Water-on-Valve Control for Reverse Osmosis Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-on-water filtration systems face issues such as reduced pressure differential, variable flow rates, and difficulty in maintaining constant water quality due to back pressure and air compartment pressure loss, especially in residential systems with frequent water draw-offs.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a water-on-water storage tank and a valve or combination of valves that regulate flow based on product line pressure, featuring at least three states to manage feed, product, and reject water flows efficiently, using a shuttle or multiport valve with a piston body and spring mechanism to maintain optimal pressure and flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air-on-water systems are used to store product water, then the storage tank can be simple in structure, but the back pressure from the air compartment reduces the pressure differential across the filter module, reducing filtration quality and quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a water-filled compression compartment instead of an air compartment to compress the product water compartment. This hydraulic system eliminates the back pressure problem inherent in pneumatic (air-on-water) systems, maintaining high pressure differential across the filter module and thus preserving filtration quality and quantity while achieving the desired water storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the compression medium from gas (air) to liquid (water). This parameter change fundamentally alters the system behavior: water is incompressible, so it provides compression force without creating back pressure that would reduce the pressure differential across the membrane, thereby maintaining high productivity and filtration quality.
2Device complexity
If air-on-water systems are used, then the system can operate with simple components, but the air compartment gradually loses pressure, causing variable flow rates and inconsistent product water delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air compartment) with a hydraulic system (water compression compartment). The incompressible nature of water provides stable, consistent compression force that does not degrade over time like air pressure, ensuring reliable and constant flow rates while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water compression compartment automatically maintains consistent pressure through the incompressible property of water, eliminating the need for pressure regulation mechanisms or periodic maintenance that would be required in air-on-water systems to maintain constant flow rates.
3Productivity
If water-on-water systems with flexible membranes are used, then back pressure is reduced, but the system requires complex valve mechanisms to control flow between compartments and outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into distinct valve components: a diverter valve controls flow distribution between the product water outlet and drain outlet, while a separate compression mechanism controls water transfer to the compression compartment. This segmentation simplifies each valve's function while achieving complex flow control, reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diverter valve as an intermediary component that mediates flow distribution between different outlets. This intermediary device simplifies the control logic by providing a dedicated flow switching mechanism, eliminating the need for complex multi-way valves or complex control sequences.
4Productivity
If water-on-water systems are used, then product water quality can be maintained, but startup procedures become complex requiring precise sequencing of water filling and valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-filling the compression compartment with water before operation and using automatic valve sequencing that performs necessary preparations (filling, pressurizing) before main operation begins. This ensures the system is ready for immediate productive operation with consistent water quality without complex manual startup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and flow detectors that automatically adjust valve operations based on real-time system state. This feedback control simplifies startup procedures by eliminating the need for precise manual sequencing, as the system self-regulates to achieve proper operating conditions while maintaining water quality.
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 provides a consistent flow rate and improved water quality by reducing back pressure on the filtration membrane, preventing valve stalling, and ensuring efficient operation even at low demand flow rates, while simplifying startup procedures by utilizing product line pressure for valve regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis filter module to provide filtered output water
Implementation Method 2
The physical separation between the compartments can be a membrane or other similar structure
Implementation Method 3
a shuttle or multiport valve with a piston body and spring mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Described are water-on-water valves for use in reverse osmosis filtration systems. The water-on-water valves are regulated by the pressure in a product line, which contains fluid from a product line of the filter module and/or the product side of a water-on-water storage tank. Exemplary valves are shuttle valves that are regulated by the pressure downstream of the product side of a reverse osmosis filter module. The valves may comprise a piston within a housing, and an end of the piston may have an enlarged diameter relative to the maximum diameter of the remainder of the piston.