Variable Drain Flow Restrictor for Cleaner RO Wastewater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems face issues with waste water generation, contamination of internal components due to exposure to reject water, inability to adjust to varying RO systems, and mechanical component degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A proportioning valve design with a cylindrical housing, slider, and reverse pressure mechanism that keeps reject water from entering the internal cavity, featuring a needle valve assembly responsive to sensors for adjusting water flow, and a motorized assembly for precise control of waste water flow in proportion to product water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a proportioning valve is used to control waste water flow in RO systems, then waste water generation is reduced, but internal components are exposed to reject water causing contamination and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into a first cavity housing the slider and reverse pressure mechanism, and a second cavity housing the needle valve assembly. The slider acts as a movable partition that separates the reject water flow path from the internal mechanism cavity, allowing the system to control waste water flow while protecting internal components from contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves as an intermediary element that responds to reverse pressure from the spring mechanism to control the position of the needle valve. This intermediary mechanism allows indirect control of waste water flow without direct exposure of the control mechanism to reject water, preventing contamination while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed proportioning valve design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying RO systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides adjustable reverse pressure that can be tuned to match different RO system operating conditions. The slider's position is dynamically controlled by the spring force, allowing the valve to adapt to varying pressure conditions and flow requirements of different RO systems while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structural design.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical components are exposed to reject water and pressure cycling, then operational control is improved, but component degradation and failure increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into wet and dry cavities, with the slider forming a movable boundary. The needle valve assembly and spring mechanism are housed in the dry cavity, protected from direct exposure to reject water. This segmentation allows the control mechanism to remain responsive to pressure changes while being protected from water-induced degradation and corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical mechanical components (spring, needle valve assembly) are extracted from the reject water environment and placed in a protected cavity. The slider transmits the necessary mechanical action from the reject water side to the protected mechanism side, allowing the components to function without direct exposure to degrading conditions.
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 solution effectively reduces waste water generation, protects internal components from contamination, and adapts to different RO systems, enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the RO system by minimizing mechanical component degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse pressure mechanism designed to partially counter the pressure provided by the product water
Implementation Method 2
a slider within the housing responsive on a first end to pressure provided by the product water inlet and on a second end responsive to pressure provided by a reverse pressure mechanism
Implementation Method 3
at least one seal to keep reject water from entering a portion of the internal cavity that houses the reverse pressure mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A proportioning valve for a reverse osmosis system that controls the production of product water by the differential pressure across the purification membrane. By sensing increasing tank pressure to actuate the proportioning valve, the flow of waste water is restricted. Placement of seals within the cavity of the valve, as well as placement of waste water inlet and outlet ports, protects tension components that provide reverse tank pressure from waste water exposure. A needle valve assembly responsive to an actuating assembly that senses tank pressure removes the need for an inlet tank water port while restricting water flow.