How to Minimize Scaling in Water Filtration Systems

Abstract

A method for water filtration that reduces scaling is disclosed herein. The method includes determining that a pump has been inactive for a threshold period of time. The method also includes closing a first valve to a filtered drinking water tank and opening a second valve to a source water tank based on determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time. The method further includes operating the pump for a period of time based on the first valve being closed and the second valve being open to circulate water from the source water tank through a filter system and back to the source water tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 842,845, filed on April 8, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the increased level of toxicity caused by chemicals found in water supply facilities, water filtration has become widespread in many households. Point - of - use (POU) water treatment devices are designed to treat small amounts of potable water for household use. These devices can be placed on a counter, attached to a faucet, or installed under a sink. They are different from point - of - entry (POE) devices that are installed on the water pipe as something that enters the home and treats all the water in the building.

[0003] Many current households have reverse osmosis (RO) units installed. RO devices are usually installed under the sink, the tap water connection is piped directly to the cold water supply line of the sink, and the wastewater drain line is directly connected to the p - trap of the sink. These devices use membranes that screen out chemicals such as chlorides and sulfates, and most other contaminants currently found in water supply facilities. RO systems can remove particles down to 1 angstrom. However, POU RO systems can waste 3 - 4 gallons of water per gallon of water treated. This is due to the continuous flow of water required to cross the membrane surface to remove contaminants and prevent the membrane from clogging.

[0004] In addition, scaling may occur if the POU RO system is not properly maintained. Scaling occurs when the water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium carbonate that can potentially deposit on the surface and within the filter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] Detailed descriptions are provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numeral may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a water filtration system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] This is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for filtering water according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Figure 1 schematically shows a water filtration system 100 (and individual components of the water filtration system 100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the water filtration system 100 may include a countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system. That is, the water filtration system 100 may be sized and shaped to fit on a countertop and / or inside a refrigerator. The water filtration system 100 may be any preferred size and shape. The water filtration system 100 may operate independently of any water source and / or wastewater. That is, the water filtration system 100 may not have external connections. Furthermore, the water filtration system 100 may produce little to no wastewater. One exemplary countertop water filtration system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,517,958.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the water filtration system 100 may include a first receptacle 104 which can be detachably mounted on a support stand or the like. The first receptacle 104 may be configured to store source water therein. For example, a user may pour water (e.g., tap water) into the first receptacle 104, or a user may remove the first receptacle 104 from the support stand 102 and fill it with water (e.g., tap water). The first receptacle 104 may include an outlet port 130 and an inlet port 132. In some examples, water may exit the first receptacle 104 through the outlet port 130. Water may also enter the first receptacle 104 through the inlet port 132.

[0009] The water filtration system 100 may include a second receptacle 134. The second receptacle 134 may be removably positioned on a support base. The second receptacle 134 may be configured to store supply water (e.g., filtered drinking water) therein. The second receptacle 134 may include an inlet port 150.

[0010] The water filtration system 100 may include a filter system 154. The filter system 154 may include an inlet port 158, a first outlet port 160, and a second outlet port 162. In some examples, when the first receptacle 104 and the second receptacle 134 are mounted on a support base, the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104 may be configured to communicate fluidly with the inlet port 158 ​​of the filter system 154. Furthermore, the first outlet port 160 of the filter system 154 may be configured to communicate fluidly with the inlet port 132 of the first receptacle 104. In addition, the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154 may be configured to communicate fluidly with the inlet port 150 of the second receptacle 134.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the filter system 154 may include a first filter 164, a second filter 166, and a third filter 168. Additional or fewer filters may be used. The first filter 164 may be configured and positioned to receive water from the inlet port 158 ​​of the filter system 154 and filter it to deliver the first filtered water to the second filter 166. In some examples, the first filter 164 may be a sediment filter, or a combination of a sediment filter and a carbon filter. The first filter 164 may include any suitable filter. In some examples, additional filters may be located upstream of the first filter 164.

[0012] The second filter 166 may be configured and positioned to receive the first filtered water from the first filter 164 and deliver a first portion of the first filtered water to the first outlet port 160 of the filter system 154. In this way, the first portion of the first filtered water may include wastewater 170 that is sent back to the first receptacle 104. Furthermore, the second filter 166 may be configured to filter a second portion of the first filtered water and deliver it to a third filter 168. The second portion of the first filtered water may include the second filtered water. In some examples, the second filter 166 may be a reverse osmosis membrane filter. The second filter 166 may be any suitable filter.

[0013] The third filter 168 may be configured and positioned to receive the second filtered water from the second filter 166, filter it, and deliver the third filtered water to the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154. In this way, the third filtered water may include the feed water 172 delivered to the second receptacle 134. In some examples, the third filter 168 may be a carbon filter. The third filter 168 may be any suitable filter. In other examples, the third filter 168 may be omitted. In such examples, the second filter 166 may be configured to filter the second portion of the first filtered water and deliver it to the second receptacle 134. In yet another example, an additional filter may be located downstream of the third filter 168 before the second receptacle 134.

[0014] In one particular embodiment, approximately 100% of the water entering the first filter 164 may move to the second filter 166. In another embodiment, less than 100% of the water entering the second filter 166 may move to the third filter 168. For example, approximately 1% to 30% of the water entering the second filter 166 may move to the third filter 168, and the remaining water constitutes wastewater 170 that is sent back to the first receptacle 104. In yet another embodiment, approximately 100% of the water entering the third filter 168 may move to the second receptacle 134. This process is repeated as needed.

[0015] The water filtration system 100 may include a flow limiter 174. The flow limiter 174 is positioned between the first outlet port 160 of the filter system 154 and the inlet port 132 of the first receptacle 104 and may be in fluid communication with them. The flow limiter 174 may be configured to create back pressure in the second filter 166 (for example, on the reverse osmosis membrane). The back pressure allows a second portion of the first filtered water to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane to produce second filtered water. Furthermore, a return check valve 176 may be positioned between the flow limiter 174 and the inlet port 132 of the first receptacle 104 and may be in fluid communication with them. The return check valve 176 may be configured to prevent the flow of water from the first receptacle 104 to the filter system 154.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, a forward check valve 178 may be positioned between the second outlet port 162 of the filter system 154 and the inlet port 150 of the second receptacle 134, and may be in fluid communication with them. The forward check valve 178 may be configured to prevent the flow of water from the second receptacle 134 to the filter system 154.

[0017] The water filtration system 100 may include a pump 180 positioned between the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104 and the inlet port 158 ​​of the filter system 154, and in fluid communication with them. In some examples, the pump 180 may be automatically primed by the fluid flow from the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104. For example, the water supplied to the pump 180 may be gravity-fed from the outlet port 130 of the first receptacle 104. The pump 180 may be the sole source for generating water pressure that facilitates the fluid flow from the first receptacle 104 through the filter system 154 to the second receptacle 134. In some examples, the pump 180 may facilitate the fluid flow from the first receptacle 104 through only a portion of the filter system 154 and back to the first receptacle 104 via a flow limiter 174.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the water filtration system 100 may include a power supply 182, an electronic controller 184, a first sensor 186 positioned and configured to sense the water level in a first receptacle 104, and a second sensor 188 positioned and configured to sense the water level in a second receptacle 134. The electronic controller 184 may be configured to signal and communicate with the power supply 182, the first sensor 186, the second sensor 188, and the pump 180. In some examples, the electronic controller 184 may be configured to sense, via the first sensor 186, that the water level in the first receptacle 104 is sufficient to allow the pump 180 to operate. The electronic controller 184 may also be configured to sense, via the second sensor 188, that the water level in the second receptacle 134 is insufficient to allow the pump 180 to operate. Furthermore, the electrical controller 184 may be configured to operate or deactivate the pump 180 according to the respective water levels in the first receptacle 104 and the second receptacle 134. In other examples, the electrical output 182 and / or the electrical controller 184 may communicate with one or more of the filter system 154, the flow limiter 174, the return check valve 176, and / or the forward check valve 178.

[0019] The power supply 182 may include an electrical cord to which an alternating current (AC) line voltage can be connected. In some examples, the AC line voltage may be 120 VAC. In other examples, the power supply 182 may include at least one direct current (DC) battery. At least one DC battery may be configured to supply 12 VDC or 24 VDC. The power supply 182 may include an electrical input port configured to receive a DC voltage.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 200 for filtering water according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 200 may be implemented by one or more controllers, such as an electronic controller 184.

[0021] Method 200 may facilitate the reduction of scaling in the water filtration system 100. In block 202, the method may determine that the pump 180 is inactive for a threshold period. In some examples, the threshold period is approximately 60 minutes. The threshold period may be any preferred time. For example, the threshold period may be 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, and / or 120 minutes, or any preferred time in between. In other examples, the threshold period may be half a day, once a day, once a week, and once a month, etc. If it is determined that the pump 180 is inactive for a threshold period, Method 200 may include, in step 204, closing the forward check valve 178 to the filtered drinking water tank 134. Similarly, in step 206, Method 200 may include, based on the determination that the pump 180 is inactive for a threshold period, opening the return check valve 176 to the source water tank 104.

[0022] In step 208, if the forward check valve 178 is closed or determined to be already closed, and the return check valve 176 is opened or determined to be already open, the pump 180 may be operated for a certain period of time to circulate water from the source water tank 104 through the filter system 154 and return it to the source water tank 104. In some examples, the certain period is approximately 2 minutes. The certain period may be any preferred time. For example, the certain period may be 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, and / or 120 seconds, or any preferred time in between. In other examples, the certain period may be 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, and / or 120 minutes, or any preferred time in between.

[0023] In some examples, the pump 180 may be operated in bursts to produce changes in pressure and flow within at least a portion of the loop formed by the pump 180, the filter system 154, and the source water tank 104. In some examples, the pump 180 may be operated and deactivated in equally time- and intervally increments. In other examples, the time between operating and deactivating the pump 180 may vary. For example, the pump 180 may be operated and deactivated periodically in bursts with progressively shorter increments between bursts. Each burst may be the same or vary. That is, alternatively, the pump 180 may be opened and closed periodically in bursts of varying durations with progressively shorter or longer increments between bursts. In some examples, the pump 180 may be opened and closed periodically in bursts, first with progressively shorter increments between bursts, then with progressively longer increments between bursts, or vice versa.

[0024] In one embodiment, after every 60 minutes of inactivity, the pump 180 may be turned on for 2 minutes with the forward check valve 178 closed and the return check valve 176 open. This configuration may allow the system 100 to flow water from the source water tank 104 through the RO membrane of the pump 180 and the filter system 154, and back into the source water tank 104, thereby agitating the water, which may hinder calcium growth and cause scaling on the various filters of the filter system 154 and inside the pump 180, as well as on the inner surfaces of the piping connecting all of these components in a closed loop.

[0025] In certain embodiments, it may be determined via the first sensor 186 that the source water tank 104 is empty or below a threshold water level. In such examples, method 200 may be terminated. That is, if it is determined that the source water tank 104 is empty or contains an amount of water below a threshold, method 200, which facilitates the reduction of scaling in the water filtration system 100, may not be started or may be abandoned if it is already in progress.

[0026] In step 210, in some examples, method 200 may include periodically opening and closing return check valve 176 in bursts while pump 180 is operated to cause changes in pressure and water flow within at least a portion of the loop formed by pump 180, filter system 154, and source water tank 104. In some examples, return check valve 176 may be opened and closed in equal time and spaced increments. In other examples, the time that return check valve 176 is open and the time between the opening and closing of return check valve 176 may vary. For example, return check valve 176 may be periodically opened and closed in bursts with increments that progressively become shorter between bursts. Each burst may be the same or vary. That is, alternatively, return check valve 176 may be periodically opened and closed in bursts of various durations with increments that progressively become shorter or longer between bursts. In some examples, return check valve 176 may be periodically opened and closed in bursts with increments that first progressively become shorter between bursts and then later with increments that progressively become longer between bursts, or vice versa.

[0027] In one embodiment, every 60 minutes after the pump 180 is in the non-operating state, the pump 180 can be turned on for 2 minutes with the forward check valve 178 closed and the return check valve 176 open. During the 2 minutes of operation of the pump 180, the return check valve 176 can be closed for a short time to cause fluctuations in pressure and water flow. In some examples, the return check valve 176 opens and closes sporadically to make calcium less likely to grow and cause scaling on various filters of the filter system 154, inside the pump 180, and on the inner surface of the pipes connecting all of these components within the closed loop, by causing fluctuations in pressure and water flow. For example, one exemplary sequence for opening and closing the return check valve 176 can include opening the return check valve 176 for 30 seconds, closing it for 3 seconds, opening it for 27 seconds, closing it for 3 seconds, opening it for 2 seconds, closing it for 3 seconds, opening it for 2 seconds, closing it for 3 seconds, and opening it for 47 seconds. Such a sequence can allow water to flow from the source water tank 104 through the pump 180 and the RO membrane of the filter system 154 and back into the source water tank 104, thereby causing agitation of the water, making calcium less likely to grow, and causing scaling on various filters of the filter system 154, inside the pump 180, and on the inner surface of the pipes connecting all of these components within the closed loop. Further, the opening and closing of the return check valve 176 can cause a water hammer effect (a sudden change in water flow) that can shear calcium scale from various surfaces.

[0028] The return check valve 176 is disclosed as being periodically opened and closed in bursts, but the forward check valve 178 can also be periodically opened and closed in bursts in a similar manner as described above with reference to the return check valve 176.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the steps described in blocks 202-210 of Method 200 may be performed in any order. However, the steps described in blocks 202-210 of Method 200 are only examples of several embodiments. For example, certain steps may be omitted, while other steps may be added.

[0030] In another embodiment, the return check valve 176 may be omitted. In such an example, if the forward check valve 178 is closed or determined to be already closed, the pump 180 may be stopped from operating (e.g., in bursts) for a certain period of time to circulate water from the source water tank 104 through the filter system 154 and return it to the source water tank 104, as considered above.

[0031] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, any of the functions described in relation to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Furthermore, while the characteristics of a particular device are described, embodiments of this disclosure may relate to the characteristics of numerous other devices. Moreover, while embodiments are described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described. Rather, specific features and actions are disclosed as exemplary forms that implement the embodiments. In particular, conditional language such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless otherwise specified or understood in the context in which they are used, is generally intended to convey that a particular embodiment includes certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include them. Therefore, such conditional statements are not generally intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A method for reducing scaling in a water filtration system, comprising: the water filtration system comprises a source water tank for storing source water, a drinking water tank for storing filtered drinking water, a filter system, a pump, a return check valve, and a forward check valve, wherein an outlet port of the source water tank is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the filter system, a first outlet port of the filter system is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the source water tank, the pump is disposed between the outlet port of the source water tank and the inlet port of the filter system and generates water pressure that urges fluid flow from the source water tank through the filter system to the drinking water tank, the return check valve is disposed between the first outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the source water tank and prevents water flow from the source water tank to the filter system, and the forward check valve is disposed between a second outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the drinking water tank and prevents water flow from the drinking water tank to the filter system; The method comprises: determining that the pump is inactive for a threshold period of time; determining that the forward check valve is closed based on determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time; determining that the return check valve is open based on determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time; and operating the pump for a period of time based on the forward check valve being closed and the return check valve being open to circulate water from the source water tank through the filter system and back to the source water tank; The method, wherein the period of time is 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 seconds, or any time in between, or 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120 minutes, or any time in between.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising periodically opening and closing the return check valve while the pump is operated to create pressure and water flow variations within at least a portion of a loop formed by the pump, the filter system, and the source water tank.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein cycling the return check valve open and closed comprises opening and closing the return check valve in progressively shorter increments.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold period is greater than 60 minutes.

5. A water filtration system comprising: a source water tank for storing source water; a drinking water tank for storing filtered drinking water; a filter system; a pump; a return check valve; a forward check valve; and a controller; an outlet port of the source water tank in fluid communication with an inlet port of the filter system, a first outlet port of the filter system in fluid communication with an inlet port of the source water tank, the pump disposed between the outlet port of the source water tank and the inlet port of the filter system and generating water pressure that urges fluid flow from the source water tank through the filter system to the drinking water tank, the return check valve disposed between the first outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the source water tank to prevent water flow from the source water tank to the filter system, and the forward check valve disposed between the second outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the drinking water tank to prevent water flow from the drinking water tank to the filter system; The controller determining that the pump has been inactive for a threshold period of time; closing the forward check valve upon determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time; opening the return check valve upon determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time; operating the pump for a period of time based on the forward check valve being closed and the return check valve being open to circulate water from the source water tank through the filter system and back to the source water tank; It is structured as follows: The water filtration system, wherein the period of time is 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 seconds, or any time in between, or 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 120 minutes, or any time in between.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising periodically opening and closing the return check valve while the pump is operated to create pressure and water flow variations within at least a portion of a loop formed by the pump, the filter system, and the source water tank.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein cycling the return check valve open and closed comprises opening and closing the return check valve in progressively shorter increments.

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the threshold period is 60 minutes.

9. 1. A method for reducing scaling in a water filtration system, comprising: the water filtration system comprises a source water tank for storing source water, a drinking water tank for storing filtered drinking water, a filter system, a pump, and a forward check valve, wherein an outlet port of the source water tank is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the filter system, a first outlet port of the filter system is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the source water tank, the pump is disposed between the outlet port of the source water tank and the inlet port of the filter system and generates water pressure urging a fluid flow from the source water tank through the filter system to the drinking water tank, and the forward check valve is disposed between a second outlet port of the filter system and the inlet port of the drinking water tank and prevents water from flowing from the drinking water tank to the filter system; The method comprises: determining that the pump is inactive for a threshold period of time; determining that the forward check valve is closed based on determining that the pump has been inactive for the threshold period of time; and operating the pump for a period of time based on the forward check valve being closed to circulate water from the source water tank through the filter system and back to the source water tank; The method, wherein the period of time is 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 seconds, or any time in between, or 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120 minutes, or any time in between.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pump is periodically activated and deactivated.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the threshold period is greater than 60 minutes.

12. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein periodically activating and deactivating the pump comprises activating and deactivating the pump in progressively shorter increments.

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