Fluid Conditioning Control System for Membrane Scaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid treatment systems face challenges with mineral scale formation in membrane-based systems, leading to reduced water recovery and increased maintenance and operational costs, and prior power-driven signal systems are inefficient and costly, especially in remote locations with limited power supply.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conditioning system using a controller, switch mode power supply circuit, and push pull AC drive circuit to generate an alternating magnetic field with a swept frequency, reducing mineral scaling on membranes and optimizing power usage by maintaining a target load current and adjusting for varying load impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional chemical techniques (antiscalant chemicals, cation exchange softeners) are used to control scaling, then scaling is prevented, but maintenance time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment methods with an electromagnetic field-based system. Coils generate alternating magnetic fields that interact with minerals in the water to prevent scale formation through physical means rather than chemical additives or mechanical filtration, thereby eliminating the need for chemical dosing and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and behavior of minerals through exposure to alternating magnetic fields. The magnetic field causes minerals to remain in suspension and prevents their precipitation and adhesion to membrane surfaces, fundamentally altering the mineral deposition process without chemical intervention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If voltage based signal drive systems are used to treat fluid, then scaling is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic alternating magnetic fields generated by coils that are energized in cycles. This periodic action creates oscillating forces on mineral particles in the water, preventing scale formation through repeated disruption rather than continuous high-power application, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical parameters of the drive system by using current feedback control to maintain target load current while adapting to varying coil impedance. This ensures efficient power delivery to the coils, minimizing energy waste and reducing power consumption compared to fixed voltage drive systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If signal drive is applied to low ohmic loads, then fluid conditioning is achieved, but power consumption increases and conditioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates current feedback control where the actual current through the coils is continuously monitored and compared to a target load current. The drive circuit adjusts its output based on this feedback to maintain the desired current level despite variations in coil impedance, ensuring stable and reliable fluid conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system dynamically adapts to changing load conditions by adjusting its output in real-time. The feedback-controlled variable frequency drive modifies the electrical parameters of the signal applied to the coils based on actual operating conditions, maintaining optimal conditioning效果 across varying power supply and load impedance conditions
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 mineral scaling on membranes, increases water recovery, decreases energy consumption, and lowers maintenance costs by using a power-efficient method to generate an alternating magnetic field, suitable for various fluid treatment applications including reverse osmosis and borehole fluid conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
a controller arranged to generate a variable frequency output signal having a frequency range that sweeps between a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency
Implementation Method 2
generate an alternating magnetic field with a swept frequency, reducing mineral scaling on membranes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conditioning control system for driving one or more coils in a fluid conditioning system with a target load current to generate an alternating magnetic field directed at a fluid, the control system comprising a controller, a switch mode power supply circuit and a push pull AC drive circuit, wherein the controller is arranged to develop a first variable output having a frequency range that sweeps between a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency, and further arranged to develop a second variable output in the form of a duty cycle controlled signal, wherein the switch mode power supply circuit is arranged to develop a variable supply voltage to the AC drive circuit in response to the second variable output and a current sense circuit, and the AC drive circuit is arranged to develop a drive signal for developing a target load current in response to the first variable output and the variable supply voltage, thereby forming a current feedback loop.