Compact Reverse Osmosis System with Integrated Pump and Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid treatment systems using reverse osmosis are prone to membrane plugging due to precipitation of dissolved solids, leading to efficiency losses and requiring extensive plumbing and space, increasing the likelihood of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A compact reverse osmosis system with integrated pump and membrane within tubular members, utilizing multi-function end caps to minimize plumbing connections and optimize space, featuring temperature and pressure sensors for monitoring and adaptive flow control to maintain process efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid treatment systems use multiple plumbing connections for reverse osmosis processing, then the system can perform membrane flushing and solute separation, but the system complexity increases and leak probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plumbing connections into a single integrated membrane housing structure. The housing contains the membrane element, pump, and flow distribution channels within one sealed unit, eliminating the need for multiple external connections and reducing leak points while maintaining all necessary functions for reverse osmosis processing and membrane flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the membrane element for solute separation, houses the pump for fluid delivery, provides flow distribution channels for both feed water and permeate, and incorporates flushing mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and connections required in the system.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional systems use multiple separate components for reverse osmosis processing, then the system can perform purification and flushing functions, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane element, pump, flow distribution channels, and flushing mechanisms into a single compact housing structure. This integration significantly reduces the overall space required compared to conventional systems that use separate components for each function, while maintaining all necessary purification and flushing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the membrane element is housed within the pump assembly, and both are contained within the integrated housing structure. The flow distribution channels are built into the housing walls, and flushing channels are incorporated within the same structure, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes space requirements.
3Productivity
If reverse osmosis systems operate continuously to maintain productivity, then permeate production increases, but membrane plugging from precipitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous flushing mechanism that operates concurrently with the reverse osmosis process. Permeate is continuously recirculated through the membrane element to prevent solute accumulation and precipitation, allowing the system to maintain high productivity without compromising membrane efficiency. This continuous action prevents plugging while preserving permeate production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers permeate and redirects it through the membrane element for continuous flushing, rather than discarding it. This recovered permeate serves a dual purpose: it is the product of the reverse osmosis process and simultaneously acts as a flushing medium to prevent solute deposition on the membrane, thereby maintaining both productivity and membrane reliability.
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
The system effectively reduces the risk of leaks and space requirements while maintaining high efficiency by integrating key components and sensors, enhancing permeate production and membrane longevity.
Implementation Method 1
One such method utilizes the principle of reverse osmosis to reduce or eliminate the quantity of dissolved solids in a liquid. According to the reverse osmosis principle, a semi-permeable membrane is used to separate the solvent from the dissolved solids.
Implementation Method 2
a membrane is selected that exhibits greater permeability to water than the dissolved solids carried by the water
Implementation Method 3
raw feed water is applied to the membrane at a pressure generally greater than the osmostic pressure of the water
Implementation Method 4
At least one of the end cap structures serves as a mounting for temperature and pressure sensors for monitoring the temperature and pressure of the water communicated by the pump to the one end cap structure
Implementation Method 5
At least one of the end cap structures serves as a mounting for temperature and pressure sensors for monitoring the temperature and pressure of the water communicated by the pump to the one end cap structure
Implementation Method 6
a membrane is selected that exhibits greater permeability to water than the dissolved solids carried by the water
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid treatment system for treating feed water includes a first tubular member having first and second ends, at least one second tubular member having first and second ends, a pump positioned within the first tubular member, a filtering membrane positioned within the second tubular member, a first end cap for receiving the first ends of the first and second tubular members, and a second end cap for receiving the second ends of the first and second tubular members.