RO Permeate Line Decontamination via Ozone Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RO systems for dialysis require energy-intensive hot cleaning or chemical disinfection, which can damage equipment and leave residues, and do not effectively address organic deposits and germ infestation in the line system.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a circulation pump and electrochemical ozone generator in the permeate return line with a recirculation circuit, ozone concentration monitoring, and valve control to create a closed ozonized permeate circuit for gentle decontamination, allowing continuous operation and ozone-free permeate production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hot cleaning is used to decontaminate the line system, then effective removal of organic deposits and germs is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of decontamination from thermal (hot cleaning) to chemical (ozone-based). The ozone generator produces ozone gas that dissolves in water to form ozonized water, which then circulates through the line system to decontaminate it. This parameter change eliminates the need for high-temperature heating while maintaining effective decontamination of organic deposits and germs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal cleaning system with an electrochemical system. The ozone generator uses electrical energy to generate ozone through electrochemical reactions, which then chemically decontaminates the line system. This substitution eliminates the need for thermal energy while achieving the same decontamination goal.
2Reliability
If chemical cleaning agents are used to decontaminate the line system, then effective decontamination is achieved, but chemical residues may remain and contaminate the water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone, a short-lived substance that decomposes naturally into oxygen. The ozone generator continuously produces ozone that circulates through the line system and then dissipates, leaving no persistent chemical residues. This disposable nature of ozone ensures that the water supply remains free from harmful chemical contaminants after decontamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, to decontaminate the line system. Ozone oxidizes organic deposits and kills germs through its high oxidation potential. After performing its decontamination function, ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen, leaving no harmful residues. This strong oxidizing capability achieves effective decontamination without the persistence problems of traditional chemical cleaners.
3Reliability
If chemical cleaning agents are used to decontaminate the line system, then decontamination is achieved, but risk of equipment damage and health hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone, a short-lived substance that decomposes naturally into oxygen after performing its decontamination function. This eliminates the need to store, handle, and dispose of hazardous chemical cleaning agents, thereby reducing health hazards to operators and eliminating risks of equipment damage from corrosive chemicals.
4Productivity
If the permeate return line is used for decontamination circulation, then continuous operation is maintained, but pump damage may occur from aggressive cleaning agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cleaning agent from aggressive chemicals to gentle ozone. Ozone is effective for decontamination but much gentler on equipment. When circulated through the permeate return line, ozone decontaminates the system without causing the corrosion or damage that aggressive chemical cleaners would inflict on pumps and other functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ozone, a strong oxidant, which provides effective decontamination while being gentler on equipment compared to traditional chemical cleaners. Ozone's oxidizing power is sufficient to kill germs and break down organic deposits, yet it decomposes into oxygen without leaving corrosive residues that could damage pumps or other components in the permeate return line.
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
Enables gentle and effective decontamination of the permeate line without damaging pumps, ensuring the removal of organic contaminants while maintaining system operation and preventing chemical residue issues, with ozone concentration monitoring for membrane protection.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical ozone generator is integrated into the permeate return line
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump and an electrochemical ozone generator are integrated into the permeate return line
Implementation Method 3
ozonized permeate can circulate until all organic contaminants in that part of the line system have been killed off or decomposed by the ozone
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation pump and an electrochemical ozone generator are integrated into the permeate return line of an RO system, and the permeate return line is connected in flow direction behind the circulation pump and the ozone generator by a recirculation line to the permeate supply line, which can form a closed circuit where the ozonized permeate circulates until all organic contaminants have been killed or decomposed by the ozone in that part of the line system. Valves are integrated, respectively, into the recirculation line and the permeate return line downstream of the branch of the recirculation line. During normal operation of the RO system, the recirculation line valve is connected for feeding connected dialysis devices while the permeate return line valve is open, so excessive permeate that was not taken by the dialysis devices can flow into the supply tank. Alternatively, the permeate can be discharged into an outlet.