Reverse Osmosis System for Ultrapure Water with Dynamic Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis systems used in haemodialysis devices face inefficiencies in resource usage, including electrical energy and water consumption, due to fluctuating demand and the need for frequent start-stop operations, leading to microbial contamination risks and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage reverse osmosis system with a permeate distribution pump and circulation pumps, combined with heat exchangers and primary energy sources, optimizes water supply by reducing pump power consumption, implementing efficient overflow management, and enabling partial load operation to minimize energy and water waste, while ensuring ultrapure water quality and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reverse osmosis system operates continuously at full capacity, then water production is maximized, but energy consumption and water waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation and membrane element utilization based on actual water demand. The controller activates only the necessary number of pump circuits and membrane elements matching the current load, preventing energy waste from operating at full capacity when demand is low, while maintaining high productivity when demand is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including pump speed, pressure, and the number of active membrane elements based on demand. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than operating at fixed full capacity, the system optimizes the balance between water production and energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If the reverse osmosis system starts and stops frequently to match demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but microbial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by keeping the water loop circulating through the membrane elements even during low-demand periods. This continuous circulation prevents stagnant water conditions that lead to microbial growth, while the controller manages pump activation to reduce energy consumption when full production is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the permeate distribution pump and water loop operating continuously at reduced capacity rather than stopping and starting. This ensures water keeps moving through the system preventing contamination, while the controller optimizes energy use by activating only necessary pump circuits and membrane elements.
3Reliability
If all pump circuits and membrane elements are always active, then water supply reliability is maximized, but operational costs and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pump circuits and membrane elements into independently controllable units. The controller activates only the specific number and combination of segments needed to meet current demand, ensuring sufficient water supply reliability while preventing waste from operating all components at full capacity when not needed.
4Loss of energy
If the system operates at partial load continuously, then energy consumption is reduced, but the risk of microbial growth in stagnant water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous circulation of water through the membrane elements and loops even at partial load, preventing stagnant conditions that promote microbial growth. The permeate distribution pump operates continuously to keep water moving, while energy consumption is optimized by activating only the necessary pump circuits and membrane elements for the current demand level.
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 significant annual savings in electricity and water costs, extends membrane lifespan, and ensures reliable ultrapure water supply with reduced power consumption by 70% and annual savings of up to €32,000 in electrical costs, while maintaining high water quality and operational security.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second reverse osmosis unit 12/14, 13/15 each having a concentrate outlet 68, 70 and a permeate outlet 65, 67 in each stage the first reverse osmosis unit 12/14 being arranged upstream of the second reverse osmosis unit 14/15 in flow direction of the feed water 2
Implementation Method 2
Reverse osmosis systems and method of obtaining ultrapure water
Implementation Method 3
combined with heat exchangers and primary energy sources, optimizes water supply by reducing pump power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The reverse osmosis system with at least one high pressure pump, which supplies untreated water to at least one module pipe, in which a membrane with a permeate collecting pipe is arranged, includes a permeate outlet of the at least one module pipe that is connected by means of a first conduit to a permeate tank, which is in communication by means of a further conduit, connected into which there is a permeate supply pump, with a loop feed line, to which a plurality of dialysis devices are connected and that branching off from the first conduit there is a bypass conduit, which discharges into the further conduit downstream of the permeate tank and the permeate supply pump.