Configurable Mobile Deionization Trailer with Dynamic Flow Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems, including mobile deionization trailers, face inefficiencies due to the need for ion exchange resin regeneration, which requires downtime and impacts treatment capacity, especially in temporary or mobile setups where resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A configurable mobile water treatment system with a water distribution manifold and multiple valves that allow for uniform pressure drop across treatment vessels, enabling flexible flow paths and vessel grouping for optimized treatment efficiency, along with a controller that adjusts operations based on sensor data to direct water flow and manage exhausted vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ion exchange resin regeneration is performed in traditional mobile deionization systems, then the resin can be reused, but system downtime increases and treatment capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ion exchange process into separate functional vessels: some vessels contain ion exchange resin for active treatment while other vessels contain media for regeneration operations. This segmentation allows regeneration to occur in dedicated vessels while treatment continues in others, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous treatment capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the water distribution manifold uses fixed flow paths, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different treatment requirements or optimize for varying water quality conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution manifold incorporates valves that can dynamically switch flow paths between different configurations. This allows the system to adapt flow distribution based on treatment requirements, water quality conditions, and operational mode (treatment vs. regeneration), transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can optimize performance for varying conditions.
3Productivity
If pressure drop across treatment vessels is non-uniform, then the manifold design is simpler, but treatment efficiency decreases and some vessels become exhausted before others
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution manifold is designed with hydraulic balancing features that create uniform pressure drop across all treatment vessels. By ensuring equipotential flow distribution, the system prevents premature exhaustion of individual vessels and maintains consistent treatment efficiency across the entire system, with all vessels operating at comparable performance levels.
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 configuration minimizes downtime for resin regeneration, maintains treatment capacity, and ensures consistent water quality by dynamically adjusting flow paths and vessel usage, optimizing treatment efficiency and extending the lifespan of consumable materials.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of water treatment vessels are structured and arranged to provide for a uniform pressure drop across the plurality of water treatment vessels
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of water treatment vessels include one or more ion exchange media. In specific embodiments, the one or more ion exchange media include one or more of cation exchange media, anion exchange media, and mixed ion exchange media
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for treating water, e.g., mobile deionization systems, are disclosed. The system includes a system inlet connectable to a source of water to be treated; a water distribution manifold connected to the system inlet and including a plurality of valves structured and arranged to provide a configurable flow path along the water distribution manifold; a plurality of water treatment vessels each having an inlet and an outlet connected to the water distribution manifold; and a system outlet connected to the outlet of a last of the plurality of water treatment vessels. The plurality of valves are selectively operable to provide for sections of the water distribution manifold to switch between flowing water into one or more of the plurality of water treatment vessels or receiving water from the one or more of the plurality of water treatment vessels. Methods of treating water using the systems are also disclosed.