WO2023116192A1

WO2023116192A1 - A reverse osmosis system having an adjustable flow restrictor for in-situ adjustment of concentrate water to a drain, and method of performing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023116192A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/128032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Min Feng; Fei Xue
Original assignee: Kunshan Eco Water Systems Co Ltd
Current assignee: Kunshan Eco Water Systems Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-22
Filing date: 2022-10-27
Publication date: 2023-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-22

Abstract

An RO system capable of adjusting concentrate water flow based on in-situ monitoring of the feed water TDS concentration level. An adjustable flow restrictor is located into the drain line of a reverse osmosis system, which is designed to alter the flow rate of the drain water as a function of the TDS concentration level of the source water or the TDS concentration level proximate a reverse osmosis filter egress port. A self-regulating drain valve is responsive to the instructions from a transmitted signal corresponding to the TDS concentration level measured by a TDS sensor. The self-regulating drain valve activates a motor, which rotates a spool. The spool has one aperture of varying width or a plurality of different sized apertures.

Description

A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE FLOW RESTRICTOR FOR IN-SITU ADJUSTMENT OF CONCENTRATE WATER TO A DRAIN, AND METHOD OF PERFORMING THE SAME

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates a reverse osmosis system having an adjustable flow restrictor for adjusting in-situ the amount of concentrate water exiting a reverse osmosis filter to a drain. The adjustable flow restrictor is a self-regulating valve that is responsive to a water quality parameter, such as the level of the total dissolved solids concentration in the feed water. The adjustment is activated in-situ by regulating the flow of concentrate water through the self-regulating valve. The present invention further relates to a method of adjusting the flow of concentrate water in a reverse osmosis system, and to a self-regulating valve capable of restricting water flow.

Related Art

Minerals and salts that have dissolved in water often affect the appearance and taste of the water. Such material in the water is commonly referred to as total dissolved solids (TDS) .

TDS is associated with levels of dissolved ions in water, like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and nitrates. TDS naturally occur in water after the water filters through bedrock and soil. In general, the total dissolved solids concentration is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged) ions in the water. TDS can be from natural sources such as dissolved rock or from man-made chemicals such as Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC's ) . Therefore, a measure of the total dissolved solids provides a qualitative assessment of an amount of dissolved ions (organic and inorganic dissolved substances) . A certain amount of dissolved solids in water is normal, and even beneficial, but problems start when levels of TDS increase beyond what would accumulate naturally. Elevated Total Dissolved Solids can result in water having a bitter or salty taste; result in incrustations, films, or precipitates on fixtures; corrosion of fixtures; and, reduced efficiency of water filter and equipment. Additionally, TDS can cause decolorization in water.

TDS is a measure of the weight of remaining salts after the water has been filtered or evaporated, and is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l) , which is equivalent to parts per million (ppm) . The lower the level of TDS, the purer the water. Primary sources for TDS in receiving waters are agricultural runoff and residential (urban) runoff, clay-rich mountain waters, leaching of soil contamination, and point source water pollution discharge from industrial or sewage treatment plants.

The method most commonly used for determining the TDS concentration in water supplies is the measurement of specific conductivity, generally using a conductivity probe that detects the presence of ions in water. Conductivity measurements are converted into TDS values by means of a factor that varies with the type of water.

There are a few treatment options to reduce total dissolved solids in water, such as reverse osmosis systems, water filters, and softeners. Reverse osmosis ( "RO" ) is considered to be one of the best available solutions to reduce the water TDS level and to meet many treated water quality requirements.

Each reverse osmosis system includes a drain to remove reject water; that is, the brine or concentrate, which contains the concentrated minerals and metals that are rejected. The reject or concentrate water goes out the "drain line" . Importantly, the water that flows to the drain is not "waste. " Rather, it is an essential part of the RO unit's operation. The function of flow to the drain is to initiate a rinse of the membrane, keep it clean, and to wash the impurities rejected by the membrane down the drain. Thus, a drain to remove concentrate or "reject" water is an essential component of a properly functioning RO system.

Typically, the drain line includes a flow restrictor and a check valve. The flow restrictor controls how much water flows to drain. It limits the drain flow to a stream of concentrate or reject water that is sized to suit the drain flow needs of the reverse osmosis system membrane. The sizing of the flow restrictor to the RO membrane is set by the manufacturer, and remains constant throughout the life of the RO system. The other device, the check-valve, is typically a one-way valve. It allows water to flow toward the drain pipe but prevents it from flowing backward toward the reverse osmosis membrane. Its function is to prevent backflow into the RO unit in the event of a blocked drain pipe.

As noted above, the drain water is an essential part of the reverse osmosis system operation. Its function is to carry away impurities. Reverse osmosis membranes screen out impurities, but they do not hold them as filters do. Instead, contaminants such as lead, fluoride, nitrates, or sodium, to mention a few, are rinsed away and sent down the drain.

An RO membrane is semi-permeable, which means it allows water to pass through the membrane while it is not permeable to other species. The RO membrane is very good at rejecting many species such as viruses, bacteria, salts, but for an RO membrane to work, one has to apply a net driving pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than osmotic pressure that is created by the soluble salts in water) . Once the net driving pressure is applied, the RO membrane will begin to produce permeate (product) water. The operating pressure, temperature, feed water TDS concentration, and recovery ratio are four factors affecting performance of RO membranes.

As operating pressure increases, more permeate water is produced, and the percent rejection of the membrane increases if other parameters remain somewhat constant. If there is a higher feed water TDS concentration, the osmotic pressure will increase. As feed water concentration increases, permeate flow and percent rejection of RO membrane declines (considering the other parameters being constant) .

The amount of water that goes down the drain is controlled by an essential part of the RO unit, specifically, the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is designed to let a specific amount of water, usually measured in milliliters per minute, flow out of the membrane housing and to the drain pipe. The amount of water that it lets pass is typically related to the production rate of the membrane. If, however, the flow restrictor is calibrated "too tight" for the membrane, poorer TDS rejection from the membrane will result, which would shorten the membrane's life.

A flow restrictor is designed to maintain high pressure inside the RO membrane (a precondition for RO purification) by creating back pressure on the membrane. A flow restrictor also controls the recovery ratio of the purifier. If a flow restrictor is not used, the high-pressure water coming in from the booster pump will flow unrestricted from the concentrate outlet of the RO membrane. This will result in low pressure inside the RO membrane and higher wastage of water. The RO membrane will not be able to work if the pressure inside the RO membrane is not sufficiently high. Thus, it is common in the art for the flow restrictors to have set, fixed flow rates, and be properly sized according to the capacity of the RO membrane.

The RO membrane capacity (generally measured in gallons per day) and flow restrictor capacity must be matched to keep a proper balance between water wastage and purification quality. If they are not matched, this can cause excessive wastage of water or may reduce the life of the RO membrane. If a higher capacity flow restrictor is used, it will result in higher wastage of water and lower pressure inside the RO membrane. Lower pressure inside an RO membrane can have an adverse effect on the quality of purification. Conversely, a lower capacity flow restrictor used for a higher capacity RO membrane will result in early choking of the RO membrane, reduced membrane life, and an increase in the TDS value of the purified water.

In general, the flow restrictor must be sized to fit the membrane production size, and typically, a desirable flow restrictor value is four times the production rating or the capacity of the RO membrane, although the drain flow ratio often decreases a bit as membranes get larger.

If the flow restrictor does not match the membrane production size, it is possible the TDS levels coming out of the RO system will be consistently higher. Higher TDS will decrease permeate flow because it increases the osmotic pressure.

Water quality is defined in terms of the water's chemical, physical, and biological content. Water quality will vary with geography and seasons. Water quality can be affected by sedimentation, runoff, erosion, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, decayed organic materials, pesticides, toxic and hazardous substances, oils and grease, etc. Thus, it is not uncommon for water quality to be vastly different from one region to another, or from one season to another, especially when the source water may be coming from different distant locations.

Since diverse water quality may have a direct effect on TDS concentration, it is desirable to have a reverse osmosis system capable of accommodating variations in TDS concentrations throughout the life of the RO system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an RO system capable of accommodating variations in water quality and TDS concentrations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an in-situ adjustable flow restrictor for an RO system capable of adjusting drain water flow as a function of TDS concentration.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for adjusting the drain flow of a reverse osmosis system in-situ.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for an adjustable flow restrictor capable of in-situ adjustment for a plurality of water flow operations.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a reverse osmosis system having in-situ flow restriction control, comprising: a reverse osmosis filter having a housing with an ingress port for receiving feed water for the reverse osmosis system, a permeate water output port delivering permeate water, and a concentrate water output port for delivering concentrate water to a drain; a TDS sensor located upstream of the reverse osmosis filter ingress port or upstream of the reverse osmosis filter, the TDS sensor measuring a TDS concentration level of the feed water at some point prior to entering the ingress port of the reverse osmosis filter or measuring a TDS concentration level of water exiting the reverse osmosis filter, the TDS sensor in electrical communication with a transmitter for sending signals based on the TDS concentration level; and an adjustable flow restrictor in fluid communication with the reverse osmosis filter concentrate water output, the restrictor including an input for receiving the concentrate water, an output for delivering the concentrate water to the drain, and a fluid transport conduit therebetween; receiver electronics responsive to signals sent by the transmitter; a motor having an actuating rod, the motor responsive to the signals received from the transmitter, and instructions provided by the receiver electronics; and a spool in mechanical communication with, and responsive to, the actuating rod, the spool having at least one aperture in-line with the fluid transport conduit such that the concentrate water flows from the adjustable flow restrictor input, through the at least one aperture, through the fluid transport conduit, through the adjustable flow restrictor output, to the drain, such that when the spool moves in a manner responsive to the actuating rod from a first position to a second position, a different aperture width is presented to the fluid transport conduit when the spool is in the first position than when the spool is in the second position, thereby adjusting flow of the concentrate water to the drain.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to an adjustable regulating valve for restricting the flow of fluid comprising: a rotatable spool positioned inside the valve housing between the ingress port and the fluid transport conduit, the rotatable spool having a continuous aperture of varying width, such that a first portion of the continuous aperture having a first width is in-line with the fluid transport structure, allowing the fluid to flow from the ingress port to the egress port through the spool and the fluid transport structure; receiver electronics for receiving a signal generated outside of the adjustable regulating valve; a motor proximate the valve cover, and having an actuating rod in mechanical communication with the spool, such that the actuating rod rotates the spool; whereby upon rotation, the spool exposes a second portion of the continuous aperture having a second width different than the first width, such that flow of the fluid from the ingress port to the egress port is altered.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of regulating flow of concentrate water to a drain in a reverse osmosis system, the method comprising: locating a regulating valve to be in fluid communication with a concentrate water output of a reverse osmosis filter, such that the regulating valve receives concentrate water from the reverse osmosis filter, and an output of the regulating valve in fluid communication with a drain; sending a signal to the regulating valve based on a TDS concentration level of feed water entering the reverse osmosis filter or exiting the reverse osmosis filter; and regulating flow of the concentrate water exiting the regulating valve to the drain based on the TDS concentration level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. he invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 depicts an RO system practicing an embodiment of the present invention with a self-regulating drain valve;

Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the self-regulating drain valve of the present invention;

Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the self-regulating drain valve of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the spool of the self-regulating drain valve of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the self-regulating drain valve of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 depicts a second embodiment of the spool of the self-regulating valve of Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to Figs. 1 –6 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

Due to the wide variations in the quality of water sources feeding a reverse osmosis system, it is not uncommon for the TDS concentration of the source water to have large fluctuations over time. In such cases, having a flow restrictor with a predetermined set flow value for the drain outlet is detrimental to operation. Since the flow rate of the flow restrictor is initially set for the specified RO membrane capacity, any variation in TDS will affect the pressure across the RO membrane, and in turn may cause the predetermined set flow rate of the drain outlet to be inefficient for the RO system use. Flow rate through an RO membrane decreases rapidly with high TDS concentrations. One resolution to maintaining outgoing flow rate specifications under such conditions is to increase the flow rate of the drain. Consequently, it is desirable to have a flow restrictor which can self-regulate based on the TDS concentration of the source water. In this manner, the RO system will continue to run efficiently under fluctuating TDS concentrations, and prolong the life of the RO membrane. Conversely, during low TDS operation, a reduction in flow rate of the drain would save water, as less water would be directed to the drain.

An adjustable flow restrictor is introduced into the drain line of a reverse osmosis system, which is designed to alter the flow rate of the drain water as a function of the TDS concentration of the source water. In at least one embodiment, this adjustment is performed in-situ using a self-regulating valve.

Fig. 1 depicts an RO system 10 practicing an embodiment of the present invention. A water source 12 provides feed water to a prefilter 14, which typically includes a carbon-based filter media that is designed to remove organics and chlorine from the feed water. The carbon filter may be employed in conjunction with a sediment filter to remove sediment and chlorine that could clog or damage the RO membrane. A flow meter 16 may be placed in-line downstream of the prefilter 14 in order to monitor/control the incoming feed water flow.

A first TDS sensor 18 (TDS-1) is located downstream of prefilter 14, and may be downstream of flow meter 16, situated to perform a first in-situ TDS measurement on the prefiltered feed water. The first TDS sensor 18 is designed to be in electrical communication with electronics 20, typically located on a printed circuit board or other mounting structure for electronic components. Electronics 20 are designed to receive a signal from TDS sensor 18 related to a measured TDS concentration level, and generating instructions via electronic signals to an adjustable flow restrictor in the form of a self-regulating (adjustable) drain valve 22. The instructions are predicated on the measured TDS concentration value, insomuch as the self-regulating drain valve 22 will alter the flow restriction based on the TDS concentration level.

It should be noted that electronics 20 may be incorporated within the TDS sensor 18. Additionally, electronics 20 may provide electrical communication to self-regulating drain valve 22 by wire or by wireless communication.

A booster pump 24 is located downstream of the TDS sensor 18. Generally, RO systems require a booster pump to maintain water pressure at an ideal level as the water enters the reverse osmosis filter unit. In some instances, low pressure switches 26 and cutoff valves 28 may be in-line upstream of the booster pump 24.

Booster pump 24 feeds the RO filter unit 30. RO filter unit 30 includes an RO membrane, a permeate output 31, and a concentrate or reject outlet 32. As the feed water enters the RO membrane under pressure (enough pressure to overcome osmotic pressure) the water molecules pass through the semi-permeable RO membrane while the salts and other contaminants are not allowed to pass and are discharged via the concentrate or reject stream (also known as a brine stream) , which goes to drain. The water that makes it through the RO membrane is called permeate or product water and usually has around 95%to 99%of the dissolved salts removed from it.

In some embodiments, a check valve 34 and high-pressure switch 36 may be situated downstream of the RO filter unit 30, prior to the output permeate water reaching a post filter 38. Typically, a second TDS sensor 40 (TDS-2) and output flow meter 42 are located proximate the faucet 44.

This design presents a RO system capable of adjusting reject or concentrate water flow based on in-situ monitoring of the feed water TDS concentration level. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the TDS monitoring is performed after the feed water traverses through prefilter 14; however, TDS monitoring may be done at a point external to the RO system, and in some embodiments at the feed water source, or between the feed water source and the RO system. By measuring the TDS concentration prior to RO filter 30, it is possible to adjust the drain water flow responsive to different TDS concentration levels, which in turn will directly affect the pressure on the RO membrane internal to the RO filter.

In one embodiment, the self-regulating drain valve 22 is responsive to the instructions from a signal transmitted by the electronics 20, which receives TDS concentration information from the TDS sensor 18. The self-regulating drain valve 22 may include receiving electronics responsive to instructions from electronics 20, which in turn activate a motor, such as a step motor, which acts to rotate a spool within the self-regulating drain valve 22. It should be noted that the self-regulating drain valve 22 may be responsive to TDS sensor 40 rather than TDS sensor 18. Either sensor may be used to deliver TDS concentration levels to the electronics that are in electrical communication with the self-regulating drain valve 22.

Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a self-regulating drain valve 22 of the present invention. Motor 50 has an electrical connection 50a that communicates with electronics 20, and receives instructions for activation. These instructions can be transmitted and received wirelessly, and if so, there would not be a hardwire connection from the motor to the TDS sensor. Activation instructions to motor 50 will initiate rotation of rotatable actuating rod 50b. In one embodiment, rotatable actuating rod 50b has a non-circular cross-section so that it presents a slip-free outside surface when connected to components that are made to rotate responsively to the actuating rod's rotation.

A top cover bracket 52 is proximate at one end to step motor 50, and at an opposite end to valve cover 54. Top cover bracket 52 presents additional structural integrity to the valve to ensure the overall structure can withstand the pressure of a burst test, which typically exposes the valve to pressures on the order of 400 psi.

Two bushings 56a, b along with O-ring seal 58 work to seal connecting rod 60. Connecting rod 60 attaches at an upper end to the rotatable actuating rod 50b, and at a lower end to positioning block 62. Connecting rod 60 receives the rotatable actuating rod 50b in a manner that allows connecting rod 60 to rotate with the actuating rod without slippage.

At its lower end, connecting rod 60 is in mechanical communication with positioning block 62. Similar to the connection with the actuating rod, connecting rod 60 has a non-slippage connection, such that during rotation of actuating rod 50b, positioning block 62 is rotated accordingly. Positioning block 62 is attached to spool 64.In the exemplary embodiment, positioning block 62 has a protrusion that is insertable within a cavity 64a at the center of spool 64. In an alternative configuration (not shown) , positioning block 62 may be configured with a cavity to receive a protrusion from spool 64. The attachment of positioning block 62 to spool 64 is designed to have spool 62 rotate when the motor actuating rod 50b is rotated.

In an exemplary embodiment, spool 64 is designed with a plurality of different sized apertures 64b, one of which at any given time is in-line with the water flow circuit. Each aperture, when in-line with the water flow circuit, restricts waterflow therethrough depending upon the diameter size of the aperture. By rotating spool 64, and exposing a different aperture to the water flow circuit, it is possible to adjust the water flow exiting the drain valve.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the rotation of spool 64 is responsive to the rotation of actuating rod 50b of motor 50, which is responsive to the instructions received from electronics 20, and based on the TDS concentration level received from TDS sensor 18. The spool rotation results from the in-situ measurement of the TDS concentration, which initiates an in-situ rotational response from the aforementioned rotating mechanical components.

O-rings 66a, b are designed to provide a water-tight seal between valve body 70 and valve cover 54. Valve body 70 encloses spool 64, and provides an outlet port aligned with an operative spool aperture 64b so that water can traverse through the spool aperture through a transport conduit to outlet port to the drain. O-ring 68 provides a slidable water-tight seal between a given aperture 64b of spool 64 and the transport conduit that connects to the output port of valve body 70.

The valve body is designed to have quick change connectors 72a, b to facilitate in-line insertion. It is preferable to have a filtering component 74 in-line with the quick-change connectors to prevent sediment blocking.

Spool 64 is rotated upon actuation of motor 50. Depending upon the measured TDS concentration level, spool 64 is either rotated to align a larger diameter aperture in the water flow circuit, or a smaller diameter aperture with the water flow circuit. In either case, flow is altered in-situ, during operation of the RO system 10 as a function of feed water TDS concentration.

In an alternative embodiment, spool 64 may have one aperture of varying width, such that upon rotation, the aperture's width is adjusted wider to narrower, or vice versa. Fig. 6 depicts a second embodiment of the spool of the self-regulating valve having as an illustrious embodiment one varying-width aperture.

In an alternative embodiment, the TDS concentration levels may be preprogramed into the microelectronics, such that a given TDS concentration level may be an input data point to the microelectronics, and matched to preprogramed TDS concentration levels charted against flow values and spool aperture diameters to determine the new flow rate, and to rotate spool 64 accordingly.

Table I illustrates an aperture hole size for a given TDS concentration range, and the associated, desired flow rate. This is an example of the size distributions of the apertures selected as a function of the TDS concentration:

TABLE I

TDS Range	Hole Size	Flow Rate (Under 0.45 MPa)
0 –100 ppm	0.5 mm	300 ml/min
100-200 ppm	0.7 mm	550 ml/min
200-300 ppm	1.05mm	900 ml/min
> 300 ppm	1.2 mm	1200 ml/min

In a further embodiment, the TDS concentration level signals may be communicated to the self-regulating valve, and received by the self-regulating valve, wirelessly, from a TDS sensor proximate to, and in-line with, the RO filter, or located somewhere removed from the RO system, for example, at a point between the RO system and the feed water source.

Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the self-regulating drain valve 22. Water flow arrows 76 indicate the directional flow of water through drain valve 22. As shown, concentrate water flows from the RO filter to the drain valve inlet, through the flow restricting spool aperture 64b, through a fluid transport conduit, which connects to the drain valve outlet, and ultimately to the drain (not shown) .

Under typical conditions, a flow rate of 550 ml/min is considered within operating specifications. But, the flow rate of the RO membrane decrease dramatically with high TDS concentration. Thus, the flow rate through the drain valve must increase to prolong the life span of the RO filter.

An exemplary embodiment of spool 64 is depicted in Fig. 4. Apertures 64b are shown of varying sizes. In the illustrious embodiment, five apertures are depicted; however, there is no limit to the number of apertures that can be made available, and as noted previously, it is possible that a single aperture of increasing width may be used as a continuous adjustment of flow, rather than the depicted segmented approach. The limitation on the rotation of the spool, and thus the differentiation of aperture width, is solely dependent upon the rotational increments available to the motor.

Fig. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the self-regulating drain valve 22. An exposed view of spool 64 is shown with arrow 78 identifying the rotational direction of the spool when subjected to the rotational motion of motor 50.

There are several ways to operate an RO system with an adjustable, self-regulating drain valve to perform in-situ adjustment of the flow of concentrate water out the drain. One embodiment is performed by first providing RO system hardware for receiving feed water, (optionally) filtering sediment and chlorine, and measuring the TDS concentration of the feed water prior to the water reaching the ingress port of the RO filter. The TDS concentration level value is relayed electronically or by wireless connection to controller electronics (which may be at the motor or separate from the valve construction) , where a proper flow rate for the drain valve is determined. In one embodiment, determination of the flow rate is made by correlating the TDS concentration level to a predetermined chart of spool aperture sizes. Other analytical means may be implemented, such as accessing by algorithms what the necessary flow restriction should be through the drain valve. The present invention is not limited to any particular analytical means for such determination. The controller electronics are in electrical communication with the self-regulating drain valve (wired or wireless) , and provide instruction to the motor of the drain valve to rotate the drain valve internal spool such that a particular spool aperture size or width is presented at the fluid transport conduit to the egress port of the drain valve, thus restricting flow.

This operation is performed in-situ during RO filtering as a way to protect the RO membrane when the TDS concentration levels are too high, and to prolong the RO membrane life.

To the extent the TDS concentration information is sent to the self-regulating drain valve from an outside location (a location removed from the RO system) , the RO system may not require an initial in-line TDS sensor, and the self-regulating drain valve would be in electrical communication with, and responsive to, the TDS sensor measuring the TDS concentration level remotely.

The present invention presents an embodiment for an adjustable regulating valve for restricting the flow of a fluid, which can be utilized in a reverse osmosis system; however, the adjustable regulating valve is not dedicated solely to a reverse osmosis system, and can be utilized in other fluid operations as well.

An adjustable regulating valve for restricting the flow of fluid includes a valve housing having an ingress port, an egress port, and a throughput fluid transport conduit located therebetween. The valve housing is sealed by an attachable, releasable valve cover. A rotatable spool is positioned inside the valve housing between the ingress port and a fluid transport conduit. In one embodiment, the rotatable spool includes a plurality of apertures, such that prior to rotation a first aperture of the plurality of apertures is in-line with the fluid transport conduit allowing the fluid to flow from the ingress port to the egress port through the spool and the fluid transport structure, and after rotation, a second aperture of the plurality of apertures, different in width than the first aperture, becomes in-line with the fluid transport conduit, allowing the fluid to flow from the ingress port to the egress port through the spool and the fluid transport structure. The difference in width apertures affects the flow of fluid to the egress port.

If the second aperture has a smaller width than the first aperture, and the spool exposes the second aperture to the fluid transport conduit, the flow of the fluid from the ingress port to the egress port of the self-regulating valve is restricted.

In another embodiment, a method of regulating flow of concentrate water to a drain in a reverse osmosis system is presented. The method includes the steps of: locating a regulating valve to be in fluid communication with a concentrate water output of a reverse osmosis filter, such that the regulating valve receives concentrate water from the reverse osmosis filter; sending a signal to the regulating valve based on a TDS concentration level of feed water entering the reverse osmosis filter or exiting the reverse osmosis system; and regulating flow of the concentrate water exiting the regulating valve to the drain as a function of the TDS concentration level of the feed water. The flow regulation is performed by restricting the flow through at least one aperture on a spool within the regulating valve. This is achieved by rotating a spool in the regulating valve, where in a preferred embodiment, the spool includes a plurality of apertures, such that prior to rotation, a first of the plurality of apertures is in-line with ingress and egress ports of the regulating valve, and the concentrate water flows therethrough to the drain, and after rotating the spool, a second of the plurality of apertures is in fluid communication with the regulating valve ingress and egress ports, and the concentrate water flows therethrough to the drain, the first aperture having a width different than the second aperture.

In another preferred embodiment, the spool may have a single one aperture of varying width, such that when the spool moves in a manner responsive to the actuating rod from a first position to a second position, a different aperture width is presented to the fluid transport conduit when the spool is in the first position than when the spool is in the second position, thereby adjusting flow of the concentrate water to said drain.

While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

A reverse osmosis system having in-situ flow restriction control, comprising:

a reverse osmosis filter having a housing with an ingress port for receiving feed water for the reverse osmosis system, a permeate water output port delivering permeate water, and a concentrate water output port for delivering concentrate water to a drain;

a TDS sensor located upstream of said reverse osmosis filter ingress port or upstream of said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor measuring a TDS concentration level of said feed water at some point prior to entering said ingress port of said reverse osmosis filter or measuring a TDS concentration level of water exiting said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor in electrical communication with a transmitter for sending signals based on said TDS concentration level; and

an adjustable flow restrictor in fluid communication with said reverse osmosis filter concentrate water output, said restrictor including:

an input for receiving said concentrate water, an output for delivering said concentrate water to said drain, and a fluid transport conduit therebetween;

receiver electronics responsive to signals sent by said transmitter;

a motor having an actuating rod, said motor responsive to said signals received from said transmitter, and instructions provided by said receiver electronics;

a spool in mechanical communication with, and responsive to, said actuating rod, said spool having at least one aperture in-line with said fluid transport conduit such that said concentrate water flows from said adjustable flow restrictor input, through said at least one aperture, through said fluid transport conduit, through said adjustable flow restrictor output, to said drain, such that when said spool moves in a manner responsive to said actuating rod from a first position to a second position, a different aperture width is presented to said fluid transport conduit when said spool is in said first position than when said spool is in said second position, thereby adjusting flow of said concentrate water to said drain.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1 wherein said TDS sensor is located in-line and proximate to said reverse osmosis filter ingress port or egress port.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1 wherein said motor actuating rod rotates as a function of said TDS concentration level measured, and said spool rotates responsive to said rotating actuating rod from said first position to said second position.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1 wherein said spool includes a plurality of apertures, such that a first aperture is exposed to, and in-line with, said fluid transport conduit when said spool is in said first position, and a second aperture is exposed to, and in-line with, said fluid transport conduit when said spool is in said second position, said first aperture having a width different than said second aperture.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 4 wherein said spool, responsive to said motor actuating rod, moves said first aperture away from said fluid transport conduit and said second aperture towards said fluid transport conduit.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1 wherein said at least one aperture in-line with said fluid transport conduit and said adjustable flow restrictor output adjusts flow of said concentrate water to said drain.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1 wherein said reverse osmosis filter includes a reverse osmosis membrane element within said housing and in fluid communication with said reverse osmosis filter ingress port, said permeate water output port, and said concentrate water output port, such that permeate water is directed to a faucet, and concentrate water is directed to said drain.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 7 including a pre-filter for receiving said feed water, and delivering pre-filtered water to said reverse osmosis filter ingress port.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 1, wherein said motor is a step motor.
A reverse osmosis system having in-situ flow restriction control, comprising:

a reverse osmosis filter having a housing with an ingress port for receiving feed water for the reverse osmosis system, a permeate water output port, and a concentrate water output port;

a TDS sensor located upstream of said reverse osmosis filter ingress port or upstream of said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor measuring a TDS concentration level of said feed water prior to entering said ingress port of said reverse osmosis filter or measuring a TDS concentration level of water exiting said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor in electrical communication with a transmitter for sending signals based on said TDS concentration level; and

a self-regulating valve in fluid communication with said reverse osmosis filter concentrate water output, said self-regulating valve including:

an input for receiving concentrate water from said reverse osmosis filter, and an output for delivering said concentrate water to a drain;

receiver electronics receiving said signals sent by said transmitter;

a motor actuating a rotatable rod based on said signals received from said transmitter, and based on an in-situ measurement of said TDS concentration level;

a rotatable spool in mechanical communication with, and responsive to, said rotatable rod, said rotatable spool having a plurality of apertures, wherein a first of said plurality of apertures is in-line with said self-regulating valve output such that said concentrate water flows therethrough to said drain, and wherein said rotatable spool is rotatably responsive to said rotatable rod, such that when said first of said plurality of apertures is rotated away from being in-line with said self-regulating valve output, a second of said plurality of apertures is rotated towards being in-line with said self-regulating valve output.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 10 wherein said TDS sensor is located in-line and proximate to said reverse osmosis filter.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 11 wherein said TDS sensor includes said transmitter for sending signals responsive to said TDS concentration level.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 12 wherein said transmitter transmits said signals to said receiver electronics via wireless communication.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 10 wherein said self-regulating valve includes a connecting rod and a positioning block to form a mechanical link between said rotating rod and said rotating spool.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 14 wherein said positioning block includes a protrusion, and said spool includes a central cavity for receiving said positioning block protrusion, allowing said spool to rotate upon rotation of said positioning block.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 10 wherein said self-regulating valve includes a valve body for housing said rotatable spool and forming said self-regulating valve input and output.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 16 wherein said self-regulating valve includes an O-ring between said rotatable spool and said self-regulating valve fluid transport conduit to provide a water tight seal for said concentrate water to flow through one of said plurality of apertures in-line with said self-regulating valve output.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 16 including an in-line filter located at said self-regulating valve input for removing sediments and/or particulates from said concentrate water flow from said reverse osmosis filter.
A reverse osmosis system having in-situ flow restriction control, comprising:

a reverse osmosis filter having a housing with an ingress port for receiving feed water for the reverse osmosis system, a permeate water output port delivering permeate water, and a concentrate water output port for delivering concentrate water to a drain;

a TDS sensor located upstream of said reverse osmosis filter ingress port or upstream of said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor measuring a TDS concentration level of said feed water at some point prior to entering said ingress port of said reverse osmosis filter or measuring a TDS concentration level of water exiting said reverse osmosis filter, said TDS sensor in electrical communication with a transmitter for sending signals based on said TDS concentration level; and

an adjustable flow restrictor in fluid communication with said reverse osmosis filter concentrate water output, having a receiver for receiving said signals from said TDS sensor, and a regulator valve capable of altering flow rate of concentrate water exiting said adjustable flow restrictor to a drain.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 19, wherein said adjustable flow restrictor includes a rotatable spool having a continuous aperture of varying width, such that a first portion of said continuous aperture having a first width is in-line with a fluid transport structure, allowing said fluid to flow to said drain through said spool and said fluid transport structure.
The reverse osmosis system of claim 19, wherein said adjustable flow restrictor includes a rotatable spool having a plurality of apertures, wherein a first of said plurality of apertures is in-line with a self-regulating valve output such that said concentrate water flows therethrough to said drain, and when said first of said plurality of apertures is rotated away from being in-line with an output of said self-regulating valve, a second of said plurality of apertures is rotated towards being in-line with said self-regulating valve output.
An adjustable regulating valve for restricting the flow of fluid comprising:

a valve housing having an ingress port, an egress port, and a throughput fluid transport conduit located therebetween;

a valve cover sealingly attachable to said valve housing;

a rotatable spool positioned inside said valve housing between said ingress port and said fluid transport conduit, said rotatable spool having a continuous aperture of varying width, such that a first portion of said continuous aperture having a first width is in-line with said fluid transport structure, allowing said fluid to flow from said ingress port to said egress port through said spool and said fluid transport structure;

receiver electronics for receiving a signal generated outside of said adjustable regulating valve;

a motor proximate said valve cover, and having an actuating rod in mechanical communication with said spool, such that said actuating rod rotates said spool;

whereby upon rotation, said spool exposes a second portion of said continuous aperture having a second width different than said first width, such that flow of said fluid from said ingress port to said egress port is altered.
The adjustable regulating valve of claim 22 wherein, when said second portion has a smaller width than said first portion, said flow of said fluid from said ingress port to said egress port is restricted.
A method of regulating flow of concentrate water to a drain in a reverse osmosis system, said method comprising:

locating a regulating valve to be in fluid communication with a concentrate water output of a reverse osmosis filter, such that said regulating valve receives concentrate water from said reverse osmosis filter, said regulating valve having an output in fluid communication with a drain;

sending a signal to said regulating valve based on a TDS concentration level of feed water entering said reverse osmosis filter or filtered water exiting said reverse osmosis filter; and

regulating flow of said concentrate water exiting said regulating valve to said drain based on said TDS concentration level.
The method of claim 24 including measuring in-situ said TDS concentration level of said feed water or said filtered water using a TDS sensor which is in communication with a transmitter for sending said signal corresponding to said TDS concentration level.
The method of claim 24 wherein said step of regulating flow of said concentrate water existing said regulating valve includes adjusting the width of an aperture through which said concentrate water flows.
The method of claim 26 wherein adjusting the width of said aperture includes rotating a spool such that said concentrate water flows from said regulating valve input, through said aperture to said regulating valve output to said drain.
The method of claim 25 wherein said transmitter sends a signal to said regulating valve, and said regulating valve receives said signal from said transmitter.
The method of claim 28 wherein said regulating valve actuates a spool based on said signal received from said transmitter.
The method of claim 29 including rotating said spool in said regulating valve, said spool having a plurality of apertures of varying width or a single aperture of varying width, such that prior to rotation, a first aperture width is in-line with ingress and egress ports of said regulating valve, and said concentrate water flows therethrough to said drain, and after rotating said spool, a second aperture width is in fluid communication with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports, and said concentrate water flows therethrough to said drain, said first aperture width being different than said second aperture width.
The method of claim 30 wherein, when said second aperture width is smaller than said first aperture width, flow of said concentrate water from said ingress port to said egress port is restricted.
A method of adjusting flow of concentrate water in a reverse osmosis system having a reverse osmosis filter with a concentrate outlet and a permeate outlet, said method comprising:

measuring in-situ a TDS concentration level of feed water introduced to said reverse osmosis filter, or a TDS concentration level of water exiting said reverse osmosis filter egress port;

directing said feed water to said reverse osmosis filter;

directing said concentrate water through said concentrate outlet to a regulating valve ingress port;

transmitting a TDS sensor signal either by electrical cabling or wirelessly to said regulating valve, said regulating valve having said ingress port for receiving said concentrate water, and an egress port to direct said concentrate water to a drain; and

altering said concentrate water flow to said drain based on said TDS sensor signal.
The method of claim 32 wherein said step of altering said concentrate water flow to said drain includes rotating a spool within said regulating valve having a plurality of apertures, such that prior to rotation, a first of said plurality of apertures is in-line with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports, such that said concentrate water flows through said first of said plurality of apertures to said drain, and after rotating said spool, a second of said plurality of apertures is in fluid communication with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports, and said concentrate water flows through said second of said plurality of apertures to said drain, said first aperture having a width or exposed cross-sectional area different than said second aperture.
The method of claim 33 wherein, when said second aperture has a smaller width or exposed cross-sectional area than said first aperture, and said second aperture is in fluid communication with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports, flow of said concentrate water from said ingress port to said egress port is restricted.
The method of claim 32 wherein said step of altering said concentrate water flow to said drain includes rotating a spool within said regulating valve having an exposed variable width aperture, such that prior to rotation, said variable width aperture is in-line with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports at a first width, such that said concentrate water flows through said variable width aperture to said drain, and after rotating said spool, said variable width aperture having an exposed second width is in fluid communication with said regulating valve ingress and egress ports, and said concentrate water flows through said second width of said variable width aperture to said drain, said first width different than said second width.