Reverse Osmosis Permeate Sterilization via Cleaning Ball
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis systems used in conjunction with dialysis devices face challenges in achieving absolute sterility due to bacterial growth and re-contamination in the permeate collection tube and distribution system, requiring costly and resource-intensive cleaning processes that may pose safety risks and fail to guarantee sterility.
Innovation Solution
A reverse osmosis system with a closed secondary circuit for independent cleaning of the permeate collection tube, utilizing ozonization and a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis to maintain sterility, and a centrifugal chamber for residue removal, along with a monitoring system to optimize cleaning efficiency and reduce chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning processes are used to maintain sterility in the permeate collection tube and distribution system, then bacterial growth is controlled, but the cleaning processes are costly, resource-intensive, and may pose safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning processes with a physical cleaning system using a cleaning ball that mechanically removes deposits and biofilm from the permeate collection tube and distribution system through circulation, substituting chemical substances with a mechanical cleaning mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning ball acts as an intermediary element that physically contacts and cleans the internal surfaces of the permeate collection tube and distribution system, mediating the cleaning function without requiring direct chemical intervention in the water stream
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning processes are used to maintain sterility in the permeate collection tube and distribution system, then bacterial growth is controlled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive chemical heating and circulation processes with a mechanical cleaning ball system that operates at lower energy levels, using the ball's physical movement and compression to achieve cleaning without requiring high temperatures or continuous chemical circulation
3Reliability
If the permeate collection tube and distribution system are cleaned frequently to prevent re-contamination, then sterility is maintained, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning ball system is designed to be self-contained and automatically circulate through the permeate collection tube and distribution system, cleaning itself and the surrounding components without requiring external intervention, complex control systems, or multiple cleaning agents
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted as a separate, removable cleaning ball component that can be independently operated and removed from the system, simplifying the overall system architecture by separating the cleaning function from the main reverse osmosis system
4Reliability
If chemical disinfection is used in the permeate collection tube area, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but patient safety risks increase due to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection processes with mechanical cleaning using a cleaning ball that physically removes bacterial biofilm and deposits without introducing chemical substances into the permeate stream, eliminating the risk of chemical contamination to patients
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning ball can be designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that is discarded after use, ensuring that no residual chemicals remain in the system and eliminating long-term contamination risks associated with persistent chemical disinfectants
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 achieves effective and automatic sterilization of the high-purity distribution system with reduced energy and chemical input, minimizing waste and ensuring patient safety while extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module the primary circuit of which is separated by a semipermeable membrane from a secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis to maintain sterility
Implementation Method 3
utilizing ozonization and a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis to maintain sterility
Implementation Method 4
a centrifugal chamber for residue removal
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse osmosis system comprises a permeate collection tube which is connected at one end to a distribution system for permeate which comprises at least one device for cleaning and/or disinfection. The permeate collection tube, the cleaning and/or disinfection device and a circulation pump are arranged in a circulation circuit.