 1, and a sealing ring 25 is provided at the connection.

[0032] The support filter 23 provides strong support for the reverse osmosis membrane tube 24, preventing deformation of the reverse osmosis membrane tube 24 due to the internal and external pressure difference, which would lead to a decrease in the water flux of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2. The sealing ring 25 seals the lower fixing member 22 with the concentration chamber 1.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, a flow rate sensor 31 is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet 3, and a control valve 32 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the flow rate sensor 31.

[0034] The flow rate of the incoming liquid is controlled by a flow rate sensor 31 and a control valve 32.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, a flow rate sensor 41 is fixedly connected to the liquid outlet 4, and a control valve 42 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the flow rate sensor 41.

[0036] The flow rate of the liquid is controlled by flow sensor 241 and control valve 242.

[0037] like Figure 6As shown, the cleaning assembly 7 includes a hydraulic rod 71. The fixed end of the hydraulic rod 71 is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the concentration chamber 1. The telescopic end of the hydraulic rod 71 extends into the interior of the concentration chamber 1. An annular pipe 72 is fixedly attached to the lower end of the hydraulic rod 71. The annular pipe 72 is located outside the reverse osmosis membrane assembly 2. Multiple flushing nozzles 73 are fixedly connected to both the inner and outer sides of the annular pipe 72. A flushing water pipe 74 is connected to one side of the annular pipe 72. The upper end of the flushing water pipe 74 is fixedly connected to the water supply hose 8.

[0038] The hydraulic rod 71 drives the annular tube 72 to move up and down, thereby causing the flushing nozzle 73 on the annular tube 72 to flush the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2. The flushing nozzle 73 on the outside of the annular tube 72 can flush the inner wall of the concentration chamber 1.

[0039] Example 2: The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that, in this embodiment, the side wall of the water outlet pipe 5 is fixedly connected to a backflushing pipe 52, the backflushing pipe 52 and the water outlet pipe 5 are connected by a control valve 3 53, the middle of the water outlet pipe 5 is provided with a control valve 4 54, and the end of the backflushing pipe 52 is fixedly connected to a water pump 2 55 installed in the water storage tank 6.

[0040] Compared to Example 1, in this embodiment, water is introduced from the water storage tank 6 into the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 through the backflushing pipe 52, thereby flushing out the deposits on the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 from the pores of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2, so as to improve the filtration effect of the reverse osmosis module 2.

[0041] Example 3: The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that, in this embodiment, the inner top of the concentration chamber 1 is fixed with a plurality of snap-fit ​​grooves 14 for snapping onto the fixing member 21.

[0042] Compared to Example 2, in this embodiment, the upper end of the reverse osmosis membrane assembly 2 can be fixed by the snap-fit ​​groove 14, thereby improving the installation stability of the reverse osmosis membrane assembly 2.

[0043] Example 4: The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that, in this embodiment, an observation tube 15 for observing the water in the concentration chamber 1 is fixed at the bottom of the concentration chamber 1, and a cleaning plug 16 is threaded to the lower end of the observation tube 15.

[0044] Compared to Example 3, in this embodiment, the viscosity of the concentrate in the concentration chamber 1 or the content of crystalline salt in the concentrated salt solution can be observed through the observation tube 15, and the cleaning plug 16 facilitates the cleaning of the deposits attached to the inner wall of the observation tube 15.

[0045] Example 5: This embodiment provides a self-cleaning method for a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in Embodiment 4 above, including the following steps: S1. Insert the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 into the concentration chamber 1 through the insertion hole 11. The solution enters the concentration chamber 1 through the liquid inlet 3. Powered by the water pump 51, water molecules enter the water storage tank 6 through the reverse osmosis membrane module 2. As the solute accumulates in the concentration chamber 1, the concentration of the solution in the concentration chamber 1 increases to form a concentrated liquid. The concentrated liquid is discharged through the liquid outlet 4 and collected. S2. When the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 is adhered to by solutes or crystals, causing the filtration effect of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 to decrease, water in the water storage tank 6 is pumped through the cleaning component 7 by the suction pump 81. The cleaning component 7 is used to rinse the inner wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 and the concentration chamber 1. The extension end of the hydraulic rod 71 drives the annular pipe 72 to move up and down, thereby driving the flushing nozzle 73 to rinse the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module 2 and the inner wall of the concentration chamber 1. Depending on the properties of the flushed liquid, it can be discharged through the drain valve 12 or through the water outlet 4. If the mixed liquid after cleaning is a concentrated liquid with the same solute as the entering solution, it can be discharged through the water outlet 4. If there are many pollutants in the mixed liquid after cleaning, it can be discharged through the drain valve 12.

[0046] The drain valve 12, water pump 51, suction pump 81, flow rate sensor 31, control valve 32, flow rate sensor 41, control valve 42, control valve 53, control valve 54, and suction pump 55 used in the above embodiments are all commercially available products. As long as they can achieve the function of the present invention, they are acceptable. Those skilled in the art can choose to use them based on common sense, and no special limitations are made here.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device, characterized in that, The system includes a concentration chamber (1), which has multiple insertion holes (11) at its bottom. A reverse osmosis membrane module (2) is inserted into each insertion hole (11). The reverse osmosis membrane module (2) is threaded to the bottom of the concentration chamber (1). An inlet port (3) for an external inlet pipe is located on the upper left side of the concentration chamber (1). An outlet port (4) for an external outlet pipe is located on the lower right side of the inlet port (3). A drain valve (12) is located at the bottom of the concentration chamber (1). A water outlet pipe (5) is connected to the lower end of the reverse osmosis membrane module (2) via a short pipe (13). A water pump (51) is connected to the end of the water outlet pipe (5). A water storage tank (6) is connected to the outlet of the water pump (51). A cleaning assembly (7) for cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane module (2) is located on the top of the concentration chamber (1). The cleaning assembly (7) is connected to a suction pump (81) installed inside the water storage tank (6) via a water supply hose (8).

2. The self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis membrane assembly (2) includes an upper fixing member (21) and a lower fixing member (22). The upper fixing member (21) and the lower fixing member (22) are fixedly connected by a support filter (23). The outer side of the support filter (23) is wrapped with a reverse osmosis membrane tube (24). The outer wall of the lower fixing member (22) is threaded to the concentration chamber (1), and a sealing ring (25) is provided at the connection.

3. The self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A flow rate sensor (31) is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet (3), and a control valve (32) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the flow rate sensor (31).

4. The self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet (4) is fixedly connected to a flow rate sensor (41), and the lower end of the flow rate sensor (41) is fixedly connected to a control valve (42).

5. A self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The side wall of the outlet pipe (5) is fixedly connected to a backflush pipe (52), and the backflush pipe (52) is fixedly connected to the outlet pipe (5) by a control valve three (53). The outlet pipe (5) is provided with a control valve four (54) in the middle. The end of the backflush pipe (52) is fixedly connected to a water pump two (55) installed in the water storage tank (6).

6. The self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly (7) includes a hydraulic rod (71), the fixed end of which is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the concentration chamber (1), the telescopic end of which extends into the concentration chamber (1), and an annular tube (72) fixedly attached to the lower end of the hydraulic rod (71). The annular tube (72) is located outside the reverse osmosis membrane assembly (2), and multiple flushing nozzles (73) are fixedly connected to both the inner and outer sides of the annular tube (72). A flushing water pipe (74) is connected to one side of the annular tube (72), and the upper end of the flushing water pipe (74) is fixedly connected to the water supply hose (8).

7. A self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly (7) includes a hydraulic rod (71), the fixed end of which is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the concentration chamber (1), the telescopic end of which extends into the interior of the concentration chamber (1), and an annular tube (72) fixedly attached to the lower end of the hydraulic rod (71). The annular tube (72) is located outside the reverse osmosis membrane assembly (2), and multiple flushing nozzles (73) are fixedly connected to both the inner and outer sides of the annular tube (72). A flushing water pipe (74) is fixedly connected to the water supply hose (8) on one side of the annular tube (72).

8. A self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the concentration chamber (1) is fixed with an observation tube (15) for observing the water in the concentration chamber (1), and the lower end of the observation tube (15) is threaded with a cleaning plug (16).

9. A self-cleaning method for a self-cleaning reverse osmosis concentration device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The solution enters the concentration chamber (1) through the inlet port (3), and water molecules enter the water storage tank (6) through the reverse osmosis membrane module (2). As the solute accumulates in the concentration chamber (1), the concentration of the solution in the concentration chamber (1) increases to form a concentrated liquid. The concentrated liquid is discharged through the outlet port (4) and then collected. S2. When the outer wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module (2) is attached by solute or crystals, causing the filtration effect of the reverse osmosis membrane module (2) to decrease, the water in the water storage tank (6) is flushed through the cleaning component (7) by the water pump (81). The inner wall of the reverse osmosis membrane module (2) and the concentration chamber (1) is flushed through the cleaning component (7). Depending on the nature of the flushed liquid, it is discharged through the drain valve (12) or through the water outlet (4).

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