Reverse Osmosis Membrane Flushing via Dedicated Recirculation Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid purification systems for water purification, such as those described in WO 2002/055182, RU 2614287, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,568, face inefficiencies in flushing processes, including high purified liquid consumption and ineffective membrane flushing due to contaminant presence and low flow velocity, which hinder the complete removal of debris from reverse osmosis membranes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid purification system with a raw liquid line, reverse osmosis membrane, purified liquid line, and recirculation line, featuring intensive repeated flushing with purified liquid, where the number of flushings within a cycle is controlled, and a secondary purified liquid line connected to both the purified liquid vessel and raw liquid line, ensuring high flow velocity and reduced liquid consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purified liquid is used for flushing the reverse osmosis membrane through the existing system lines, then the membrane is flushed, but the purified liquid pressure decreases and the flushing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flushing function from the main purified liquid delivery path by creating a separate flushing line that draws purified liquid directly from the storage tank. This separates the flushing operation from the pressure-dependent purified liquid delivery system, allowing flushing to occur without compromising the pressure available for normal purified liquid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a flushing pump - that mediates between the purified liquid storage tank and the reverse osmosis membrane. This pump enables controlled delivery of purified liquid for flushing without relying on the pressure from the main purified liquid line, thus maintaining pressure integrity while achieving effective flushing.
2Reliability
If purified liquid is circulated through multiple lines and components during flushing, then the membrane receives flushing liquid, but the amount of purified liquid required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flushing function from the main purified liquid delivery path by creating a separate flushing line that draws purified liquid directly from the storage tank. This separation allows flushing to be performed using a dedicated, minimized flow path that bypasses unnecessary components and reduces purified liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing purified liquid in a dedicated tank before flushing operations. This pre-stored purified liquid is readily available for flushing without requiring circulation through the entire system, reducing the total amount of purified liquid needed and eliminating the need to circulate through multiple lines during the flushing process.
3Loss of substance
If the system uses a separate flushing line from the purified liquid storage tank, then purified liquid consumption is reduced, but additional system complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing pump serves multiple functions: it delivers purified liquid to the membrane during flushing operations and can also assist in normal operation by supplementing purified liquid delivery. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the pump component, as it performs several useful functions rather than being a dedicated single-purpose addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing purified liquid in a dedicated tank before flushing operations. This pre-stored purified liquid is readily available for flushing without requiring circulation through the entire system, reducing the total amount of purified liquid needed and eliminating the need to circulate through multiple lines during the flushing process.
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 approach enhances the effectiveness of flushing by thoroughly removing debris from the reverse osmosis membrane with a smaller amount of purified liquid, extending membrane operational life and reducing liquid consumption.
Implementation Method 1
raw liquid from the source flows along raw liquid line through inlet valve and compressor into the reverse osmosis membrane. Liquid is purified
Implementation Method 2
raw liquid line with inlet valve and circulation pump, installed consequently
Implementation Method 3
recirculation line, equipped with the valve and connected to raw liquid line before circulation pump on the raw liquid line before reverse osmosis membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to liquid purification and/or desalination systems, predominantly water from different sources, and is used in household and/or drinking water supply, in suburb and country houses. Liquid purification system, comprising of raw liquid line with the inlet valve, reverse osmosis membrane connected to drainage line and purified liquid line and purified liquid consumption line and purified liquid vessel, secondary purified liquid line, connected to purified liquid vessel and to raw liquid line and to console panel, characterized in that debris layer on the reverse osmosis membrane is near totally dissolved by intensive repeated flushing of the reverse osmosis membrane with purified liquid.