Integrated RO Energy Recovery Module for Compact Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems are complex, costly, have a large footprint, and require separate onsite assembly and interconnection of multiple elements, limiting their use to large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
A modular RO energy recovery system with integrated compact ERDs and an axial IMP, which combines ERD booster pump and motor within a common housing, allowing for a single unit transport and minimal footprint, eliminating the need for onsite installation and interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate ERD booster pump and motor are used with associated hoses and interconnections, then the system can provide sufficient pressurization capability, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ERD booster pump and motor into a single integrated motor pump assembly, eliminating the need for separate pump and motor components along with their associated hoses and interconnections. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining the required pressurization capability for the RO desalination system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elements are used in the RO system, then the system can be customized for different installation requirements, but the transportation and onsite assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RO desalination system into modular components, with the energy recovery module being a self-contained unit that includes the ERD, integral motor pump, and all necessary interconnections. This modular segmentation allows the module to be transported as a single pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing onsite assembly time while maintaining adaptability through standardized interfaces.
3Productivity
If conventional separate ERD booster pump configuration is used, then the system can provide sufficient water flow, but the installed footprint and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the integral motor pump is positioned within the housing of the energy recovery device, with the pump inlet receiving pressurized water from the ERD and the pump outlet directing flow back to the MO device inlet. This nesting eliminates the need for external piping and reduces the installed footprint while maintaining sufficient water flow capability.
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 reduces the number of elements to be transported and assembled onsite, minimizing the installed footprint and overall cost, while maintaining energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy recovery device (ERD) configured to transfer pressure from a high-pressure brine output of the membrane osmosis device to low-pressure water, thereby producing pressurized water
Implementation Method 2
the water is pressurized and directed to a membrane osmosis device (MO device), within which fresh water is separated from pressurized brine by one or more membranes
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, low footprint energy recovery module for a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system comprises a vertical stack of horizontal conduits, at least one energy recovery device (ERD), and an axial integral motor pump (IMP). The horizontal conduits are configured to carry low-pressure brackish water, pressurized brackish water, high pressure brine, and low-pressure brine. The ERDs, which are substantially cylindrical and vertically oriented, are interconnected with the horizontal conduits and entirely supported thereby. The IMP is substantially cylindrical and extends horizontally and coaxially from an outlet end of the pressurized water conduit, the IMP being configured to further pressurize the pressurized water for input to a membrane osmosis device. The IMP can have a diameter that exceeds a largest horizontal conduit diameter by no more than 25%. The IMP can be driven by a variable frequency controller, being thereby continuously variable in pumping speed.