Electrodeionization Water Softener with Flow Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems, such as those using ion exchange resins, face challenges with resin saturation and regeneration, and electrodeionization processes are complex and require continuous operation for effective removal of hardness-causing ions like calcium and magnesium, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment system incorporating an electrochemical device with a concentrating compartment and a positively-charged flow regulator, which recirculates and discharges a concentrate stream according to a predetermined schedule, facilitating continuous ion removal and regeneration without resin saturation, using an electrodeionization process with ion-depleting and ion-concentrating compartments and controlled electric fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ion exchange resins are used to remove hardness ions, then water softening is achieved, but the resin becomes saturated and requires regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous electrodeionization where ion-exchange resins are constantly regenerated in situ by electrochemical reactions. DC electricity continuously drives ion migration and water electrolysis, maintaining resin effectiveness without interruption or shutdown for regeneration, thus achieving continuous water softening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the treated water itself and electrochemical reactions to automatically regenerate the ion-exchange resins. The electrochemical cell embedded in the resin bed performs self-regeneration through continuous DC power application, eliminating the need for external regeneration systems or chemical treatments.
2Reliability
If electrodeionization is used for continuous ion removal, then resin performance is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ion-exchange resin bed with an electrochemical cell into a single integrated device. The electrochemical components (electrodes, electrolyte channels) are embedded within the resin bed structure, combining water softening and resin regeneration functions in one unit, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced electrochemical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange resin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the medium for ion removal from water, provides the substrate for electrochemical reactions, and functions as part of the electrochemical cell structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system design.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional water treatment systems are used, then initial setup is simpler, but operational costs increase due to regeneration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/reg chemical regeneration processes with electrochemical regeneration. Instead of using brine solutions or chemical treatments to regenerate resins, DC electricity drives the regeneration process through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for regeneration chemicals and reducing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the regeneration mechanism from chemical-based to electricity-based. By applying DC voltage, the regeneration process transitions from chemical reactions to electrochemical reactions, fundamentally changing the parameter of regeneration method and eliminating chemical consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
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 system efficiently removes hardness-causing ions, providing treated water continuously without resin regeneration, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs by maintaining ion exchange resin performance and extending their service life.
Implementation Method 1
Electrodeionization (EDI) is one process that may be used to soften water. EDI is a process that removes ionizable species from liquids using electrically active media and an electrical potential to influence ion transport.
Implementation Method 2
A typical CEDI device includes semi-permeable anion and cation exchange membranes. The spaces between the membranes are configured to create liquid flow compartments with inlets and outlets.
Implementation Method 3
A transverse DC electrical field is imposed by an external power source using electrodes at the bounds of the membranes and compartments. Upon imposition of the electric field, ions in the liquid are attracted to their respective counter-electrodes.
Implementation Method 4
Other advantages include a positively-charged flow regulator that repels cations and, thereby, prevents them from passing through the regulator.
Data Source
AI summary
A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point-of-entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system to optimize the operation and performance of the system or components of the system. A flow regulator regulates a waste stream flow to drain and can be operated to recirculate fluid through electrode or concentrating compartments of an electrochemical device and can opened and closed intermittently according to a predetermined schedule or based on an operating parameter of the water treatment system. The flow regulator can also be charged so that ionic species can be generated in the surrounding fluid, which, in turn, can lower the pH of the surrounding fluid.