Automatic Flush Flow Mechanism for RO Membrane Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis water purification systems face challenges with the limited service life of RO membranes and filter elements, leading to frequent service calls and increased operating costs, as well as the wasteful disposal of concentrated brine water.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a water purification system with an automatic flush flow mechanism that intermittently cleans the RO membrane and refreshes particulate catalysts in pre- and post-filters, using a flush flow activation chamber to generate back pressure and inject tap water to wash away accumulated matter, thereby extending the service life of the system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If reverse osmosis membrane and filter elements are used continuously without cleaning, then water purification function is maintained, but service life is limited and components become clogged with accumulated matter
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic automatic flushing of the RO membrane using stored purified water to remove accumulated contaminants. A controller activates a flush valve at predetermined intervals to reverse water flow through the membrane, cleaning it without requiring system disassembly or manual intervention, thereby extending service life while maintaining purification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning of the RO membrane and filter elements using its own purified water output. The flush mechanism allows the system to clean its own components automatically without external service intervention, eliminating the need for manual cartridge replacement and reducing operational costs.
2Reliability
If brine water is discharged as waste continuously, then contaminants are removed from purified water, but water resources are wasted and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses brine water by routing it to a storage tank instead of direct discharge. The recovered brine can be utilized for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or industrial processes, thereby reducing water waste and environmental impact while maintaining effective contaminant removal from drinking water.
Solution Approach 2:
The brine water discharge line is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be discharged to the drain when purification is prioritized, stored for later reuse when water conservation is prioritized, or routed to alternative uses. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and optimize both purification efficiency and resource utilization.
3Reliability
If service calls are made frequently for cartridge replacement, then system performance is maintained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors its own operational status and performs self-cleaning of the RO membrane and filter elements. The controller tracks usage patterns and activates flush cycles as needed, eliminating the need for manual cartridge replacement and frequent service calls while maintaining optimal system performance and extending component service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and controllers that monitor water quality, flow rates, and pressure differential across the membrane. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect when cleaning is needed and initiate appropriate maintenance cycles, ensuring optimal performance without requiring external monitoring or frequent service interventions.
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
This solution significantly extends the service life of RO membranes and filter elements, reduces the need for frequent service calls, and allows for the recycling of brine water, thereby lowering operational costs and improving water purification efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis (RO) unit or membrane for converting an incoming supply of ordinary tap or feed water into relatively purified water
Implementation Method 2
The activation chamber generates back pressure within the water purification system to flash flow tap water inflow into the purification unit and through the RO membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The improved water purification system includes a water purification unit having a tap water inflow port for receiving a tap water inflow from a water supply system to produce relatively purified water and a brine water outflow having impurities concentrated therein. An RO filter having an RO membrane separates relatively unfiltered water flow into purified water and the brine water outflow. A flush flow activation chamber fluidly coupled to the brine water outflow includes a plunger for substantially occluding brine water outflow through the brine outflow port when seated, and substantially permits brine water outflow to exit the purification unit through the brine outflow port when unseated. Accordingly, the activation chamber generates back pressure within the water purification system to flash flow tap water inflow into the purification unit and through the RO membrane when the plunger moves from being seated to unseated, thereby substantially refreshing said RO membrane.