Venturi Pump Automated Disinfection for Reverse Osmosis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of disinfection processes in reverse osmosis systems poses safety risks and inefficiencies, particularly in medical applications where uncontrolled disinfectant supply can be hazardous, and biofilm formation in liquid systems is not adequately prevented.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a venturi pump with a reed switch-controlled coupling system for automated disinfection and a conical distribution device to direct liquids against the inner tank walls, preventing biofilm formation, along with modular venturi pump design for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of disinfection processes is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a coupling is connected or disconnected and autonomously initiates or terminates disinfection processes without requiring manual intervention. The control system monitors the state of couplings and executes disinfection sequences independently, eliminating the need for operators to manually control the process while enhancing safety and efficiency
2Productivity
If automated disinfection is implemented, then safety and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic sensors and automated control logic. Instead of requiring manual mechanical operations for disinfection control, the system uses electronic detection of coupling states and automated pump/control system activation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving disinfection efficiency
3Loss of substance
If concentrate is returned to the feed tank, then water consumption is minimized, but biofilm formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disinfection actions by automatically injecting disinfectant into the concentrate return line before biofilm can form. The automated detection of coupling connections triggers disinfection sequences that prevent organic contaminant accumulation and biofilm development in the water-saving concentrate recirculation system
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces disinfectant as an intermediary substance into the concentrate return line to neutralize organic contaminants. This mediator prevents biofilm formation while allowing the concentrate to be returned to the feed tank, thus maintaining water efficiency while eliminating the harmful effect of biofilm
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 solution enables largely automated disinfection with improved safety and complete flushing of tank surfaces, preventing biofilm formation and ensuring efficient disinfectant removal, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi pump or a venturi tube with the convergence chamber and the divergence chamber is inserted into the concentrate return line
Implementation Method 2
a pump conveys the chemical disinfectant taken from an atmospherically ventilated storage tank via a suction line into the line system
Implementation Method 3
The stationary part of the coupling closing automatically when it is separated by spring force. It is proposed with great advantage that a stationary coupling part each is arranged on the container and on the concentrate return line and an associated counter-coupling part is arranged on the end of the suction hose. The stationary coupling parts preferably each have a reed contact, and there is a ring magnet on the counter-coupling part, so that when the intake hose is connected and disconnected, the reed switch formed in this way executes a switching process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A Venturi tube (20) with a convergence chamber and a divergence chamber is inserted into the concentrate return line (14) of a device for generating ultrapure water for dialysis machines based on the principle of reverse osmosis (RO). A flexible suction hose (18) is attached to the suction opening of the Venturi tube. This hose can be connected, via a coupling, either upstream of the Venturi pump (20) and a flow resistance (24) to the concentrate return line (14) or to an external container (27) containing a disinfectant or cleaning agent. When disinfection is required, the quick-release coupling between the suction hose (18) and the concentrate return line (14) is disconnected, generating a control signal for a reed switch that interrupts normal operation. This allows for a high degree of automation of the disinfection process.