Water Purifier Reverse Osmosis Membrane Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-bucket water purifiers with reverse osmosis membranes face issues where dissolved solids from waste water permeate back into the purified water side when not in use, leading to high total dissolved solid (TDS) levels in the first cup of purified water upon reuse.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier with a water storage device and adjustable first chamber that disconnects from the purified water port when not in use, allowing stored purified water to flush the reverse osmosis membrane, reducing TDS levels and improving membrane life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the water purifier uses a reverse osmosis membrane device to filter raw water continuously, then purified water is produced efficiently, but dissolved solids accumulate on the waste water side and permeate back into the purified water side when not in use, increasing TDS levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary flushing action by reversing the flow direction before normal purification resumes. Purified water is sent back through the membrane in reverse to flush accumulated dissolved solids from the waste water side, preventing their permeation into the purified water side when the system restarts after idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic flow reversal cycles during operation. Instead of continuous unidirectional flow, the system periodically reverses the flow direction to flush the membrane surface, creating a rhythmic pattern of forward filtration followed by reverse flushing that prevents salt buildup and maintains water quality stability
2Loss of energy
If the water purifier operates in standby mode for extended periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but salt and dissolved solids permeate into the reverse osmosis membrane from the waste water side, degrading membrane performance
Solution Approach 1:
Before the membrane is exposed to stagnant waste water during standby, the system performs a preliminary reverse flush to clear accumulated dissolved solids from the membrane surface. This preliminary action protects the membrane during the subsequent standby period when energy consumption is minimized
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the purified water that would otherwise be wasted during flow reversal to flush and protect the membrane. The reverse flow, which initially seems to be an inefficient use of purified water, actually serves the beneficial function of cleaning the membrane surface and extending its service life during standby operations
3Ease of operation
If the first chamber is always connected to the purified water port for water storage, then purified water is readily available for immediate use, but the reverse osmosis membrane cannot be flushed with purified water during idle periods, allowing TDS to accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first chamber and the purified water port is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically switches the connection state based on operational mode: connected during normal purification for water storage, and disconnected during reverse flush operations to enable membrane cleaning. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between water availability and membrane maintenance
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
Effectively reduces the TDS of the first cup of purified water upon reuse and extends the life of the reverse osmosis membrane by ensuring both sides are flushed with purified water, maintaining water quality.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis membrane device is used for filtering raw water that flows thereinto from a raw water port
Implementation Method 2
the purified water flows into the first chamber from the raw water port of the reverse osmosis membrane device and is discharged from the waste water port of the reverse osmosis membrane device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a water purifier and a water production method thereof, relating to the technical field of water processing, the water purifier comprising: a reverse osmosis membrane device comprising a raw water port, a purified water port and a waste water port; a water storage device which is provided therein with a first chamber of which a volume can be adjusted, the first chamber being communicated with the raw water port and the purified water port, respectively; in the cleaning mode, the first chamber is disconnected from the purified water port, the first chamber is communicated with the raw water port, and the purified water flows into the first chamber from the raw water port of the reverse osmosis membrane device and is discharged from the waste water port of the reverse osmosis membrane device; in the water production mode, and the first chamber is communicated with the purified water port, the first chamber is disconnected from the raw water port. In the present invention, the purified water is stored in the water purifier so as to flush the reverse osmosis membrane device, such that the total dissolved solid (TDS) of a first glass of purified water that flows out of the water purifier at the beginning of use is reduced, and meanwhile lifetime of a reverse osmosis membrane in the reverse osmosis membrane device is effectively improved.