Feedwater Biased Storage Tank for Rapid Reverse Osmosis Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reverse osmosis-based water treatment systems that do not require external power are limited by slow water dispensing rates, failing to meet consumer demands for quick and efficient production and dispensing of treated water at larger flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment apparatus utilizing a reverse osmosis module with a feedwater biased storage tank that is depressurized during permeate production and pressurized only when dispensing, featuring a restrictor and check valve configuration to control fluid flow, allowing for on-demand water dispensing without external power, and incorporating modular filter and treatment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a reverse osmosis unit is used to treat and dispense relatively small quantities of treated water without external power, then the system operates autonomously, but the dispensing time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-pressurizes the storage tank with feedwater before permeate dispensing. The feedwater pump pressurizes the tank during non-dispensing periods, so when dispensing is needed, the pre-stored pressurized feedwater can quickly push permeate through the reverse osmosis membrane, dramatically reducing dispensing time while maintaining autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a pressurization mode where feedwater is pumped into the storage tank to build pressure, and a dispensing mode where the pre-built pressure rapidly forces permeate through the membrane. This dynamic operation allows the system to achieve high flow rates during dispensing without requiring continuous high-power input
2Speed
If the storage tank is continuously pressurized to enable rapid dispensing, then dispensing speed improves, but the reverse osmosis membrane cannot be properly flushed and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic cycling between pressurization and depressurization phases. During the pressurization phase, feedwater is pumped into the storage tank to build pressure for rapid dispensing. During the depressurization phase, the pressure is released, allowing permeate to flow backward through the membrane for flushing. This periodic alternation enables both rapid dispensing and reliable membrane maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively incorporates a depressurization step in the operational cycle to prevent membrane fouling before it becomes a problem. By regularly flushing the membrane with reverse flow during the depressurization phase, the system prevents accumulation of contaminants that would otherwise degrade membrane performance and reliability
3Ease of operation
If a restrictor is added to control fluid flow rate, then flow rate control improves, but the rate at which fluid generated force is applied to the valve operating member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a compliance chamber as an intermediary element between the restrictor and the valve operating member. This chamber acts as a buffer that absorbs and dampens pressure fluctuations and force spikes generated by the restrictor, converting erratic high-force pulses into smoother, more manageable force application on the valve operating member while preserving the flow rate control function
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 enables rapid and efficient dispensing of treated water, ensuring reliable operation with full depressurization of the storage tank and enhanced stability, while allowing for easy maintenance and additional treatment module integration.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis module having an input for source water to be treated, a permeate output and a concentrate output
Implementation Method 2
A feedwater biased storage tank stores the permeate produced by the reverse osmosis module
Implementation Method 3
a restrictor is disclosed for restricting the flow of signal pressure to a signal pressure chamber forming part of the feedwater control valve. The restrictor reduces the rate at which a fluid generated force is applied to a valve operating member
Implementation Method 4
a check valve is provided that is configured to be in a parallel relationship with the restrictor. The check valve allows a fluid generated force on the valve operating member to be released substantially immediately when the signal pressure is terminated
Data Source
AI summary
A water treatment system including a reverse osmosis module and a control valve controlling communication between a water source and the module. A feedwater biased storage tank stores permeate and its pressurization by feedwater is controlled by a feedwater control valve. Flow of signal pressure to a signal pressure chamber of the feedwater control valve is restricted to reduce the rate at which a fluid generated force is applied. A check valve in parallel with the restriction allows relatively unrestricted flow out of the signal chamber when signal pressure is terminated. A tank pressurization control valve controls the operation of the feedwater control valve and controls the pressurization of a feedwater biasing chamber in the storage tank. Per-meate is stored in an accumulator for flushing the reverse osmosis module when the storage tank reaches a predetermined limit. Cleaning substances or additives can be introduced into the system.