Reverse Osmosis Filter Feedback Control for Stable Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis filtration systems fail to automatically maintain desired flow rates and water purity levels due to variability in feed water properties and system fluctuations, requiring manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple feedback circuits to iteratively adjust feed and concentrate water flow rates and pressure based on real-time monitoring of permeate properties and flow rates using sensors and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are made by the user to maintain flow rate and purity levels, then the system can operate with simple structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates and requires continuous user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by monitoring permeate flow rate and purity levels, then automatically adjusting feed water flow rate and concentrate water discharge to maintain optimal filtration performance without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system performs self-adjustment by using sensors to detect changes in permeate properties and automatically modifying system parameters through control valves and pumps, eliminating the need for continuous user operation
2Manufacturing precision
If additional stages of filtration are added to address variability in water purity, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains filtration precision by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as feed water flow rate, concentrate water discharge rate, and pressure differential across the membrane, rather than adding physical filtration stages
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static filtration to dynamic control by continuously monitoring and adjusting flow rates and pressure parameters to adapt to variability in feed water properties and maintain consistent permeate quality
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system operates with fixed flow rates and pressure, then the device complexity is low, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates due to variability in feed water properties
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor permeate flow rate and purity, providing feedback to control systems that automatically adjust feed water flow rate and concentrate water discharge to maintain stable filtration performance despite feed water variability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with automated electronic control systems that use sensors and actuators to dynamically regulate flow rates and pressure, improving stability without proportionally increasing complexity
4Productivity
If manual monitoring and adjustment of flow rates is performed, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to interruptions and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feedback control system operates continuously to monitor and adjust flow rates, ensuring uninterrupted filtration operation and maintaining optimal productivity without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of operational parameters, eliminating downtime associated with manual checks and maintaining continuous productive operation
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
Automatically maintains optimal flow rates and water purity by continuously adjusting system parameters, minimizing variability and ensuring consistent filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
In a reverse osmosis filter, water is supplied to a semipermeable membrane. Filtered water (permeate) is forced through the membrane to be used, while the remainder (concentrate) is discharged.
Implementation Method 2
water is supplied to a semipermeable membrane. Filtered water (permeate) is forced through the membrane
Implementation Method 3
a flow sensor at the permeate line monitoring a flow rate of permeate water exiting the filter into the permeate line
Implementation Method 4
the permeate sensor can be a conductivity sensor measuring the conductivity of the permeate water exiting the filter into the permeate line, the conductivity of the permeate water varying according to the amount of solute present in the permeate water after filtration
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for flow control in a reverse osmosis filtration system, such as within a medical device. The systems, devices, and methods can respond to changes in permeate flow rate and solute concentration by adjusting feed water and concentrate water rates. Multiple feedback loops adjust parameters to meet water flow rate and purity requirements.