Selective Brine Feed Control for Lower-Energy RO Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems face high energy consumption, leading to increased costs and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A seawater RO desalination apparatus that includes a method for selectively feeding a brine stream by controlling pressure pumps and valves based on pressure data, using low-pressure and high-pressure pumps to optimize pressure levels and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional RO desalination systems are used, then freshwater can be produced from seawater, but high energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-pressure brine stream (waste product) into a beneficial energy source by injecting it into the low-pressure pump suction line. The brine stream's pressure energy is utilized to assist in pressurizing the feed water, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the high-pressure pump while maintaining freshwater production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the brine stream flow with the feed water flow in the low-pressure pump suction line. By combining these two streams, the system utilizes the pressure energy from the brine stream to reduce the workload on the low-pressure pump, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining the required feed flow rate for freshwater production.
2Stress or pressure
If high pressure is applied to boost liquid stream pressure, then pressure requirements are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high-pressure brine stream ( previously a waste product requiring energy for disposal) into a beneficial energy source. By injecting this pressurized brine stream into the low-pressure pump suction line, the system recovers pressure energy that would otherwise be wasted, thereby reducing the energy consumption required to achieve the necessary pressure levels for RO membrane operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the low-pressure pump suction line as an intermediary medium to transfer and mix the brine stream with the feed water. This intermediary approach allows the pressure energy from the brine stream to be effectively transferred to the feed water, reducing the energy burden on the high-pressure pump while meeting the pressure requirements for RO desalination.
3Device complexity
If brine stream is discarded without utilization, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously discarded brine stream (a waste product representing lost energy) into a useful energy resource. By injecting the brine stream into the low-pressure pump suction line, the system recovers and utilizes the pressure energy contained in the brine, thereby reducing overall energy consumption without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the brine stream serves the system by providing pressure energy to assist in feed water pressurization. The brine stream, which would otherwise be a waste product, now contributes to the system's own energy needs, reducing external energy input requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 apparatus achieves reduced specific energy consumption and enhanced energy efficiency by effectively managing pressure levels and integrating brine stream energy into the process, thereby optimizing performance and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first pressure pump includes a first port and a second port. The first port receives the liquid stream, and the second port outputs the first boosted liquid stream.
Implementation Method 2
The treatment unit comprises a first set of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and a second set of RO membranes
Implementation Method 3
reverse osmosis (RO)... a process of removing salts and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh or potable water
Implementation Method 4
The second pressure pump is configured to boost a second pressure level of the first boosted liquid stream to a third pressure level of the second boosted liquid stream, such that the third pressure level is higher than the second pressure level.
Implementation Method 5
controlling one of: a first valve or a second valve to selectively feed the brine stream to one of: the first port or the second port, respectively, based on the pressure data
Data Source
AI summary
A method, controller and apparatus for selectively feeding a brine stream includes controlling an inlet to receive a liquid stream, and controlling a first pressure pump to output a first boosted liquid stream using the received liquid stream. They also include controlling a treatment unit to output at least a brine stream by passing the liquid stream through it, and determining pressure data associated with the first boosted liquid stream at the second port. The first pressure pump includes first and second ports, the first port receives the liquid stream, and the second port outputs the first boosted liquid stream. The method, controller and apparatus also include controlling either a first or second valve, selectively to feed the brine stream to either the first or second port, respectively, based upon the pressure data.