Permeate Production Control with Dynamic Ring-Line Pressure Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional permeate production systems lack precise and demand-oriented control, leading to inefficient operation, potential quality issues, and frequent system shutdowns due to pressure surges, while failing to meet manufacturer specifications and hydraulic limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a control algorithm that periodically checks pressure and volume flow in a permeate-carrying ring line, incrementally lowering the upper limit for permeate production if trigger values are exceeded, ensuring adaptive control and avoiding pressure surges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pressure switches are installed to shut down the system when overpressure is triggered, then system components are protected from damage, but production outages occur due to abrupt shutdowns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pressure switch thresholds to dynamic pressure limits that adapt in real-time. The control algorithm continuously adjusts the maximum permissible pressure based on current operating conditions, demand requirements, and system state, allowing the system to respond flexibly without abrupt shutdowns while still protecting components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop control algorithm that continuously monitors actual pressure, compares it with dynamically calculated limits, and adjusts permeate production accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables gradual adaptation to pressure changes rather than abrupt on/off switching, maintaining both component safety and production continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If unregulated permeate production is used, then system operation is simple, but production efficiency is poor and quality issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an autonomous control algorithm that automatically regulates permeate production without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts based on internal sensors and pre-programmed logic, maintaining both operational simplicity for the user and high production efficiency through automated demand-oriented control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting multiple control parameters including pressure limits, flow rates, and production targets based on real-time system conditions and demand requirements. This allows the system to optimize efficiency while maintaining simple operation through automated parameter adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If static upper limits are applied for permeate production, then control is straightforward, but demand-oriented precision control is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidproduction control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing static upper limits with dynamic pressure and flow limits that are continuously adjusted based on real-time operating conditions, demand requirements, and system state. This enables precise demand-oriented control while managing complexity through systematic algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If abrupt shutdowns are implemented when pressure exceeds limits, then component safety is ensured, but production downtimes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidproduction downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing dynamic safety margins and gradual pressure limits that prevent abrupt exceedances. The control algorithm anticipates pressure buildup and adjusts production parameters proactively, cushioning against sudden shutdowns while maintaining component safety through preventive control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing gradual, adaptive pressure management that responds to changing conditions in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain safety through continuous adjustment rather than abrupt shutdowns, minimizing production downtime while ensuring component protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise permeate production control, minimizing production downtimes and extending system lifespan by avoiding abrupt shutdowns, while maintaining components within specified limits.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid treatment system, in particular a reverse osmosis system (100), offers the special advantage of implementing an extremely effective method for water treatment. Through the use of semipermeable membranes, the reverse osmosis system enables the removal of various contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and other undesirable substances, from the water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Implementation Method 2

Through the use of semipermeable membranes, the reverse osmosis system enables the removal of various contaminants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Data Source

PatentEP4596089A1Process and apparatus for producing permeate
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 B BRAUN AVITUM
  • EP4596089A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596089A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596089A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for demand-based control of permeate production by means of a permeate-producing liquid treatment plant (130) to which a permeate-carrying ring line (102) is connected, comprises the steps of: a. checking whether a measured pressure and/or volume flow of permeate in the ring line (102) exceeds a respective predefined trigger value, b. if yes, cycle-controlled incremental lowering of an applied upper limit value for a manipulated variable controlling the permeate production of the liquid treatment plant (130), based on a previous manipulated variable using a decrement, and c. if no, continuing permeate production using a preset static upper limit value.