Water purification system for retaining minerals
By combining nanofiltration and reverse osmosis filter cartridges, the problems of insufficient minerals and excessive sodium ions in the water purification system are solved, achieving stable mineral concentration and preventing scaling.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522520447.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-27
AI Technical Summary
In existing water purification systems, reverse osmosis filters remove most mineral ions, resulting in water that is close to pure water but cannot meet users' mineral requirements. At the same time, there is a risk of excessive sodium ions and scaling, and the mineral concentration is unstable.
The system uses a combination of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis filter cartridges. The filtered water from the nanofiltration cartridge enters the reverse osmosis cartridge, and the filtered water from the reverse osmosis cartridge is mixed with the input water before entering the nanofiltration cartridge for filtration. The concentrate from the nanofiltration cartridge is used as the output water through control valves and proportional valves, while the pure water is refluxed to reduce TDS and ensure the mineral and sodium ion content.
It achieves the goal of retaining minerals while reducing sodium ion content, preventing scaling, ensuring stable mineral concentration, and providing water with high mineral content and low TDS.
Smart Images
Figure CN224930352U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water purification technology, and in particular to a water purification system that retains minerals. Background Technology
[0002] A water purification system is a system that purifies water through one or more stages of filtration. Currently, the main filter cartridges on the market are reverse osmosis filter cartridges. Reverse osmosis filter cartridges can filter out most ions, including mineral ions. Water that has passed through a reverse osmosis filter cartridge will be close to pure water, but it cannot meet the user's needs for minerals.
[0003] There are two existing technologies for preparing mineral water: one is to selectively remove heavy metals, microorganisms, and organic pollutants from tap water while retaining the minerals; the other is to directly add minerals, such as strontium and metasilicate, to the water after reverse osmosis filtration. The first method produces water rich in sodium ions, posing a risk of excessive sodium levels. Furthermore, in areas with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), scale buildup can occur when boiling water, affecting user experience. The second method produces water with unstable mineral concentrations, starting high and decreasing towards the end of the filter's lifespan, requiring filter replacement at the end of its lifespan and increasing user costs. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water purification system that retains minerals, while preventing excessive sodium ions and scaling, and helping to ensure stable mineral concentration.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A water purification system that retains minerals is provided, comprising a nanofiltration filter cartridge and a reverse osmosis filter cartridge. The filtered water from the nanofiltration filter cartridge enters the reverse osmosis filter cartridge for filtration. The filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter cartridge is mixed with the water to be input and then enters the nanofiltration filter cartridge for filtration. The concentrate from the nanofiltration filter cartridge is the water to be output.
[0007] Optionally, it also includes a pre-filter, through which the water source is filtered to become the water to be input.
[0008] Optionally, it also includes a control valve, which is disposed on the output line of the pre-filter.
[0009] Optionally, the pre-filter element is a PP filter element combined with activated carbon.
[0010] Optionally, it also includes a post-filter, through which the water to be output is filtered to obtain the final product water.
[0011] Optionally, the post-filter element is an activated carbon rod and / or a PES filter membrane.
[0012] Optionally, it also includes a liquid pump, wherein the filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter element is mixed with the water to be input and then enters the nanofiltration filter element for filtration via the liquid pump.
[0013] Optionally, it also includes a first proportional valve, which is disposed on the concentrate pipeline of the nanofiltration cartridge.
[0014] Optionally, it also includes a second proportional valve, which is disposed on the concentrate line of the reverse osmosis filter element.
[0015] Optionally, it also includes a one-way valve, which is disposed on the filter water pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element, and the one-way valve is used to prevent the water to be input from entering the filter water pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0017] This invention provides a mineral-retaining water purification system, comprising a nanofiltration cartridge and a reverse osmosis cartridge. Water filtered by the nanofiltration cartridge enters the reverse osmosis cartridge for further filtration. The filtered water from the reverse osmosis cartridge is mixed with the input water and then enters the nanofiltration cartridge for filtration again. The concentrate from the nanofiltration cartridge is the output water. The filtered water from the nanofiltration cartridge is rich in monovalent ions, while the concentrate is rich in divalent ions. Water predominantly containing divalent ions is output as mineral water. The water predominantly containing monovalent ions is further filtered by the reverse osmosis cartridge to obtain pure water and concentrate. The pure water has a very low sodium ion content. This pure water is recycled and mixed with the input water before entering the nanofiltration cartridge, thus reducing the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water entering the nanofiltration cartridge. Therefore, this mineral-retaining water purification system can produce water with high mineral content, low sodium ion content, and low TDS. It retains minerals while preventing excessive sodium ion levels and scaling, and helps maintain stable mineral concentrations. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mineral-retaining water purification system provided in this embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] In the picture:
[0020] 1. Nanofiltration filter element; 2. Reverse osmosis filter element; 3. Pre-filter element; 4. Control valve; 5. Post-filter element; 6. Liquid pump; 7. First proportional valve; 8. Second proportional valve; 9. Check valve. Detailed Implementation
[0021] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.
[0022] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.
[0023] In this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.
[0024] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.
[0025] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the values and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values that do not use relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.
[0026] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.
[0027] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.
[0028] A water purification system is a system that purifies water through one or more stages of filtration. Currently, the main filter cartridges on the market are reverse osmosis filter cartridges. Reverse osmosis filter cartridges can filter out most ions, including mineral ions. Water that has passed through a reverse osmosis filter cartridge will be close to pure water, but it cannot meet the user's needs for minerals.
[0029] There are two existing technologies for preparing mineral water: one is to selectively remove heavy metals, microorganisms, and organic pollutants from tap water while retaining the minerals; the other is to directly add minerals, such as strontium and metasilicate, to the water after reverse osmosis filtration. The first method produces water rich in sodium ions, posing a risk of excessive sodium levels. Furthermore, in areas with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), scale buildup can occur when boiling water, affecting user experience. The second method produces water with unstable mineral concentrations, starting high and decreasing towards the end of the filter's lifespan, requiring filter replacement at the end of its lifespan and increasing user costs.
[0030] Therefore, this embodiment provides a water purification system that retains minerals to solve the above problems. This water purification system that retains minerals can prevent sodium ion excess, prevent scaling, and help ensure stable mineral concentration while retaining minerals.
[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the mineral-retaining water purification system of this embodiment includes a nanofiltration filter cartridge 1 and a reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2. The filtered water from the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1 enters the reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2 for filtration. The filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2 is mixed with the input water and then enters the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1 for filtration. The concentrate from the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1 is the output water. The filtered water from the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1 is rich in monovalent ions, while the concentrate is rich in divalent ions. The water with predominantly divalent ions is the mineral water to be output. The water with predominantly monovalent ions is further filtered through the reverse osmosis filter cartridge 2 to obtain pure water and concentrate. The sodium ion content in the pure water is very low. The pure water is refluxed and mixed with the input water before entering the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1, which reduces the TDS in the water entering the nanofiltration filter cartridge 1. Therefore, this mineral-retaining water purification system can produce water with high mineral content, low sodium ion content, and low TDS. It can retain minerals while preventing excessive sodium ions and scaling, and helps to ensure stable mineral concentration.
[0032] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a pre-filter 3. The water source becomes the input water after being filtered by the pre-filter 3. That is, the pre-filter 3 is located upstream of the nanofiltration filter 1. In this embodiment, no other filter element is installed upstream of the pre-filter 3.
[0033] Optionally, the pre-filter 3 uses a PP filter element combined with activated carbon. Optionally, the activated carbon in the pre-filter 3 can be mixed with functional fillers that remove heavy metals, bacteria, and scale from the water to enhance the effectiveness of the pre-filter 3 in removing heavy metals, bacteria, and scale.
[0034] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a control valve 4, which is installed on the output pipe of the pre-filter 3 and is used to control the flow rate of the water to be input. The end of the output pipe of the pre-filter 3 is connected to the filtered water pipe of the reverse osmosis filter 2, so that the water to be input after being filtered by the pre-filter 3 is mixed with the filtered water of the reverse osmosis filter 2.
[0035] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a liquid pump 6. The filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter 2 is mixed with the input water and then enters the nanofiltration filter 1 via the liquid pump 6 for filtration. The liquid pump 6 provides power for the water flow during filtration. Positioning the liquid pump 6 after the pre-filter 3 prevents solid impurities in the water from damaging the pump, thus helping to extend its service life.
[0036] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a post-filter 5, through which the output water is filtered to obtain the final product water, meaning that no other filter elements are installed after the post-filter 5.
[0037] Optionally, the post-filter 5 uses an activated carbon rod and / or a PES filter membrane. The function of the post-filter 5 is to remove contaminants that cannot be removed by the reverse osmosis filter 2 or the nanofiltration filter 1, such as disinfection byproducts. In some embodiments, the post-filter 5 uses an activated carbon rod in conjunction with a non-woven fabric to prevent carbon powder leakage. In other embodiments, the post-filter 5 may also use a PES ultrafiltration membrane to prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, and also to improve taste. In this embodiment, the post-filter 5 uses a combination of activated carbon rod and PES ultrafiltration membrane, which can remove disinfection byproducts, prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, and improve taste.
[0038] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a first proportional valve 7, which is installed on the concentrate pipeline of the nanofiltration cartridge 1 to control whether the water to be output is output and to regulate the flow rate.
[0039] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a second proportional valve 8, which is installed on the concentrate pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element 2, thereby regulating whether the concentrate of the reverse osmosis filter element 2 is discharged and the flow rate when discharged.
[0040] Optionally, the mineral-retaining water purification system also includes a one-way valve 9, which is installed on the water filtration pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element 2. The one-way valve 9 is used to prevent the water to be input from entering the water filtration pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element 2, ensuring that the water filtered by the reverse osmosis filter element 2 is mixed with the water to be input before entering the nanofiltration filter element 1.
[0041] When a user needs mineral-enriched purified water, they simply need to open control valve 4 and check valve 9 for a period of time, and then open the first proportional valve 7 to obtain mineral-enriched purified water.
[0042] To verify whether the mineral-retaining water purification system can produce mineral water that meets the requirements, this embodiment provides a set of experimental data, as shown in Table 1 below. Compared with the input water, the TDS concentration of the output water is reduced, the sodium ion concentration is reduced to about 63%, the calcium ion concentration is slightly increased, and the bicarbonate ion concentration is reduced to about 63%.
[0043] As can be seen, the mineral-retaining water purification system provided in this embodiment can retain beneficial minerals in the water, reduce sodium ion concentration, ensure improved health of the final water, and at the same time reduce bicarbonate concentration, prevent scale formation after water heating, avoid the risk of scale buildup and pipe bursts, and prevent the generation of scale floating matter, ensuring a good user experience.
[0044] Table 1
[0045]
[0046] 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 other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations 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 purification system that retains minerals, characterized in that, It includes a nanofiltration filter element (1) and a reverse osmosis filter element (2). The filtered water from the nanofiltration filter element (1) enters the reverse osmosis filter element (2) for filtration. The filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter element (2) is mixed with the water to be input and then enters the nanofiltration filter element (1) for filtration. The concentrate from the nanofiltration filter element (1) is the water to be output.
2. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pre-filter (3), through which the water source is filtered to become the water to be input.
3. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a control valve (4), which is disposed on the output pipeline of the pre-filter (3).
4. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pre-filter (3) is made of PP filter element combined with activated carbon.
5. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a post-filter (5), through which the water to be output is filtered to obtain the final product water.
6. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The post-filter (5) uses activated carbon rods and / or PES filter membranes.
7. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid pump (6), through which the filtered water from the reverse osmosis filter element (2) is mixed with the water to be input and then enters the nanofiltration filter element (1) for filtration.
8. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a first proportional valve (7), which is disposed on the concentrate pipeline of the nanofiltration cartridge (1).
9. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a second proportional valve (8), which is installed on the concentrate pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element (2).
10. The mineral-retaining water purification system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a one-way valve (9), which is installed on the water filtration pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element (2) and is used to prevent the water to be input from entering the water filtration pipeline of the reverse osmosis filter element (2).