CA1281295C - Quick change reverse osmosis assembly - Google Patents
Quick change reverse osmosis assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1281295C CA1281295C CA000515913A CA515913A CA1281295C CA 1281295 C CA1281295 C CA 1281295C CA 000515913 A CA000515913 A CA 000515913A CA 515913 A CA515913 A CA 515913A CA 1281295 C CA1281295 C CA 1281295C
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- Prior art keywords
- reverse osmosis
- tubular
- opening
- portions
- osmosis unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reverse osmosis system for water treatment including a head member adapted to be fixedly mounted in a fluid supply line, an integral disposable reverse osmosis unit inserted into said head member, said osmosis unit including a pressure vessel, an end member attached to said pressure vessel and a reverse osmosis membrane module disposed in said pressure vessel and operatively associated with said end member.
A reverse osmosis system for water treatment including a head member adapted to be fixedly mounted in a fluid supply line, an integral disposable reverse osmosis unit inserted into said head member, said osmosis unit including a pressure vessel, an end member attached to said pressure vessel and a reverse osmosis membrane module disposed in said pressure vessel and operatively associated with said end member.
Description
~ACKCIROUN~ ~F TIIE INv~r~TIoN
This invention relates to a reverse os~osis system and particularly to an inte~ral dis~osable reverse osmosis unit which may conveniently he inserted into and removed from a system.
Brackish water has an unacceptable taste that can be remedied by water treatment processes such as reverse osmosis. Spirally wound, tubular, or hollo~ fiber reverse osmosis membrane modules are used for reducin~ the mineral quantity in potable water or in water used for preparin~ ice, beveraqes, etc. These modules are housed in permanent pressure vessels which may be made of PVC, stainless steel, or iber reinforced plastic material. The reverse osmosis process renuires a certain level of water pressure to push the water throuqh the ~emhrane, leavinn the removed minerals on the surface of the memhrane. The accumulated minerals are washe~ off the membrane by a reject or waste stream of water flowinq at a fairly hi~h velocity alon~ the surface of the memhrane. This basic re~uirement of water pressure and water flow can be met by line ~ressure existin~ in a water supply system or can he provided hy a pump operatin~ to provide such conditions. Hiqher water ~ressures result in ]ar~er flows throuqh the membrane and also hetter rejection of unwanted minerals.
The modules contained in presently used pressure vessels slowly lose their effectiveness to remove minerals due to various chemical and ~hysical aspects of mineral build-up on the surface of the memhrane. When the flow throuqh the membrane surfaces becomes too slow or too poor in quality for intended end use, the water flow is sto~ed usually with an appropriate valve ahead of the system, the pressllre vessel is o~ened, an~ the used reverse osmosis ~emhrane module is re~oved from the vessel and discarded. A new memhrane module is inserted into the vessel, retainin~ means are fastened, the vessel is closed, and the valve is opened so that the required operatina conditions can be reestahlished.
The process of chan~inq modules can be very messy and time consumin~. In some areas under some operatin~
conditions, the chanqing process may have to be done often, resultinq in hi~h maintenance costs. Additional difficulties are encountered when the devices are located and mounted in rather inaccessible places.
Accordin~ly it hecomes appropriate to develop a reverse osmo.sis assembly in which an inteqral dis~osable reverse osmosis unit can be inserted in a head me~ber and then be removed and replaced as a unit thereby avoidinq a pluarality of ~roblems now commonplace with existinq units.
SUM~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal ohject of the invention herein is to provi~e an integral reverse osmosis unit which can be easily an~ quickly removed and replaced.
Another object is to provide an inte~ral reverse osmosis unit which will avoid the piece by ~iece removal and replacement of a used reverse osmosis module.
Another object is to provide a reverse osmosis unit includin~ a pressure vessel hein~ constructed at its one end in such a manner as to be easily insertable into and removahle fro~ a`head memher which is mounted in a fluid inlet line.
The above objects and advanta~es will beco~e more ap~arent when considered in conjunction with the accom~anyin~
~28~29~
drawinas and the ~ollowin~ description.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ~RA~-~IN~S
Fiq. 1 is a view in elevation and partially in section of a reverse osmosis ~ssemhly embodyin~ the invention herein.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERP~ED EMBODIME~T
The reverse osmosis system includes qenerally a head memher 10, and a reverse osmosis unit 12 operatively connected in the reverse osmosis system. In the embodiment described herein a clampinn collar 14 is associated with the hea~ member and is effective to sup~ort and releasably secure the reverse osmosis unit in the head ~emher. The head member 10 is desiqned to be permanently mounted in a fluid inlet line.
The head member 10 preferably is of plastic construction. It has formed therein an inlet port 16 and a pair of outlet ports 18 and 20. The inlet ~ort 16 is adapted to be connected to a raw water supply system and is adapted for fluid communication with a reverse osmosis unit. A valve unit (not shown) is associated with the inlet port 16 to control the flow of raw influent water to the inlet port.
The outlet ports also are adapted for fluid communication with a reverse osmosis unit inserted into the head member.
One of the said outlet ports 1~ is the dischar~e port for purified water cominn from the reverse osmosis unit and the other of the outlet ports 20 is the dischar~e ~ort for waste water cominn from the reverse osmosis unit.
The head member 10 is constructed internally with 3 concentric bores 22, 24 and 26 each adapted to sealin~ly ~28129S
enna~e tubular ~ortions of a closure memher of the reverse osmosis~unit.
In the particular embodiment described herein the clampinq collar 14 is operatively associated with the head member 10 in the same manner as is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,746,171 for a Filter Assembly issued July 17, 1973, and assiqned to the same assiqnee as this a~plication. The clampin~ collar 1~ in association with the head member 10 operates to retain a pressure vessel in the head member in the same manner as is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,746,171.
It should he understoo(1 that other methods of retaininq the pressure vessel in the head memher 10 could be sed without departinq from the scope of the invention herein.
The reverse osmosis unit comprises an elon~ated pressure vessel 28~an end or closure member 30 disposed in the open end of the ~ressure vessel, a reverse osmosis module 32 dis~osed in the pressure vessel 28 and attached to the closure member 30 and an elon~ated tuhe 34 attached to the closure ~emher 30 and extendinq throu~h the reverse osmosis module. The pressllre vessel preferably is of metal construction but may he of heavy plastic. The ~ressure vessel is constructed with means for retainin~ it in the head member. Such means may include a ~air of diametrically disposed outstandinq ridqe surfaces 36 formed on the u~er end thereof as described in U~S. Patent ~o. 3,746,171 issued July 17, 1973, and assiqned to the same assiqnee as this application.
The end or closure me~er 30 which is disposed in and attached to tlle u~er end of the ~ressure vessel in sealed ~28~2~5 enqace~ent therewith is desiqned to cooperate with the head memher 10. The closure member, which preferably is of a hard plastic material, is formed with a plurality of passa~eways which in the reverse osmosis syste~ form ~art of the inlet and outlet passa~eway system for permittin~ fluid to enter and exit from the reverse osmosis unit. The closure member 30 is of such construction as to provide the appropriate passaqeway system and at the same time be compatible with the head memher into which it is adapted to be inserte~. As here shown the closure member is of a somewhat ~enerally tapered or conical-like construction. This constrllction, however, may take various for~s to acco~odate the construction of the particular hea~ member with which it is to be associated.
The closure ~e~her is annular in constrllction to fit in the open end of the pressure vessel 28. It includes a first tuhular portion 38 a second tubular portion 40 and a third tubular portion 42 all disposed coaxially with each other, a ri~ ~ortion 44 also disposed coaxially with said first, second and third tubular portions and a weh portion 46 interconnectin~ the third tuhular portion 42 and rim portion 44. An axial hore 48 extends throu~h the first tubular portion 38 to define a fluid inlet passaqe 50. The second tubular portion 40 is radially spaced from the first tubular portion 38 to define therebetween a second fluid passa~e 52, and a third tubular portion 42 is spaced from the second tubular portion 40 to define a third fluid passa~e 54. Seal means is associated with each of said tubular portions to provide sealinq enqaqe~ent with the head ~emher 10 into which the reverse os~osis unit 12 is inserted. As herein shown O-rinq seals 56, 58 and 60 are disposed on the first, second and third tubular ~ortions res~ectively to provide sealin~
~281;~95 enqaqement with bores 22, 24 and 26 respectively of the head member 10.
The rim portion 44 of closure member 30 is sealinqly positioned in the upper end of pressure vessel 28.
The closure me~ber may be constructed with an annular base ~emher 62 in its lower end, with a ~lurality of openings 64 bein~ formed in the base member to provide communication between the reverse osmosis module 32 and the waste water passaqe 66 formed in the head me~er.
The elon~ated inlet tube 34 is connected to and is in fluid communiation with the first tubular portion 38 of the closure member. The tube 34 extends down into the pressure vessel throu~h the reverse osmosis module and provides in this case a fluid inlet passaqe into the bottom Oe the associated pressure vessel 28.
The reverse osmosis module 32 includes a reverse osmosis membrane 70 which in conjunction with a coextensive grid member 72 is spirally wound, usually ;n several layers, on a perforated tube 74 which ~referahly is made of plastic.
The ~lastic tube 74 is formed with many perforations alonq its len~th to pass clean liquid therethrou~h. In the assembly as herein shown the u~per end of the perforated tuhe 74 is sealin~ly attached to the closure memher 30 by seal 75 and is radially spaced from inlet tube 34 to provide therebetween a circumferentially extendinq passaqeway 76.
The tube 74 also could be molded as one piece with closure memher 30. This passaqeway 76 is adapted to receive the purified water or other liquid bein~ processed which has been forced throu~h the reverse osmosis member 70 under pressure and from there it flows to the product water outlet 18 in ~.2`8~L29S
head member as indicated hy the flow path 78 shown in a full line.
A plu~ member 80 is disposed in the lower end of tube 74, and inlet tube 34 extends tllrouqh plug member 80 being in sealed relation therewith. This arrangement is effective to seal the inlet water flowin~ down through tube 34 fro~ contact with the processed product water enterinq passa~eway 76 after passinq throu~h the reverse osmosis me~brane 70.
Means are provided to create a chamber at the lower end of the unit into which raw influent water will discharge from inlet tube 34. In one manner of accomplishinq this a cup like member 88 is sealin~ly attached to the lower end of reverse osmosis module 32 with a rin~ seal member 90 being disposed between the cup-like member 88 and the outer wrap 92 of the reverse os~osis module 32. This creates a chamber A
into which raw inlet water under line pressure flows from the inlet tube 34. The water may continue its low upward under pressure throuqh tlle laminations of module 32 as indicated by the broken line flow path P. Durinq the course of this flow some of the water is purified by removal of certain undesirable ~ineral elements, and the pure water is forced throuqh the membrane 70, then throu~h perforated tube 74 and into passa~e 76 and out throu~h outlet port 18 in the head memher 10 as indicated in part by the broken line flow path P. Other means may be provided to create such a Chamber A.
For example, Chamber A could be created by sealin~ directly to the pressure vessel 28 instead of usin~ the cup-like member 88.
~2~zg5 Durin~ the course of water flow mineral impurities are separated out because they cannot pentrate the module membrane 70. These impurities settle on the membrane surface and they are removed by water flowing along the surface of the membrane and out throunh o~enin~s 64, Chamber s and waste water outlet 20.
A capillary tube 98 may be disposed in the drain line 100 which is connected to outlet port 20 in the head member. The capillary tube serves to restrict the flow of waste water throu~h the reverse osmosis module 32. Other types of restrictions such as fixed orfices or flow controls, which under certain circumstances may be more preferable, also may be used to create this back pressure in Chamber B.
Such a restriction holds back most of the pressure and fluid flow from Chamber B and allows only sufficient flow to flush away the impurities which collect on the surface of membrane 70 and permit them to flow to drain.
While the operation of the reverse osmosis system should be reasonably clear from the above description and accompanyin~ drawin~s we now summarize the operation briefly.
Raw influent under line pressure enters inlet port 16 under pressure and flows downwardly throu~h inlet port 16 and the inlet tube 34 connected thereto into Chamber ~. Because the influent water is pressurized it will move upwardly through the laminations of the reverse osmosis membrane 70 to Chamher B out to outlet port 20. At the outlet port 20 a restriction or other means permits only limited flow and creates a back pressure in Chamber B which is effective to force some of the water flowin~ over the membrane 70 to penetrate through the membrane 70 leaving behind on the surface of the membrane ~281;~9~i the dissolved solids and impurities and allowing the purified water to enter Chamber C which is at a low pressure. The pure water in Chamber C enters from the passaqe 76 between the inlet tube 34 and the perforated tubular sleeve 74 upon which the laminations of the module membrane 70 are wound.
The purified water then proceeds to the outlet port 1~ in the head member.
When the membrane loses its ability over a period of weeks, months or a year to effectively remove the minerals, then it is time to chan~e the module. To accomplish such chan~e out, a shut-off valve (not shown) is closed to shut off line pressure. The pressure vessel 28 containinq the used membrane module and the integral closure member 30 is removed from the head member 10. A new pressure vessel with a new membrane module and its own integral closure member then is inserted into the head member. The shut-off valve is then opened and the system a~ain is ready for operation.
It will be apparent that we have advanta~eously provided an inte~ral disposable reverse osmosis unit which may be quickly replaced as an entire unit thus eliminating the necessity of dismantling the components of a pressure vessel assembly to remove and replace a reverse osmosis membrane module.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that this is shown by way of example only, and the invention is not to be limited thereto as other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be ~iven its fullest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.
_ 9 _
This invention relates to a reverse os~osis system and particularly to an inte~ral dis~osable reverse osmosis unit which may conveniently he inserted into and removed from a system.
Brackish water has an unacceptable taste that can be remedied by water treatment processes such as reverse osmosis. Spirally wound, tubular, or hollo~ fiber reverse osmosis membrane modules are used for reducin~ the mineral quantity in potable water or in water used for preparin~ ice, beveraqes, etc. These modules are housed in permanent pressure vessels which may be made of PVC, stainless steel, or iber reinforced plastic material. The reverse osmosis process renuires a certain level of water pressure to push the water throuqh the ~emhrane, leavinn the removed minerals on the surface of the memhrane. The accumulated minerals are washe~ off the membrane by a reject or waste stream of water flowinq at a fairly hi~h velocity alon~ the surface of the memhrane. This basic re~uirement of water pressure and water flow can be met by line ~ressure existin~ in a water supply system or can he provided hy a pump operatin~ to provide such conditions. Hiqher water ~ressures result in ]ar~er flows throuqh the membrane and also hetter rejection of unwanted minerals.
The modules contained in presently used pressure vessels slowly lose their effectiveness to remove minerals due to various chemical and ~hysical aspects of mineral build-up on the surface of the memhrane. When the flow throuqh the membrane surfaces becomes too slow or too poor in quality for intended end use, the water flow is sto~ed usually with an appropriate valve ahead of the system, the pressllre vessel is o~ened, an~ the used reverse osmosis ~emhrane module is re~oved from the vessel and discarded. A new memhrane module is inserted into the vessel, retainin~ means are fastened, the vessel is closed, and the valve is opened so that the required operatina conditions can be reestahlished.
The process of chan~inq modules can be very messy and time consumin~. In some areas under some operatin~
conditions, the chanqing process may have to be done often, resultinq in hi~h maintenance costs. Additional difficulties are encountered when the devices are located and mounted in rather inaccessible places.
Accordin~ly it hecomes appropriate to develop a reverse osmo.sis assembly in which an inteqral dis~osable reverse osmosis unit can be inserted in a head me~ber and then be removed and replaced as a unit thereby avoidinq a pluarality of ~roblems now commonplace with existinq units.
SUM~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal ohject of the invention herein is to provi~e an integral reverse osmosis unit which can be easily an~ quickly removed and replaced.
Another object is to provide an inte~ral reverse osmosis unit which will avoid the piece by ~iece removal and replacement of a used reverse osmosis module.
Another object is to provide a reverse osmosis unit includin~ a pressure vessel hein~ constructed at its one end in such a manner as to be easily insertable into and removahle fro~ a`head memher which is mounted in a fluid inlet line.
The above objects and advanta~es will beco~e more ap~arent when considered in conjunction with the accom~anyin~
~28~29~
drawinas and the ~ollowin~ description.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ~RA~-~IN~S
Fiq. 1 is a view in elevation and partially in section of a reverse osmosis ~ssemhly embodyin~ the invention herein.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERP~ED EMBODIME~T
The reverse osmosis system includes qenerally a head memher 10, and a reverse osmosis unit 12 operatively connected in the reverse osmosis system. In the embodiment described herein a clampinn collar 14 is associated with the hea~ member and is effective to sup~ort and releasably secure the reverse osmosis unit in the head ~emher. The head member 10 is desiqned to be permanently mounted in a fluid inlet line.
The head member 10 preferably is of plastic construction. It has formed therein an inlet port 16 and a pair of outlet ports 18 and 20. The inlet ~ort 16 is adapted to be connected to a raw water supply system and is adapted for fluid communication with a reverse osmosis unit. A valve unit (not shown) is associated with the inlet port 16 to control the flow of raw influent water to the inlet port.
The outlet ports also are adapted for fluid communication with a reverse osmosis unit inserted into the head member.
One of the said outlet ports 1~ is the dischar~e port for purified water cominn from the reverse osmosis unit and the other of the outlet ports 20 is the dischar~e ~ort for waste water cominn from the reverse osmosis unit.
The head member 10 is constructed internally with 3 concentric bores 22, 24 and 26 each adapted to sealin~ly ~28129S
enna~e tubular ~ortions of a closure memher of the reverse osmosis~unit.
In the particular embodiment described herein the clampinq collar 14 is operatively associated with the head member 10 in the same manner as is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,746,171 for a Filter Assembly issued July 17, 1973, and assiqned to the same assiqnee as this a~plication. The clampin~ collar 1~ in association with the head member 10 operates to retain a pressure vessel in the head member in the same manner as is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,746,171.
It should he understoo(1 that other methods of retaininq the pressure vessel in the head memher 10 could be sed without departinq from the scope of the invention herein.
The reverse osmosis unit comprises an elon~ated pressure vessel 28~an end or closure member 30 disposed in the open end of the ~ressure vessel, a reverse osmosis module 32 dis~osed in the pressure vessel 28 and attached to the closure member 30 and an elon~ated tuhe 34 attached to the closure ~emher 30 and extendinq throu~h the reverse osmosis module. The pressllre vessel preferably is of metal construction but may he of heavy plastic. The ~ressure vessel is constructed with means for retainin~ it in the head member. Such means may include a ~air of diametrically disposed outstandinq ridqe surfaces 36 formed on the u~er end thereof as described in U~S. Patent ~o. 3,746,171 issued July 17, 1973, and assiqned to the same assiqnee as this application.
The end or closure me~er 30 which is disposed in and attached to tlle u~er end of the ~ressure vessel in sealed ~28~2~5 enqace~ent therewith is desiqned to cooperate with the head memher 10. The closure member, which preferably is of a hard plastic material, is formed with a plurality of passa~eways which in the reverse osmosis syste~ form ~art of the inlet and outlet passa~eway system for permittin~ fluid to enter and exit from the reverse osmosis unit. The closure member 30 is of such construction as to provide the appropriate passaqeway system and at the same time be compatible with the head memher into which it is adapted to be inserte~. As here shown the closure member is of a somewhat ~enerally tapered or conical-like construction. This constrllction, however, may take various for~s to acco~odate the construction of the particular hea~ member with which it is to be associated.
The closure ~e~her is annular in constrllction to fit in the open end of the pressure vessel 28. It includes a first tuhular portion 38 a second tubular portion 40 and a third tubular portion 42 all disposed coaxially with each other, a ri~ ~ortion 44 also disposed coaxially with said first, second and third tubular portions and a weh portion 46 interconnectin~ the third tuhular portion 42 and rim portion 44. An axial hore 48 extends throu~h the first tubular portion 38 to define a fluid inlet passaqe 50. The second tubular portion 40 is radially spaced from the first tubular portion 38 to define therebetween a second fluid passa~e 52, and a third tubular portion 42 is spaced from the second tubular portion 40 to define a third fluid passa~e 54. Seal means is associated with each of said tubular portions to provide sealinq enqaqe~ent with the head ~emher 10 into which the reverse os~osis unit 12 is inserted. As herein shown O-rinq seals 56, 58 and 60 are disposed on the first, second and third tubular ~ortions res~ectively to provide sealin~
~281;~95 enqaqement with bores 22, 24 and 26 respectively of the head member 10.
The rim portion 44 of closure member 30 is sealinqly positioned in the upper end of pressure vessel 28.
The closure me~ber may be constructed with an annular base ~emher 62 in its lower end, with a ~lurality of openings 64 bein~ formed in the base member to provide communication between the reverse osmosis module 32 and the waste water passaqe 66 formed in the head me~er.
The elon~ated inlet tube 34 is connected to and is in fluid communiation with the first tubular portion 38 of the closure member. The tube 34 extends down into the pressure vessel throu~h the reverse osmosis module and provides in this case a fluid inlet passaqe into the bottom Oe the associated pressure vessel 28.
The reverse osmosis module 32 includes a reverse osmosis membrane 70 which in conjunction with a coextensive grid member 72 is spirally wound, usually ;n several layers, on a perforated tube 74 which ~referahly is made of plastic.
The ~lastic tube 74 is formed with many perforations alonq its len~th to pass clean liquid therethrou~h. In the assembly as herein shown the u~per end of the perforated tuhe 74 is sealin~ly attached to the closure memher 30 by seal 75 and is radially spaced from inlet tube 34 to provide therebetween a circumferentially extendinq passaqeway 76.
The tube 74 also could be molded as one piece with closure memher 30. This passaqeway 76 is adapted to receive the purified water or other liquid bein~ processed which has been forced throu~h the reverse osmosis member 70 under pressure and from there it flows to the product water outlet 18 in ~.2`8~L29S
head member as indicated hy the flow path 78 shown in a full line.
A plu~ member 80 is disposed in the lower end of tube 74, and inlet tube 34 extends tllrouqh plug member 80 being in sealed relation therewith. This arrangement is effective to seal the inlet water flowin~ down through tube 34 fro~ contact with the processed product water enterinq passa~eway 76 after passinq throu~h the reverse osmosis me~brane 70.
Means are provided to create a chamber at the lower end of the unit into which raw influent water will discharge from inlet tube 34. In one manner of accomplishinq this a cup like member 88 is sealin~ly attached to the lower end of reverse osmosis module 32 with a rin~ seal member 90 being disposed between the cup-like member 88 and the outer wrap 92 of the reverse os~osis module 32. This creates a chamber A
into which raw inlet water under line pressure flows from the inlet tube 34. The water may continue its low upward under pressure throuqh tlle laminations of module 32 as indicated by the broken line flow path P. Durinq the course of this flow some of the water is purified by removal of certain undesirable ~ineral elements, and the pure water is forced throuqh the membrane 70, then throu~h perforated tube 74 and into passa~e 76 and out throu~h outlet port 18 in the head memher 10 as indicated in part by the broken line flow path P. Other means may be provided to create such a Chamber A.
For example, Chamber A could be created by sealin~ directly to the pressure vessel 28 instead of usin~ the cup-like member 88.
~2~zg5 Durin~ the course of water flow mineral impurities are separated out because they cannot pentrate the module membrane 70. These impurities settle on the membrane surface and they are removed by water flowing along the surface of the membrane and out throunh o~enin~s 64, Chamber s and waste water outlet 20.
A capillary tube 98 may be disposed in the drain line 100 which is connected to outlet port 20 in the head member. The capillary tube serves to restrict the flow of waste water throu~h the reverse osmosis module 32. Other types of restrictions such as fixed orfices or flow controls, which under certain circumstances may be more preferable, also may be used to create this back pressure in Chamber B.
Such a restriction holds back most of the pressure and fluid flow from Chamber B and allows only sufficient flow to flush away the impurities which collect on the surface of membrane 70 and permit them to flow to drain.
While the operation of the reverse osmosis system should be reasonably clear from the above description and accompanyin~ drawin~s we now summarize the operation briefly.
Raw influent under line pressure enters inlet port 16 under pressure and flows downwardly throu~h inlet port 16 and the inlet tube 34 connected thereto into Chamber ~. Because the influent water is pressurized it will move upwardly through the laminations of the reverse osmosis membrane 70 to Chamher B out to outlet port 20. At the outlet port 20 a restriction or other means permits only limited flow and creates a back pressure in Chamber B which is effective to force some of the water flowin~ over the membrane 70 to penetrate through the membrane 70 leaving behind on the surface of the membrane ~281;~9~i the dissolved solids and impurities and allowing the purified water to enter Chamber C which is at a low pressure. The pure water in Chamber C enters from the passaqe 76 between the inlet tube 34 and the perforated tubular sleeve 74 upon which the laminations of the module membrane 70 are wound.
The purified water then proceeds to the outlet port 1~ in the head member.
When the membrane loses its ability over a period of weeks, months or a year to effectively remove the minerals, then it is time to chan~e the module. To accomplish such chan~e out, a shut-off valve (not shown) is closed to shut off line pressure. The pressure vessel 28 containinq the used membrane module and the integral closure member 30 is removed from the head member 10. A new pressure vessel with a new membrane module and its own integral closure member then is inserted into the head member. The shut-off valve is then opened and the system a~ain is ready for operation.
It will be apparent that we have advanta~eously provided an inte~ral disposable reverse osmosis unit which may be quickly replaced as an entire unit thus eliminating the necessity of dismantling the components of a pressure vessel assembly to remove and replace a reverse osmosis membrane module.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that this is shown by way of example only, and the invention is not to be limited thereto as other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be ~iven its fullest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.
_ 9 _
Claims (21)
1. In a reverse osmosis unit for use in a reverse osmosis system the combination comprising:
a pressure vessel having a reverse osmosis module disposed therein;
a closure member in permanent sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel and having the reverse osmosis module connected thereto, said closure member including first, second and third concentrically disposed tubular portions defining first, second and third openings;
said first, second and third openings defining an inlet and two outlet fluid passages to lead to and from the reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is associated;
said tubular portions of said closure member being adapted to be releasably inserted into a mating head member;
and said pressure vessel, closure member and reverse osmosis module being an integral disposable unit.
a pressure vessel having a reverse osmosis module disposed therein;
a closure member in permanent sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel and having the reverse osmosis module connected thereto, said closure member including first, second and third concentrically disposed tubular portions defining first, second and third openings;
said first, second and third openings defining an inlet and two outlet fluid passages to lead to and from the reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is associated;
said tubular portions of said closure member being adapted to be releasably inserted into a mating head member;
and said pressure vessel, closure member and reverse osmosis module being an integral disposable unit.
2. The combination of Claim 1 including means on each of said tubular portions for supporting sealing means thereon.
3. The combination of Claim 1 including sealing means associated with each of said tubular portions, said tubular portions thereby being adapted to be placed in sealing engagement with portions of a head member disposed in the reverse osmosis system with which the reverse osmosis unit is to he used.
4. The combination of Claim 1 including an elongated outlet tube attached to said first tubular portion and extending through the center of said reverse osmosis module to define with said module a part of one of the outlet passages from said reverse osmosis unit.
5. In a reverse osmosis unit for use in a reverse osmosis system the combination comprising:
a pressure vessel adapted to have a reverse osmosis module disposed therein;
a closure memeber in permanent sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel, said closure member comprising an annular member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third tubular portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed, said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a first opening therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second opening therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third opening therebetween;
said first, second and third openings defining an inlet and two outlet fluid passages to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is associated; and said pressure vessel and closure member being an integral disposable unit.
a pressure vessel adapted to have a reverse osmosis module disposed therein;
a closure memeber in permanent sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel, said closure member comprising an annular member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third tubular portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed, said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a first opening therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second opening therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third opening therebetween;
said first, second and third openings defining an inlet and two outlet fluid passages to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is associated; and said pressure vessel and closure member being an integral disposable unit.
6. The combination of Claim 5 including means on each of said tubular portions for supporting scaling means thereon.
7. The combination of Claim 5 including sealing means associated with each of said tubular portions, said tubular portions thereby being adapted to be placed in sealing engagement with portions of a head member disposed in the reverse osmosis system with which the reverse osmosis unit is to be used.
8. The combination of Claim 5 including:
a reverse osmosis module disposed within said pressure vessel and arranged therein to cooperate with the inlet and two outlet ports of said closure member.
a reverse osmosis module disposed within said pressure vessel and arranged therein to cooperate with the inlet and two outlet ports of said closure member.
9. The combination of Claim 8 including:
an elongated inlet tube attached to said first tubular portion and extending through the center of said reverse osmosis module to define with said module a part of one of the outlet passages from said reverse osmosis unit.
an elongated inlet tube attached to said first tubular portion and extending through the center of said reverse osmosis module to define with said module a part of one of the outlet passages from said reverse osmosis unit.
10. The combination of Claim 5 wherein:
said third tubular portion extends axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extends axially beyond said third tubular portion and said first tubular portion extends axially beyond said second tubular portion.
said third tubular portion extends axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extends axially beyond said third tubular portion and said first tubular portion extends axially beyond said second tubular portion.
11. The combination of Claim 10 including:
sealing means associated with the outside surface of each of said tubular portions, said tubular portions thereby being adapted to be placed in scaling engagement with an inlet and two outlet ports of a head member disposed in the system with which the reverse osmosis unit is to be used.
sealing means associated with the outside surface of each of said tubular portions, said tubular portions thereby being adapted to be placed in scaling engagement with an inlet and two outlet ports of a head member disposed in the system with which the reverse osmosis unit is to be used.
12. An integral disposable reverse osmosis unit comprising:
a pressure vessel;
an end member disposed in and permanently attached to the open end of said pressure vessel, said end member being adapted to be inserted into a mating head member;
a reverse osmosis module disposed within said pressure vessel and operatively connected to said end member, said module including a reverse osmosis membrane;
means defining a centrally disposed first tubular fluid inlet passage extending through said end member and into the reverse osmosis unit;
said first tubular fluid inlet passage including an elongated inlet tube which extends longitudinally through the reverse osmosis module;
means defining a second discharge passage for accepting purified water which is forced through said membrane, said passage extending through said end member;
said second discharge passage being disposed between the reverse osmosis membrane and the elongated inlet tube; and means defining a third waste water discharge passage extending through said end member and adapted to be connected to a waste water discharge outlet.
a pressure vessel;
an end member disposed in and permanently attached to the open end of said pressure vessel, said end member being adapted to be inserted into a mating head member;
a reverse osmosis module disposed within said pressure vessel and operatively connected to said end member, said module including a reverse osmosis membrane;
means defining a centrally disposed first tubular fluid inlet passage extending through said end member and into the reverse osmosis unit;
said first tubular fluid inlet passage including an elongated inlet tube which extends longitudinally through the reverse osmosis module;
means defining a second discharge passage for accepting purified water which is forced through said membrane, said passage extending through said end member;
said second discharge passage being disposed between the reverse osmosis membrane and the elongated inlet tube; and means defining a third waste water discharge passage extending through said end member and adapted to be connected to a waste water discharge outlet.
13 13. The integral disposable reverse osmosis unit of Claim 12 wherein:
said reverse osmosis module includes an elongated perforated tube upon which the module membrane is wound, and a portion of said second discharge passage is disposed between said perforated tube of said module and said elongated inlet tube.
said reverse osmosis module includes an elongated perforated tube upon which the module membrane is wound, and a portion of said second discharge passage is disposed between said perforated tube of said module and said elongated inlet tube.
14. A reverse osmosis unit closure member comprising:
an annular member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third tubular portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed and interconnected with each other;
said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a first opening therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second opening therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third opening therebetween; and said first, second, and third openings defining inlet and outlet ports to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is adapted to be associated.
an annular member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third tubular portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed and interconnected with each other;
said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a first opening therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second opening therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third opening therebetween; and said first, second, and third openings defining inlet and outlet ports to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said closure member is adapted to be associated.
15. The reverse osmosis unit closure member of Claim 14 including:
means on each of said tubular portions for supporting sealing means thereon.
means on each of said tubular portions for supporting sealing means thereon.
16. The reverse osmosis unit closure member of Claim 14 wherein:
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening through which purified fluid is discharged, and a third opening defines an opening through which waste fluid is discharged.
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening through which purified fluid is discharged, and a third opening defines an opening through which waste fluid is discharged.
17. The reverse osmosis unit closure member of Claim 14 wherein:
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening adapted to be connected to a purified fluid discharge conduit, and a third opening defines an opening adapted to be connected to a waste discharge conduit.
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening adapted to be connected to a purified fluid discharge conduit, and a third opening defines an opening adapted to be connected to a waste discharge conduit.
18. The combination of Claim 14 wherein:
said third tubular portion extends axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extends axially beyond said third tubular portion and said first tubular portion extends axially beyond said second tubular portion.
said third tubular portion extends axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extends axially beyond said third tubular portion and said first tubular portion extends axially beyond said second tubular portion.
19. In a reverse osmosis system the combination comprising:
a head adapted to be fixedly mounted;
a fluid inlet port and a pair of outlet ports formed in said head;
a reverse osmosis unit inserted into said head;
means for releasably securing said reverse osmosis unit in said head;
said reverse osmosis unit comprising a pressure vessel having a reverse osmosis module disposed therein and an end member in sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel, said end member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed;
said third tubular portion extending axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extending axially beyond said third tubular portion, said first tubular portion extending axially beyond said second tubular portion;
said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a fluid passage therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second fluid passage therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third fluid passage therebetween;
said first, second and third passages defining inlet and outlet ports to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said end member is associated.
a head adapted to be fixedly mounted;
a fluid inlet port and a pair of outlet ports formed in said head;
a reverse osmosis unit inserted into said head;
means for releasably securing said reverse osmosis unit in said head;
said reverse osmosis unit comprising a pressure vessel having a reverse osmosis module disposed therein and an end member in sealed relationship with the open end of said pressure vessel, said end member including an annular rim portion and first, second and third portions, said three portions all being coaxially disposed;
said third tubular portion extending axially beyond said rim portion, said second tubular portion extending axially beyond said third tubular portion, said first tubular portion extending axially beyond said second tubular portion;
said first and second tubular portions being radially spaced from each other to define a fluid passage therebetween;
said first tubular portion also defining a second fluid passage therethrough;
said second and third tubular portions also being radially spaced from each other to define a third fluid passage therebetween;
said first, second and third passages defining inlet and outlet ports to lead to and from a reverse osmosis unit with which said end member is associated.
20. The combination of Claim 19 including:
means on each of said tubular portions for supporting sealing means thereon.
means on each of said tubular portions for supporting sealing means thereon.
21. The combination of Claim 19 wherein:
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening through which purified fluid is discharged, and a third opening defines an opening through which waste fluid is discharged.
one of said openings defines an inlet opening, a second opening defines an opening through which purified fluid is discharged, and a third opening defines an opening through which waste fluid is discharged.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515913A CA1281295C (en) | 1986-08-13 | 1986-08-13 | Quick change reverse osmosis assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515913A CA1281295C (en) | 1986-08-13 | 1986-08-13 | Quick change reverse osmosis assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1281295C true CA1281295C (en) | 1991-03-12 |
Family
ID=4133725
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000515913A Expired - Lifetime CA1281295C (en) | 1986-08-13 | 1986-08-13 | Quick change reverse osmosis assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1281295C (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-08-13 CA CA000515913A patent/CA1281295C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |