Backwash Module Control Using Raw Water Pump Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifying systems using membrane filtration require frequent replacement of filtration membranes due to pollutant closure, leading to high operation costs, and existing backwash systems are costly and energy-intensive due to the need for a separate pump for backwashing.
Innovation Solution
A water purifying system that utilizes the pressure of produced water for backwashing filtration modules without a dedicated backwash pump, employing a backwash module with valves and pressure vessels or tanks to recycle permeate water for backwashing, reducing the need for additional pumping equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate backwash pump is used for backwashing filtration membranes, then backwash function is achieved, but capital expenditure and operation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backwash pump function with the existing raw water pump by using the raw water pump to supply both raw water for filtration and backwash water for membrane cleaning. This eliminates the need for a separate backwash pump, reducing capital expenditure and system complexity while maintaining reliable backwash function.
Solution Approach 2:
The raw water pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the raw water supply pump for filtration and the backwash pump for membrane cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required components and lowers overall system cost while ensuring backwash capability.
2Reliability
If a separate backwash pump is used for backwashing, then backwash capability is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backwash pumping function with the existing raw water pump operation. The raw water pump supplies pressurized water that serves dual purposes: feeding raw water to the filtration modules and providing backwash water to clean the membranes. This eliminates the need for a separate backwash pump and its associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own produced water (permeate) as backwash water, and the raw water pump's pressure serves to deliver this backwash water. The system essentially serves its own backwash needs using existing resources and pressure, eliminating the need for additional energy-intensive pumping operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If membrane filtration is used to purify water, then purification efficiency is improved, but filtration membrane closure due to pollutants causes frequent replacement and high operation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic backwashing of the filtration membranes using the produced permeate water. This regular cleaning cycle removes accumulated pollutants from the membrane surfaces, preventing closure and extending membrane service life while maintaining high purification efficiency between backwash cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles the produced permeate water for backwashing the membranes, rather than discarding it. This recovered water serves a useful secondary function, eliminating waste while providing the necessary backwash fluid to maintain membrane performance and extend their operational lifespan.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach saves capital expenditure on backwash system construction and reduces energy consumption by using the existing raw water pump pressure for backwashing, thereby lowering operational costs and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a raw water pump configured to feed the raw water from the raw water tank to the filter unit
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit configured to include a plurality of filtration modules for purifying the raw water
Implementation Method 3
a backwash module configured to feed backwash water to the filter unit, in which some of permeate water permeated by the filter unit is fed to the backwash module to be used as the backwash water and a feed pressure of the backwash water is fed by the raw water pump
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a water purifying system, including: a raw water tank configured to store raw water; a filter unit configured to include a plurality of filtration modules for purifying the raw water and a plurality of valves for feeding or cutting off the raw water; a raw water pump configured to feed the raw water from the raw water tank to the filter unit; and a backwash module configured to feed backwash water to the filter unit, in which some of permeate water permeated by the filter unit is fed to the backwash module to be used as the backwash water and a feed pressure of the backwash water is fed by the raw water pump.