Water purifier

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of water purification equipment, and discloses a water purifier which comprises a first RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane filter element, a booster pump, a front filter element, a second RO membrane filter element and a rear filter element, and the booster pump and the front filter element are connected in series and are connected with a water inlet end of the first RO membrane filter element; the water inlet end of the second RO membrane filter element is connected with the concentrated water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element, the purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter element and the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element are arranged in parallel, and the flux of the second RO membrane filter element is smaller than that of the first RO membrane filter element; the rear filter element is connected to the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element and the purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter element. According to the water purifier, only the second RO membrane filter element needs to be replaced, and the later maintenance cost is low.

Description

water purifier Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water purification equipment technology, and in particular to a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] Reverse osmosis water purifiers (also known as RO water purifiers) are machines that mainly use the reverse osmosis principle of RO membrane filter cartridges to treat water. During use, because tap water is concentrated, the components that cause scale buildup in the water will precipitate out, causing scale to form on the RO membrane filter cartridge. After scale buildup, the flow rate of the RO membrane filter cartridge will gradually decrease. Therefore, after a period of use, consumers need to replace the entire RO membrane filter cartridge.

[0003] In reality, for high-flow reverse osmosis water purifiers currently on the market, the flow rate of the RO membrane filter is still relatively high when the filter is replaced. Replacing the RO membrane filter at this time greatly increases the cost for consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water purifier that solves the problem of high cost of replacing RO membrane filter cartridges.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A water purifier includes a first RO membrane filter, a booster pump, a pre-filter, a second RO membrane filter, and a post-filter. The booster pump and the pre-filter are connected in series and connected to the inlet end of the first RO membrane filter. The inlet end of the second RO membrane filter is connected to the concentrate outlet end of the first RO membrane filter. The purified water outlet ends of the second RO membrane filter and the purified water outlet ends of the first RO membrane filter are connected in parallel. The flux of the second RO membrane filter is less than that of the first RO membrane filter. The post-filter is connected to both the purified water outlet ends of the first RO membrane filter and the purified water outlet ends of the second RO membrane filter.

[0007] Optionally, the second RO membrane filter, the pre-filter, and the post-filter are combined to form a composite filter.

[0008] Optionally, the flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element to the second RO membrane filter element is greater than or equal to 2:1.

[0009] Optionally, the flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element to the second RO membrane filter element is 10:1.

[0010] Optionally, the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump.

[0011] Optionally, the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter element is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump.

[0012] Optionally, the water purifier includes a four-way valve, which includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter element, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the post-filter element, the second inlet is connected to the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the booster pump. A first valve is provided between the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element and the second inlet, and a second valve is provided between the second outlet and the inlet of the booster pump.

[0013] Optionally, a third valve is connected between the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element and the concentrated water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element.

[0014] Optionally, the pre-filter is disposed at the inlet end of the booster pump, and a fourth valve is disposed between the outlet end of the pre-filter and the inlet end of the booster pump.

[0015] Optionally, the pre-filter is a PP cotton + activated carbon filter, and the post-filter is an activated carbon filter.

[0016] Optionally, the concentrate outlet of the second RO membrane filter element is provided with a wastewater ratio.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The water purifier proposed in this invention places a first RO membrane filter element with a larger flow rate at the front and a second RO membrane filter element with a smaller flow rate at the back. When raw water enters the purifier, it first passes through the first RO membrane filter element. The concentrated water produced by the first RO membrane filter element then passes through the second RO membrane filter element. The performance of the first RO membrane filter element does not degrade or its degradation time is significantly prolonged, while the second RO membrane filter element is clogged first. Therefore, only the second RO membrane filter element needs to be replaced periodically. Furthermore, the cost of the RO membrane filter element is related to its flow rate; the higher the flow rate, the higher the cost of the RO membrane filter element. Therefore, this invention can significantly reduce the cost of replacing the RO membrane filter element in the water purifier. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the water purifier in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 is a comparison chart of the pure water flow rate of existing water purifiers and the water purifier in the embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] In the picture:

[0021] 1. Pre-filter; 2. Booster pump; 3. First RO membrane filter; 4. Second RO membrane filter; 5. Wastewater ratio; 6. Second valve; 7. Post-filter; 8. First valve; 9. Third valve; 10. Fourth valve. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0026] For RO membrane filter cartridges, because the raw water is concentrated in the RO membrane filter cartridge, the components that cause scaling in the water will precipitate out, causing scaling in the RO membrane filter cartridge. Moreover, scaling will start from the water outlet of the RO membrane filter cartridge (including the concentrated water outlet and the purified water outlet) and gradually extend towards the water inlet.

[0027] Based on this, referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of this utility model proposes a water purifier, including a booster pump 2, a pre-filter 1, a first RO membrane filter 3, a second RO membrane filter 4, and a post-filter 7. The booster pump 2 and the pre-filter 1 are connected in series and connected to the inlet end of the first RO membrane filter 3. The booster pump 2 is used to increase the water pressure at the inlet end of the first RO membrane filter 3, thereby enabling the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4 to work normally. The pre-filter 1 is used to remove larger particles, suspended solids, or some colloids in the water, which helps to extend the service life of the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4, while also reducing the working pressure of the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4. The inlet end of the second RO membrane filter 4 is connected to the concentrate outlet end of the first RO membrane filter 3. The purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter 4 and the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter 3 are connected in parallel. The post-filter 7 is connected to the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter 3 and the purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter 4. The post-filter 7 is used to remove odors, organic matter, etc. from the water, which can effectively improve the taste of the water. The outlet end of the post-filter 7 is provided with a first pure water outlet, and the concentrate outlet end of the second RO membrane filter 4 is provided with a wastewater outlet. The flux of the second RO membrane filter 4 is less than that of the first RO membrane filter 3. The difference in flux between the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4 is reflected in the area and material of the first RO membrane filter 3.

[0028] The aforementioned water purifier divides the existing RO membrane filter into two parts. The first RO membrane filter 3, with a higher flow rate, is placed first, while the second RO membrane filter 4, with a lower flow rate, is placed later. When raw water enters the purifier, it first passes through the first RO membrane filter 3. The concentrated water produced by the first RO membrane filter 3 then passes through the second RO membrane filter 4. The performance of the first RO membrane filter 3 does not deteriorate or its deterioration time is significantly prolonged, while the second RO membrane filter 4 is the first to become clogged. Therefore, only the second RO membrane filter 4 needs to be replaced periodically. The cost of the RO membrane filter is related to its flow rate; the higher the flow rate, the higher the cost. Therefore, this design significantly reduces the cost of replacing the RO membrane filter in the water purifier.

[0029] For example, the pre-filter 1 uses a PP cotton + activated carbon filter, and the post-filter 7 uses an activated carbon filter. It is understood that the activated carbon in the pre-filter 1 and the activated carbon in the post-filter 7 have different processing techniques and particle sizes. To improve the service life of the booster pump 2, the pre-filter 1 is located at the inlet end of the booster pump 2.

[0030] Understandably, pre-filter 1 and post-filter 7 also need to be replaced periodically due to performance degradation caused by adsorption and interception of pollutants. Therefore, the second RO membrane filter 4, together with pre-filter 1 and post-filter 7, forms a composite filter element, which is replaced together with the pre-filter. Specifically, the composite filter element has a first transfer port and a second transfer port located between the outlet of pre-filter 1 and the inlet of the second RO membrane filter 4. The first transfer port connects to the inlet of the first RO membrane filter 3, and the second transfer port connects to the concentrate outlet of the first RO membrane filter 3.

[0031] The flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element 3 to the second RO membrane filter element 4 is greater than or equal to 2:1. It is worth noting that the flux of the second RO membrane filter element 4 can be adjusted according to the replacement times of the pre-filter element 1 and the post-filter element 7, so that the optimal replacement time of the second RO membrane filter element 4 is consistent with the replacement times of the pre-filter element 1 and the post-filter element 7. This ensures full utilization of the second RO membrane filter element 4, the pre-filter element 1, and the post-filter element 7. The optimal replacement time of the second RO membrane filter element 4 refers to the moment when the flux significantly decreases, making it difficult to effectively purify water. In one embodiment, the flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element 3 to the second RO membrane filter element 4 is 10:1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, assuming a 1000G RO water purifier using a single RO membrane filter cartridge has a lifespan of 4 years and an initial flux of 1200G, a new 1200G RO membrane filter cartridge is replaced at the end of the fourth year, resulting in a total initial flux of 2400G for the RO membrane filter cartridges used. In the above embodiment, a first RO membrane filter cartridge 3 with an initial flux of 1000G and a second RO membrane filter cartridge 4 with an initial flux of 50G are used. A new 50G second RO membrane filter cartridge 4 is replaced at the end of each year. By the end of the 8th year, the total initial flux of the RO membrane filter cartridges used is 1400G, significantly less than the 2400G of the traditional solution. Therefore, the replacement cost is lower for consumers.

[0033] Referring again to Figure 1, the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter 4 is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump 2. When the water purifier first starts operating, the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter 4 is connected to the inlet of the booster pump 2, allowing the purified water produced by the second RO membrane filter 4 to return to the first RO membrane filter 3 for reprocessing, thereby improving the desalination rate of the first cup water. After a preset time period, the connection between the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter 4 and the purified water outlet of the booster pump 2 is disconnected, allowing the purified water produced by both the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4 to flow simultaneously out of the first pure water outlet. For example, the preset time period is set to 10 seconds.

[0034] In addition, the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter 3 is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump 2. When the water purifier is stationary, the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter 3 is connected to the inlet of the booster pump 2. Therefore, the purified water generated by the first RO membrane filter 3 can be used to rinse the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4, thereby extending the service life of the first RO membrane filter 3 and the second RO membrane filter 4.

[0035] Specifically, the water purifier includes a four-way valve, which comprises a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet connects to the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter element 3, the first outlet connects to the inlet of the post-filter element 7, the second inlet connects to the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4, and the second outlet connects to the inlet of the booster pump 2. A first valve 8 is installed between the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4 and the second inlet, and a second valve 6 is installed between the second outlet and the inlet of the booster pump 2. The first valve 8 and the second valve 6 are connected in series. Compared to the first valve 8 and the second valve 6 being connected in parallel, this saves the length of the pipes used to connect the first RO membrane filter element 3, the second RO membrane filter element 4, and the booster pump 2, further reducing the manufacturing cost of the water purifier. When the first valve 8 and the second valve 6 are opened simultaneously, the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane is connected to the inlet of the first RO membrane filter element 3; when the first valve 8 is closed and the second valve 6 is opened, the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter element 3 is connected to the inlet of the first RO membrane filter element 3; when the first valve 8 is opened and the second valve 6 is closed, the purified water generated by the first RO membrane filter element 3 and the second RO membrane filter element 4 flows to the post-filter element 7 simultaneously.

[0036] In order to discharge the water used for cleaning the first RO membrane filter element 3 and the second RO membrane filter element 4 from the wastewater outlet, the clean water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4 is connected to the concentrated water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4. At the same time, a third valve 9 is connected between the clean water outlet and the concentrated water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4. The third valve 9 is set in parallel with the first valve 8. When the third valve 9 is open, the clean water outlet and the concentrated water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4 are connected.

[0037] In addition, a fourth valve 10 is installed between the outlet of the pre-filter 1 and the inlet of the booster pump 2. The fourth valve 10 is used to cut off the water supply when the water purifier is not working. The reason why the fourth valve 10 is located at the outlet of the pre-filter 1 is to prevent impurities in the water from causing the fourth valve 10 to malfunction.

[0038] For example, the first valve 8, the second valve 6, the third valve 9 and the fourth valve 10 are all solenoid valves to achieve automatic control.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the concentrate outlet of the second RO membrane filter element 4 is also equipped with a wastewater ratio 5, which is used to control the concentrate flow rate of the second RO membrane filter element 4.

[0040] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water purifier, characterized in that, The water purifier includes: a first RO membrane filter element (3); a booster pump (2) and a pre-filter element (1), wherein the booster pump (2) and the pre-filter element (1) are connected in series and connected to the inlet end of the first RO membrane filter element (3); a second RO membrane filter element (4), wherein the inlet end of the second RO membrane filter element (4) is connected to the concentrated water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element (3), and the purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter element (4) and the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element (3) are connected in parallel, wherein the flux of the second RO membrane filter element (4) is less than the flux of the first RO membrane filter element (3); and a post-filter element (7), wherein the post-filter element (7) is connected to the purified water outlet end of the first RO membrane filter element (3) and the purified water outlet end of the second RO membrane filter element (4).

2. The water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second RO membrane filter element (4), the pre-filter element (1), and the post-filter element (7) are combined to form a composite filter element.

3. The water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element (3) to the second RO membrane filter element (4) is greater than or equal to 2:

1.

4. The water purifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flux ratio of the first RO membrane filter element (3) to the second RO membrane filter element (4) is 10:

1.

5. The water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter (4) is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump (2).

6. The water purifier according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter element (3) is selectively connected to the inlet of the booster pump (2).

7. The water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water purifier includes a four-way valve, which includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the purified water outlet of the first RO membrane filter (3), the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the post-filter (7), the second inlet is connected to the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter (4), and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the booster pump (2). A first valve (8) is provided between the purified water outlet of the second RO membrane filter (4) and the second inlet, and a second valve (6) is provided between the second outlet and the inlet of the booster pump (2).

8. The water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, A third valve (9) is connected between the clean water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element (4) and the concentrated water outlet of the second RO membrane filter element (4).

9. The water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pre-filter (1) is located at the inlet of the booster pump (2), and a fourth valve (10) is provided between the outlet of the pre-filter (1) and the inlet of the booster pump (2).

10. The water purifier according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The pre-filter (1) is made of PP cotton and activated carbon, and the post-filter (7) is made of activated carbon.

11. The water purifier according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second RO membrane filter element (4) is equipped with a wastewater ratio (5) at the concentrate outlet.

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