Reverse Osmosis Membrane Control for Stale Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purification systems using reverse osmosis membranes do not effectively manage the high concentration water environment on both sides of the membrane, leading to inefficient water purification.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a control system that regularly drains high concentration water from both sides of the reverse osmosis membrane by controlling solenoid valves and flow paths within the water purification module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reverse osmosis filter continuously operates to purify water, then the purification output is maintained, but the high concentration water environment on both sides of the membrane accumulates and reduces purification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic backwashing cycles where the inlet and outlet solenoid valves are activated to reverse the flow direction through the reverse osmosis membrane. This periodic action flushes accumulated high concentration water from both sides of the membrane, restoring the concentration gradient and maintaining high purification efficiency over extended operation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the accumulated high concentration water (stale water) by channeling it through the stale water flow path to the waste water outlet. By removing this concentrated brine that would otherwise hinder further purification, the system recovers the membrane's purification capability and maintains optimal operating conditions
2Productivity
If the system uses multiple solenoid valves and flow paths to manage concentration water, then the membrane utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste water flow path serves multiple functions: it handles normal waste water discharge during operation, conducts backwashing of the membrane during periodic maintenance, and evacuates stale water during concentration management cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated pathways for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high membrane utilization
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 control method improves the utilization of the reverse osmosis membrane by effectively managing the concentration environment on both sides, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of water purification.
Implementation Method 1
reverse osmosis filter (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a control system for controlling water purification module for processing water on two sides of a reverse osmosis membrane. The control system has a water purification module and a control module. The water purification module has a preliminary filter and a reverse osmosis filter. The control module regularly controls the purification and the drainage of the water purification module, and solves the problem that the TDS value of the water on both sides of the reverse osmosis membrane is too high after the water purifier is on standby for a period of time. The control system regularly drains high concentration water on both sides of the reverse osmosis membrane to improve water purification efficiency.