Single Pump Sterilizing Solution System for Softener Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for producing sterilizing solutions, such as hypochlorous acid or sodium hypochlorite, face reliability issues due to inadequate regeneration of ion-exchange water softeners, leading to clogged electrolytic cell membranes from high calcium and magnesium ion concentrations, which can cause system malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A system with a single positive displacement brine pump controlled by a control unit to supply sodium chloride brine solution both to the electrolytic cell for sterilizing solution production and to the ion-exchange water softener for regeneration, ensuring proper regeneration and preventing membrane clogging by adjusting flow rates and monitoring pressure to maintain system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate regeneration brine pump is used for the water softener, then the electrolytic cell can function independently, but the system reliability decreases due to potential pump malfunction and insufficient regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brine supply function for both the electrolytic cell and the water softener regeneration into a single positive displacement pump. This merging of functions ensures that the same reliable pump serves both purposes, eliminating the risk of separate pump malfunction while maintaining independent operation capability through controlled valve routing of the single pump's output.
Solution Approach 2:
The single positive displacement pump is designed to perform multiple functions: supplying brine to the electrolytic cell during production mode and supplying brine to the water softener during regeneration mode. The control system directs the pump's output to different destinations based on operational requirements, making the pump a universal component that enhances overall system reliability.
2Device complexity
If the water softener is not properly regenerated, then the system structure remains simple, but the electrolytic cell membrane becomes clogged from high calcium and magnesium ion concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the operational status and regulates the single pump's output to ensure proper regeneration of the water softener. By controlling the pump's operation and routing brine flow based on system needs, the feedback mechanism ensures that the water softener receives adequate regeneration brine, preventing calcium and magnesium ion buildup that would clog the electrolytic cell membrane.
3Productivity
If different flow rates are required for electrolytic cell operation and water softener regeneration, then precise flow control is needed, but the pump selection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a positive displacement pump with adjustable flow rate capability, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different operational requirements. The pump can be controlled to deliver lower flow rates during electrolytic cell operation and higher flow rates during water softener regeneration, providing precise flow control without requiring multiple specialized pumps.
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
This approach ensures reliable operation of the electrolytic cell by maintaining optimal ion concentrations, preventing membrane clogging and ensuring consistent production of sterilizing solutions, as malfunctions in the brine pump are easily detectable and addressed, thereby improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a positive displacement pump controlled by a control unit of the system to selectively supply a sodium chloride brine solution from the brine tank to the electrolytic cell and to the water softener for regeneration
Implementation Method 2
The ion-exchange water softener preferably contains an ion-exchange resin in form of beads of e.g. 0.3 to 1 millimeters in diameter of a well-known type with surface capacity to bind calcium and magnesium ions, which may be replaced with sodium ions if the resin is regenerated
Implementation Method 3
an electrolytic cell containing an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a porous ion-exchange membrane
Implementation Method 4
System for production of a sterilizing solution by means of a diaphragm or membrane electrolytic cell which from water and a sodium chloride brine solution produces a sterilizing solution
Data Source
AI summary
A system that produces a sterilizing solution, has an electrolytic cell containing an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a porous ion-exchange membrane. The system further has an ion-exchange water softener arranged to supply the electrolytic cell with deionized water and a brine tank arranged to supply the electrolytic cell with a sodium chloride brine solution. The system is arranged for conducting a regeneration of the water softener by use of a sodium chloride brine solution from the brine tank. The system has a positive displacement pump controlled by a control unit of the system to selectively supply a sodium chloride brine solution from the brine tank to the electrolytic cell and to the water softener for regeneration thereof.