Deionization Filter Regeneration Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deionization filters face challenges in determining optimal regeneration timing, leading to interrupted water production and significant water wastage during regeneration, especially in regions with high hard water components, as existing methods do not accurately calculate the amount of solid matter adsorbed, resulting in inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining the regeneration timing of deionization filters by measuring raw water total dissolved solids (TDS), calculating the accumulated solids amount, and applying a regeneration voltage when the accumulated solids reach a predetermined limit, allowing for efficient desorption and discharge of adsorbed solids without interrupting water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the deionization filter performs regeneration operation to discharge adsorbed ionic substances, then the deionization filter can be restored for continued use, but the deionization operation is interrupted and water production stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the accumulated amount of adsorbed ionic substances in advance during normal operation and predicts when regeneration will be needed. This allows planning the regeneration timing to minimize interruption to water production, and in some configurations enables online regeneration where the filter can be regenerated without complete shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes multi-chamber configurations where one chamber can undergo regeneration while another chamber continues deionization operation. This ensures continuous water production without interruption, as the system switches between chambers during the regeneration process
2Ease of operation
If the deionization filter operates with fixed regeneration intervals, then the operation is simple to control, but water is wasted during regeneration when raw water is discarded along with desorbed ionic substances
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and calculates the accumulated amount of adsorbed ionic substances based on actual operating conditions including TDS levels, flow rate, and operating time. This feedback mechanism triggers regeneration only when the adsorption capacity is actually reached, preventing premature regeneration that would waste water and energy while ensuring optimal filter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration timing is made dynamic rather than fixed, adjusting based on real-time calculation of adsorbed substance accumulation. The system adapts regeneration schedules to actual usage patterns, TDS variations, and flow rate changes, optimizing the balance between maintaining water quality and minimizing water waste during regeneration operations
3Ease of operation
If the deionization filter uses a predetermined fixed regeneration schedule, then the operation is straightforward, but it cannot accurately determine when regeneration is actually needed, especially in regions with varying hard water components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous feedback through TDS sensors and flow meters that monitor actual water quality and usage conditions. The controller calculates accumulated adsorbed substance amounts based on this real-time data, enabling accurate determination of regeneration timing that adapts to varying hard water components and usage patterns while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical timing mechanisms with an intelligent calculation system that uses sensors, controllers, and algorithms to determine regeneration timing. This substitution of mechanical systems with smart control systems enables precise adaptation to varying water compositions and usage conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making
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 enables accurate determination of regeneration timing, reduces water wastage, and ensures continuous water production by calculating the accumulated solids amount and applying appropriate regeneration voltages, even in varying TDS conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A deionization filter may remove ionic substances and the like contained in raw water using electrical attractive force to generate purified water
Implementation Method 2
it is necessary to regenerate the deionization filter such that the deionization filter performs a deionization operation by desorbing ionic substances adsorbed to the deionization filter
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a deionization filter, a water treatment apparatus comprising a deionization filter, and to a method for regenerating a deionization filter. The method for regenerating the deionization filter, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a feed water total dissolved solution (TDS) measurement step of generating a feed water TDS value by measuring a TDS value of a solid substance that is included in the feed water; an accumulated solid substance amount calculation step of adding the amount of the solid substance, which is removed by the deionization filter which removes the solid substance that is contained in the feed water, to generate an accumulated solid substance amount; and a regeneration step of performing a regeneration action for the deionization filter when the accumulated solid substance amount is at least a predetermined solid substance amount limit.