Plunging Liquid Jet Reactor with Semi-Permeable Membrane for Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water treatment technologies, including plunging liquid jet reactors, lack cost-effective solutions for desalination, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and nanofiltration, which are essential for regions with limited freshwater resources and environmental contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A plunging liquid jet reactor system with a supply tank, downcomer, pump, nozzle, and semi-permeable membrane filter that creates a pressure difference to filter water, allowing treated water to be collected and reused, and includes configurations for desalination, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and microfiltration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional aeration technologies are used to increase dissolved oxygen concentration, then oxygen transfer efficiency is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plunging liquid jet reactor is designed to perform multiple functions: aeration, mixing, and water treatment filtration simultaneously. The same reactor structure that creates turbulent flow for oxygen transfer also houses the semi-permeable membrane filter for water purification, eliminating the need for separate treatment systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the aeration function with the filtration function into a single integrated reactor system. The semi-permeable membrane is installed within the reactor vessel, allowing both oxygen transfer and water purification to occur in one location, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If semi-permeable membrane filtration is implemented for desalination, then water purity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the plunging liquid jet itself to provide the driving force for water through the semi-permeable membrane. The high-velocity jet creates a low-pressure zone that draws water through the membrane without requiring external pumps or high-pressure systems, reducing energy costs and system complexity while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles to drive the filtration process. The kinetic energy of the plunging liquid jet creates pressure differential that forces water through the semi-permeable membrane, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping systems and reducing overall system cost.
3Productivity
If plunging liquid jet reactor is used for aeration and mixing, then treatment efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different treatment processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple treatment processes including aeration, mixing, desalination, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and nanofiltration. The same basic structure with adjustable parameters can accommodate different membrane types and treatment requirements, making it adaptable to various water treatment applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of operating parameters such as jet velocity, flow rate, and membrane configuration to adapt to different treatment processes. The plunging liquid jet can be adjusted to provide different levels of turbulence and pressure differential suitable for various filtration and aeration requirements.
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 effectively treats water by passing through semi-permeable membranes, increasing water availability and quality, addressing water scarcity and environmental contamination while being cost-effective and adaptable for various filtration processes.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure difference is created between supply water surrounding the filter and water within the filter. The pressure difference causes water molecules from supply water surrounding the filter to pass through the semi-permeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
At least one wall of the filter is a semi-permeable membrane
Implementation Method 3
A pump and one or more conduits are included for pumping supply water to a nozzle mounted on the upper end of the downcomer
Implementation Method 4
The nozzle is adapted for receiving pressurized supply water from the pump and configured to generate a liquid jet downward in the hollow column
Data Source
AI summary
A plunging liquid jet reactor and water treatment system is provided including a supply water tank. A downcomer within the supply water tank defines a hollow column having an upper end and open lower end. Supply water is pumped to a nozzle on the upper end of the downcomer. The nozzle generates a liquid jet downward in the hollow column. A filter having at least one semi-permeable membrane surrounds the downcomer. A collection tray is mounted between the filter and the supply tank for collecting treated water pushed upward between the filter and the downcomer. A pressure difference between supply water surrounding the filter and water within the filter causes water molecules to pass through the semi-permeable membrane and form treated water which is gathered on the collection tray. Depending on the filter medium and number of stages, the system may be employed in water desalination, microfiltration, nanofiltration, and/or ultrafiltration.