Pollution and blockage simulation device for reverse osmosis membrane

Abstract

The utility model discloses a reverse osmosis membrane pollution and blockage simulation device which comprises a raw water container, a peristaltic pump, an observation mechanism and a flow meter which are connected through a hose, the observation mechanism comprises an observation window and a membrane assembly arranged in the observation window, and a feeding pressure testing unit and a discharging pressure testing unit are arranged above and below the membrane assembly respectively. The device is simple in design and easy to operate, a user only needs to load the membrane into the device and adjust related parameters to start simulation, the operation process is greatly simplified, and the operation cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of wastewater treatment, specifically a reverse osmosis membrane fouling and clogging simulation device. Background Technology

[0002] Membrane separation technology is widely used in reclaimed water treatment processes in my country, but membrane fouling has always been a major obstacle to its widespread application, especially the reverse osmosis membrane at the end of the process, which faces serious interference from membrane fouling and clogging. A thorough understanding of the causes of membrane fouling and clogging is crucial for developing membrane cleaning methods, improving reclaimed water treatment efficiency, and promoting the sustainable use of water resources. The main causes of membrane fouling include high levels of suspended solids, colloids, and organic matter in the raw water, excessive microbial growth on the membrane surface, calcium and magnesium ions depositing on the membrane surface to form scale, and insufficient pretreatment and incomplete backwashing. These factors lead to decreased permeate flow and reduced desalination rates, resulting in increased cleaning and membrane replacement frequency, which increases operating costs and reduces operating efficiency. However, the analysis and verification of the causes of membrane fouling in reclaimed water treatment plants mainly relies on individual pilot-scale units within the plant, lacking reasonable, reliable, and simple simulation devices. This results in a significant waste of resources and poor accuracy. Based on this problem, a reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device was designed.

[0003] In summary, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is:

[0004] (1) Difficulty in membrane sampling: Membrane sampling is a complex and difficult task in reclaimed water treatment process equipment or pilot equipment, which limits the real-time monitoring and analysis of membrane fouling and clogging.

[0005] (2) Untimely characterization analysis of membrane samples: After the membrane samples are taken from the reclaimed water treatment equipment or pilot equipment, they need to be sent to the laboratory for analysis. During transportation, the microorganisms on the membrane may have changed, which makes it impossible to accurately characterize the membrane samples and affects the rapid response and treatment of membrane fouling.

[0006] (3) Experimental cost and efficiency: Hollow membrane columns used in reclaimed water treatment equipment or pilot-scale equipment are expensive and difficult to reuse after sampling. Moreover, each experiment requires resampling, which not only increases experimental cost but also reduces experimental efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0007] In response to the problems mentioned above, this utility model proposes a reverse osmosis membrane fouling and clogging simulation device, the specific solution of which is as follows:

[0008] A reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device is characterized in that it includes a raw water container, a peristaltic pump, an observation mechanism, and a flow meter connected by a hose; the observation mechanism includes an observation window and a membrane module disposed in the observation window, and a feed pressure test unit and a discharge pressure test unit are respectively disposed above and below the membrane module.

[0009] Preferably, the observation mechanism further includes a top cover and a bottom cover connected to each other, the observation window is embedded in the middle of the top cover, the membrane assembly is installed between the top cover and the bottom cover, the feed pressure test unit passes through the observation window and is located above the membrane assembly, and the discharge pressure test unit passes through the bottom cover and is located below the membrane assembly.

[0010] More preferably, the top cover and the bottom cover are connected by a support rod and a fixing nut.

[0011] More preferably, the bottom of both ends of the bottom cover is fitted with support legs.

[0012] More preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the bottom of the top cover and the membrane assembly, and between the bottom cover and the membrane assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the feed pressure testing unit includes a feed inlet located above the membrane assembly through an observation window and a pressure gauge before membrane flow.

[0014] More preferably, the discharge pressure testing unit includes a discharge port passing through the bottom cover and located below the membrane assembly, and a pressure gauge after membrane flow, wherein the discharge port is connected to the pressure gauge after membrane flow.

[0015] Preferably, the exhaust valve is located above the membrane assembly through the observation window.

[0016] Preferably, the membrane module is an ultrafiltration membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane laid flat on a support plate.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. Improve experimental efficiency: By simulating actual working conditions in the laboratory, the complexity and uncertainty of on-site sampling are avoided;

[0019] This device can simulate actual reverse osmosis membrane treatment conditions in a laboratory environment, avoiding the complexity and difficulty of sampling, analysis, and verification in actual reclaimed water treatment equipment or pilot-scale equipment.

[0020] 2. Improve the accuracy and reliability of data: Real-time observation and rapid characterization analysis reduce experimental errors caused by factors such as microbial changes;

[0021] By setting hydrodynamic conditions such as feed water quality and flow rate, as well as the properties of the reverse osmosis membrane, this device can be used to simulate the actual operation of the reverse osmosis membrane, significantly improving the efficiency of membrane fouling and clogging analysis.

[0022] The pressure gauge and observation window of the device enable users to observe the pressure difference before and after membrane passage and the state of the sample membrane in real time, and to perform timely and accurate characterization analysis, which is crucial for understanding the dynamic process of membrane fouling.

[0023] 3. In addition, this device can be used to verify the effectiveness of membrane fouling treatment for different types of membrane fouling, such as optimizing membrane cleaning technology, improving membrane material design, and optimizing operating parameters. These all help to improve the stability and treatment efficiency of the membrane system, reduce the frequency of on-site membrane replacement and cleaning, reduce membrane maintenance-related costs, and save on reagents and energy consumption.

[0024] This device is simple in design and easy to operate. Users only need to load the membrane into the device and adjust the relevant parameters to start the simulation, which greatly simplifies the operation process and saves operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that these drawings are designed for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. In addition, unless otherwise specified, these drawings are intended only to conceptually illustrate the structural construction described herein and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of this utility model;

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1-Exhaust valve; 2-Observation window; 3-Inlet; 4-Pre-membrane pressure gauge; 5-Support rod fixing nut; 6-Sealing ring; 7-Outlet; 8-Post-membrane pressure gauge; 9-Support leg; 10-Top cover; 11-Bottom cover; 12-Peristaltic pump; 13-Flow meter; 14-Raw water container. Detailed Implementation

[0030] First, it should be noted that the specific structure, features, and advantages of this utility model will be described in detail below by way of examples. However, all descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the utility model in any way. Furthermore, any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments mentioned herein, or any single technical feature shown or implied in the accompanying drawings, can still be arbitrarily combined or deleted among these technical features to obtain more other embodiments of this utility model that may not be directly mentioned herein. Additionally, for the sake of simplifying the drawings, the same or similar technical features may be indicated only in one place in the same drawing.

[0031] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," and "screw-fitting," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection, or, as described below, in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 2 This utility model is described in detail.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] A reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device is characterized in that it includes a raw water container 14, a peristaltic pump 11, an observation mechanism and a flow meter 13 connected by a hose; the observation mechanism includes an observation window 2 and a membrane module disposed in the observation window 2, and a feed pressure test unit and a discharge pressure test unit are respectively disposed above and below the membrane module.

[0034] Working principle:

[0035] This device uses a feed pressure testing unit, a discharge pressure testing unit, and an observation window 2 to monitor the pressure difference before and after membrane flow and the state of the sample membrane in real time, recording experimental data promptly. Users can adjust parameters such as feed water quality, pressure difference before and after membrane flow, and running time according to the experimental objectives to simulate different membrane fouling conditions.

[0036] Hose, flow meter 13, peristaltic pump 2, and other components of appropriate size as required.

[0037] It is important to note that unused single-piece sample membrane modules should be placed into the device first before conducting filtration experiments, rather than taking membrane samples from an already running multilayer membrane column.

[0038] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the observation mechanism may also include a top cover 10 and a bottom cover 11 connected to each other, the observation window 2 is embedded in the middle of the top cover 10, the membrane assembly is installed between the top cover 10 and the bottom cover 11, the feed pressure test unit passes through the observation window 2 and is located above the membrane assembly, and the discharge pressure test unit passes through the bottom cover 11 and is located below the membrane assembly.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top cover 10 and the bottom cover 11 can be connected by a support rod and a fixing nut 5.

[0040] In this embodiment, the top cover 10 and the bottom cover 11 are fixed by the support rod and the fixing nut 5 to ensure the stability of the membrane assembly during the experiment.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, support legs 9 can be installed at both ends of the bottom of the bottom cover 11. The support legs 9 provide stability.

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiments, sealing rings 6 can be provided between the bottom of the top cover 10 and the membrane assembly, and between the bottom cover 11 and the membrane assembly.

[0043] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 6 is installed between the contact surface of the membrane assembly and the top cover 10 or the bottom cover 11 to prevent liquid leakage. This design is compact and has good airtightness, ensuring that there is no liquid leakage during the experiment and guaranteeing the safety and accuracy of the experiment.

[0044] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the feed pressure testing unit may include a feed inlet 3 located above the membrane assembly through the observation window 2 and a pre-membrane pressure gauge 4.

[0045] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the discharge pressure testing unit may include a discharge port 7 passing through the bottom cover 11 and located below the membrane assembly, and a post-membrane pressure gauge 8, wherein the discharge port 7 is connected to the post-membrane pressure gauge 8.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the pressure gauge 4 before membrane transfer and the pressure gauge 8 after membrane transfer are used to measure the pressure difference across the membrane module. The pressure difference before and after membrane transfer and the state of the sample membrane are observed in real time through the pressure gauge 4 before membrane transfer, the pressure gauge 8 after membrane transfer, and the observation window 2, allowing for timely recording of experimental data.

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an exhaust valve 1 can be positioned above the membrane assembly, passing through the observation window 2. The exhaust valve 1 is used to release internal gas.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the membrane assembly may be an ultrafiltration membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane laid flat on a support pore plate.

[0049] In this embodiment, a support plate is designed for mounting ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis membranes to ensure membrane flatness and experimental stability.

[0050] Work process:

[0051] Step 1: Membrane Installation: Install the ultrafiltration membrane or reverse osmosis membrane into the device and lay it flat on the support plate;

[0052] Step 2: Airtightness test: After closing the device, test its airtightness to ensure that there will be no liquid leakage during the experiment.

[0053] Step 3: Connect the experimental setup: Connect the raw water container 14, the peristaltic pump 12, this device, and the flow meter 13 using a flexible hose;

[0054] Step 4: Parameter settings: Adjust parameters such as influent water quality and pressure difference according to experimental requirements;

[0055] Step 5: Simulation experiment: The water sample in the raw water container 14 is sucked into the device of this invention through the peristaltic pump 12 and passed through the membrane to simulate the membrane fouling process under actual working conditions.

[0056] Step Six: Sample Membrane Characterization and Analysis: After the simulation experiment, the sample membrane should be characterized and analyzed as soon as possible to study the components and distribution of membrane fouling.

[0057] Step 7: Real-time observation and data recording: Through the pressure gauge 4 before membrane passage, the pressure gauge 8 after membrane passage, and the observation window 2, users can observe the pressure difference before and after membrane passage and the state of the sample membrane in real time, and record experimental data in a timely manner.

[0058] This invention simplifies the experimental process, reduces the frequency of membrane replacement, eliminates the need for sampling from large membrane columns, lowers experimental costs, avoids waste, and improves experimental efficiency.

[0059] Because this device is simple and flexible, it can simulate various conditions in the laboratory, thus enabling rapid characterization and analysis of sample membranes, reducing experimental errors caused by factors such as microbial changes, and improving the reliability of experimental data.

[0060] Through the above technical solutions, the present invention can provide an efficient, low-cost, and reliable experimental platform for membrane fouling research, which helps to deepen the understanding of membrane fouling mechanisms and optimize the application of membrane separation technology.

[0061] The above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, but the content described is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device, characterized in that: It includes a raw water container (14), a peristaltic pump (12), an observation mechanism, and a flow meter (13) connected by a hose; the observation mechanism includes an observation window (2) and a membrane module disposed in the observation window (2), and a feed pressure test unit and a discharge pressure test unit are respectively disposed above and below the membrane module; The observation mechanism also includes a top cover (10) and a bottom cover (11) connected to each other. The observation window (2) is embedded in the middle of the top cover (10). The membrane assembly is installed between the top cover (10) and the bottom cover (11). The feed pressure test unit passes through the observation window (2) and is located above the membrane assembly. The discharge pressure test unit passes through the bottom cover (11) and is located below the membrane assembly. The top cover (10) and the bottom cover (11) are connected by a support rod and a fixing nut (5); A sealing ring (6) is provided between the bottom of the top cover (10) and the membrane assembly, and between the bottom cover (11) and the membrane assembly.

2. The reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Support legs (9) are installed at both ends of the bottom of the bottom cover (11).

3. A reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The feed pressure testing unit includes a feed inlet (3) located above the membrane assembly through an observation window (2) and a pressure gauge (4) before the membrane passes through.

4. A reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The discharge pressure testing unit includes a discharge port (7) located below the membrane assembly through the bottom cover (11) and a pressure gauge (8) after membrane flow. The discharge port (7) is connected to the pressure gauge (8) after membrane flow.

5. The reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An exhaust valve (1) is located above the membrane assembly through an observation window (2).

6. The reverse osmosis membrane fouling simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The membrane module is an ultrafiltration membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane laid flat on a support plate.

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