Compact Reverse Osmosis Barrel with Central Feed Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis filters for seawater desalination face issues such as non-compact design, high energy consumption, and high maintenance costs, along with leakage and pressure loss due to twisted O-rings, especially in large treatment capacity systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact reverse osmosis apparatus design featuring a barrel with a feed tank at its intermediate portion, vessels arranged on both sides, and water tanks at both ends, where reverse osmosis membrane units are configured in cassette or tube sheet types, allowing for easy replacement and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reverse osmosis membrane units are inserted into a vessel in a conventional arrangement, then the treatment capacity can be increased, but the design becomes non-compact and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse osmosis membrane units are nested within vessels that are arranged in a compact configuration with feed tank and water tanks positioned at intermediate and end portions of the barrel, creating a space-efficient nested structure that maximizes treatment capacity within minimal volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional linear or radial arrangements to a three-dimensional barrel structure with components distributed along the longitudinal axis (feed tank at intermediate portion, water tanks at end portions), optimizing space utilization through dimensional redistribution
2Productivity
If conventional reverse osmosis filter design is used, then the system can handle large treatment capacity, but energy consumption rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the treatment process into distinct functional zones within the barrel (feed tank region, membrane unit regions, water tank regions), allowing optimized flow distribution and pressure management that reduces energy consumption while maintaining high treatment capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the barrel are designed with specific functional characteristics (feed introduction at intermediate portion, permeate collection at end portions), creating local optimizations that improve overall system efficiency and reduce energy requirements per unit of treated water
3Productivity
If conventional reverse osmosis filter design is used, then the system can operate at high capacity, but maintenance costs increase and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane units are segmented into discrete replaceable modules within the barrel, allowing individual units to be accessed and replaced without dismantling the entire system, significantly easing maintenance operations while supporting high capacity throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane units are designed as extractable components that can be removed from the vessels for replacement or cleaning, separating the maintenance task from the operational system and reducing downtime and complexity of maintenance procedures
4Productivity
If reverse osmosis membrane units are inserted into the vessel, then the system can function, but the O-ring becomes twisted causing seawater leakage and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the conventional O-ring configuration and replaced with sealing structures integrated into the vessel-membrane unit interface design, eliminating the twisting problem and improving sealing reliability under high pressure operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on an external O-ring to seal the interface, the design inverts the sealing approach by incorporating sealing surfaces and structures directly into the vessel and membrane unit assembly, preventing leakage through geometric constraint rather than flexible deformation
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 design achieves a compact high-capacity reverse osmosis system with reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs, while preventing seawater leakage and pressure loss, extending membrane life and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the seawater passes through a reverse osmosis membrane by reverse osmosis and is collected to a tube arranged at a center of the reverse osmosis membrane unit
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse osmosis apparatus for a seawater desalination system is provided. The reverse osmosis apparatus includes a barrel in which a plurality of vessels receiving reverse osmosis membrane units are arranged, a feed tank provided in an intermediate portion of the barrel and connected to a seawater inlet, a first water tank provided inside a first end portion of the barrel and connected to a plurality of first vessels connected to a first side of the feed tank, and a second water tank provided inside a second end portion of the barrel and connected to a plurality of second vessels connected to a second side of the feed tank.