Reverse Osmosis Disinfection Dosing for Precise Concentration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for chemical disinfection of reverse osmosis systems in dialysis therapy require manual calculation and filling of disinfectant quantities, leading to inaccuracies and potential over- or under-concentration, which can damage the system or result in incomplete disinfection.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a control unit that calculates and automatically adjusts the disinfectant concentration using sensors and pumps to maintain a precise target concentration, ensuring accurate disinfection by monitoring and adjusting the disinfectant mixture in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual calculation and filling of disinfectant quantities is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision (disinfectant concentration accuracy) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddisinfectant concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-dosing of the disinfectant by automatically calculating the required quantity based on pre-stored system parameters (volume of reverse osmosis system, target concentration) and executing the dosing operation without manual intervention. The control unit retrieves system parameters, calculates the disinfectant quantity, controls the dosing pump, and monitors the process automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of calculating and pouring disinfectant is replaced by an automated control system that uses electronic calculations, sensors, and pumps. The control unit electronically determines the disinfectant quantity based on system volume and target concentration, then automatically dispenses it through a dosing pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual determination of disinfectant quantity is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability (disinfection completeness) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddisinfection completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the disinfection process and can adjust the disinfectant dosing based on actual system conditions. The system tracks the disinfectant quantity added and compares it with the calculated target concentration, allowing for real-time feedback control to ensure complete and accurate disinfection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the required disinfectant quantity before the actual dosing operation. The control unit determines the exact amount needed based on pre-stored system parameters and target concentration, ensuring that the correct quantity is prepared and dispensed automatically during the disinfection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If over-concentration of disinfectant is performed, then reliability (disinfection effectiveness) is improved, but loss of substance (chemical waste) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidchemical waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the disinfectant concentration parameters based on the actual volume of the reverse osmosis system and the desired target concentration. The control unit calculates the precise disinfectant quantity needed to achieve the target concentration without excess, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Manual estimation and pouring of disinfectant is replaced by automated electronic control that precisely measures and dispenses the exact required quantity. The dosing pump delivers the calculated amount with high precision, eliminating the uncertainty and excess that occur with manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250345474A1Method for the chemical disinfection of a reverse osmosis system and reverse osmosis system

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 B BRAUN AVITUM

AI summary

A method is used for the chemical disinfection of a reverse osmosis system. The system has a supply tank, a ring line for connecting consumers, at least one membrane module, a feed line to the membrane module, at least one pressure pump for pumping liquid into the membrane module and a disinfectant container. Disinfectant is conveyed from the disinfectant container into the supply tank. The includes comprises the steps of setting a target concentration of the disinfectant, determining the amount of disinfectant required based on the target concentration of the disinfectant, and discharging the amount of disinfectant required for the target concentration from the disinfectant container into the supply tank through a discharge device.