Monolithic Reverse Osmosis Element with Integrated Scavenging Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis filtering devices face challenges due to the complexity of hydraulic connections between pressure containers, leading to increased dimensions, functional issues, and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular element comprising a monolithic body with a first and second container, each with tubular lateral walls, bottom plates, inlets, outlets, and a scavenging duct connecting the second outlet of the first container to the inlet of the second container, eliminating the need for numerous hoses and fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pressure containers are connected hydraulically in series using hoses and fittings, then the flow rate of filtered water increases and reject water flow rate decreases, but the device complexity and dimensions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure containers and their hydraulic connections into a single integrated pressure vessel with internally defined flow channels. The first and second pressure containers are combined into one vessel, with the scavenging duct forming an internal passage that connects the outlet of the first container to the inlet of the second container, eliminating the need for external hoses and fittings between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the scavenging duct is embedded within the pressure vessel wall, and the first and second pressure containers are positioned adjacently within the same vessel. The scavenging duct passes through the pressure vessel to establish hydraulic connection between the two containers, creating a compact nested arrangement.
2Productivity
If multiple hoses and fittings are used for hydraulic connections, then series filtration is achieved, but the number of potential leak points increases due to breakages from ageing and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hydraulic components into a single integrated pressure vessel. The scavenging duct is formed as an internal passage within the pressure vessel wall, eliminating the need for separate external hoses and fittings between the first and second pressure containers, thereby reducing leak points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the hydraulic system where the complex network of external hoses and fittings is replaced by an internal flow channel structure that copies the necessary hydraulic connectivity in a more reliable manner.
3Device complexity
If numerous hoses and fittings are present in the filtering device, then hydraulic connections are established, but maintenance interventions become slow and complicated requiring highly experienced personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second pressure containers into a single integrated vessel with internally defined flow channels. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be inspected and maintained, making maintenance simpler and faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex network of external hoses and fittings from the system and replaces them with an internal flow channel structure, removing the maintenance burden associated with multiple external connection points.
4Device complexity
If multiple hoses and fittings are used, then hydraulic connections are made, but pressure drops increase and water stagnation points multiply creating sources of bacterial proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic pathways into a streamlined internal flow channel structure within the pressure vessel. This integration eliminates unnecessary bends, joints, and stagnation zones that would exist in a system with multiple external hoses and fittings, reducing pressure drops and preventing water stagnation.
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 solution reduces the complexity and size of the filtering device, decreases potential leak points and pressure drops, and simplifies maintenance, while maintaining efficient water treatment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a scavenging duct which connects the second outlet of the first container with the inlet of the second container
Implementation Method 2
an osmotic membrane filtering cartridge is accommodated. The osmotic membrane is suitable to allow the selective passage of a part of water (permeate) but not of all the salts possibly dissolved therein
Implementation Method 3
said first container, said second container and said scavenging duct are obtained as a single monolithic body
Data Source
AI summary
A modular element for making reverse osmosis filtering devices includes: at least one first container and a second container, each of which is provided with a tubular lateral wall, with a bottom plate which closes a first axial end of said lateral wall, with an inlet, with a first outlet and with a second outlet, the first and second containers being arranged so that the respective lateral walls are arranged adjacent and have mutually parallel central axes, and a scavenging duct which connects the second outlet of the first container with the inlet of the second container, the first container, the second container and the scavenging duct are obtained as a single monolithic body.