Reverse Osmosis Permeate Sterilization via Ozonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis systems used in conjunction with hemodialysis devices face challenges in achieving absolute sterility of high-purity water due to bacterial growth and re-contamination in the permeate collection tube and distribution system, requiring costly and resource-intensive chemical disinfection, which poses safety risks and is not fully effective.
Innovation Solution
A reverse osmosis system with a closed secondary circuit for independent cleaning of the permeate collection tube, utilizing ozonization and a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis to maintain sterility, and a centrifugal chamber for residue removal, allowing for partial disinfection of the distribution system without chemical or thermal energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfection is used to sterilize the permeate collection tube and distribution system, then sterility is improved, but safety risks increase and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ozonization (ozone generation) to the permeate collection tube and distribution system as a sterilization method. Ozone is a strong oxidant that effectively kills bacteria and microorganisms without leaving harmful chemical residues, thus achieving sterility while avoiding the safety risks associated with chemical disinfectants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection systems with a physical sterilization system using ozone generation and UV irradiation. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical agents, reducing safety risks while maintaining effective sterilization of the water distribution system.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfection is used to sterilize the permeate collection tube and distribution system, then sterility is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone generation as a cost-effective sterilization method. Ozone can be generated on-site from atmospheric oxygen using electrical energy, eliminating the need to purchase and transport chemical disinfectants, thus reducing operational costs while maintaining effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service sterilization system where ozone is generated in-situ from atmospheric oxygen. The system uses electrical energy to convert oxygen into ozone, which then sterilizes the distribution system automatically, reducing the need for external chemical supplies and lowering operational costs.
3Reliability
If thermal energy is used for disinfection, then sterility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone generation and UV irradiation as alternative sterilization methods that consume less energy than thermal disinfection. These physical methods achieve effective sterilization at lower energy costs compared to heating water to high temperatures for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from thermal energy to chemical oxidation (ozone) and electromagnetic radiation (UV). This parameter change allows for effective sterilization with reduced energy consumption, as ozone and UV methods require significantly less energy input compared to thermal processing.
4Reliability
If the secondary circuit is cleaned independently, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water treatment system into separate primary and secondary circuits, allowing independent cleaning and sterilization of each. The secondary circuit (permeate collection tube and distribution system) can be sterilized independently using ozone and UV, improving cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex integration with the primary circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional sterilization system where ozone generation and UV irradiation units serve both the primary and secondary circuits. This universal approach allows independent cleaning of the secondary circuit while using the same sterilization technologies, balancing cleaning effectiveness with device complexity.
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 system achieves effective sterilization of the high-purity distribution system with reduced energy and chemical input, ensuring microbiological stability and extending component lifespan, while minimizing waste and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module the primary circuit of which is separated by a semipermeable membrane from a secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
The permeate collection tube, the cleaning and/or disinfection device and a circulation pump are arranged in a circulation circuit
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis
Implementation Method 4
a cleaning chamber with physical effects like electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for sanitizing a reverse osmosis system to supply high-purity permeate. Included in the method is supplying raw water to a feed tank and to a filter module using a raw-water inlet line having an inlet valve. A primary circuit is provided, and has a first pump connected to the filter module. A secondary circuit is provided, and has a second pump and a heater, both of which are connected to the filter module. The primary circuit is separated from the secondary circuit using a semipermeable membrane disposed in the filter module. The secondary circuit of the reverse osmosis system is cleaned or disinfected while the raw-water inlet line is in a disconnected state and the inlet valve is in a closed state using the second pump and the heater.