Gas Piston Liquid Purification with Pressure Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid purification methods are inefficient and complex, particularly in desalination processes, as they often require mechanical pistons and multiple steps, which can lead to high energy consumption and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A liquid purification system using pressure vessels interconnected with computer-controlled switching valves, where a pressurized gas immiscible with the liquid acts as a 'gas piston' to force the liquid through a purification chamber, enabling continuous cycling and efficient separation of contaminants, such as salt from water, using reverse osmosis or other techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical pistons are used in liquid purification systems, then the liquid can be forced through purification chambers, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid forcing capabilityVSAvoidmechanical piston structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pistons with a gas-driven system where pressurized gas acts as a movable interface to force liquid through the purification chamber. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining the liquid forcing capability through gas pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas to create a gas piston effect. The gas is injected into the pressure vessel containing the liquid, creating a gas-liquid interface that moves and forces the liquid through the purification membrane without requiring mechanical pistons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If multiple pressure vessels are used for continuous operation, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmultiple pressure vessels system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the continuous purification system into discrete operational phases across multiple pressure vessels. Each vessel operates in a cycle of gas injection, liquid forcing, and refilling, allowing continuous production through sequential operation while keeping each individual vessel relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through cyclic operation of pressure vessels. Each vessel undergoes repeated cycles of gas injection, liquid displacement, and refilling, creating a rhythmic continuous process that maintains productivity while allowing each component to return to its initial state periodically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If sharp interface immiscible gas is used as piston, then energy requirements are reduced, but the system requires specific gas-liquid compatibility conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidgas-liquid compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by selecting specific gas-liquid pairs with appropriate density differences and immiscibility characteristics. This optimization reduces the energy required for gas injection while ensuring the gas acts as an effective piston, balancing energy efficiency with system adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the purification process, reduces energy requirements, and allows for continuous operation, producing high-quality water while managing retentate efficiently, making it suitable for large-scale desalination and other industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurized gas immiscible with the liquid acts as a 'gas piston' to force the liquid through a purification chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas piston effect: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

enabling continuous cycling and efficient separation of contaminants, such as salt from water, using reverse osmosis or other techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS12157685B2Liquid purification with pressure vessels

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 ENERGY INTERNET CORP

AI summary

Disclosed techniques include liquid purification with pressure vessels. Access to a set of at least two pressure vessels is obtained. The pressure vessels are interconnected using piping and computer-controlled switching valves. A first pressure vessel of the set is filled with a liquid. A second pressure vessel of the set is filled with a pressurized gas. The pressurized gas is sharp interface immiscible with the liquid. Switching valves are controlled to enable the pressurized gas in the second pressure vessel to force the liquid from the first pressure vessel into a purification chamber. Additional switching valves are controlled to enable a third pressure vessel to fill with liquid while a fourth pressure vessel is filled with purification chamber retentate. The liquid is prepurified prior to filling the first pressure vessel. The prepurifying is enabled by compressed air. The purification chamber includes a reverse osmosis chamber.