WO2021111379A1

WO2021111379A1 - Water purification system

Info

Publication number: WO2021111379A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061490
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanandan Sudhir; . Akshay
Original assignee: Sanandan Sudhir
Priority date: 2019-12-04
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2021-06-10

Abstract

A water purification system based on mechanical valves and manual operation without requirement of electric power is disclosed. The system includes a feed water container for storage of feed water, a plurality of reverse osmosis filter cartridges for filtering the feed water, and a manually operated pneumatic pump for pressurizing the feed water container for feed water to flow under pressure to filter cartridges for purification. The mechanical valves ensure that water pressure in the water purification system does not go below an operating pressure due to draining out of the waste water, or due to return of the feed water to the feed water container, and filtration of the feed water takes place only when usable water is being drawn from the system. A mechanism to fill feed water into the pressurized storage container without significant loss of pressure in the feed water storage container is also disclosed.

Description

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of water purification systems. More specifically, it pertains to a simple and efficient manual water purification system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] One of the fundamental needs of human beings is water and clean water is basis of health. Though more than two-third of the earth's surface is covered with water, there is shortage to meet day to day requirement of living species. This is because, a great amount of the water on earth is brackish or sea water. Brackish and sea water is typically not suitable for human and animal consumption because it contain salts, sediments and other contaminates which may be harmful.

[0004] Besides the sea water not being suitable for consumption, even most of surface water available in most underdeveloped and developing countries, such as India, is contaminated making safe drinking water a major issue in these countries Generally, contaminants present in surface water are iron, salinity, arsenic, fluoride, heavy metal, nitrate, certain bacteria or other microorganisms etc. For these reasons, surface water found in many locations is not suitable for drinking or other desired uses. Ground water in many areas is hard and salty, and this is also not safe for drinking.

[0005] Though a number of water treatment apparatus/systems, such as a reverse osmosis (RO) purification systems, are available to treat water to make it fit for use, they need electric power for operation and have sophisticated electrical controls requiring expertise in their maintenance, availability of both of which in the rural areas is problematic. This makes use of the exiting electric power based sophisticated water purification apparatuses inappropriate for use in resource deprived regions.

[0006] Further, a typical RO system includes filter cartridge having filter membranes for water filtration. Over a time period, these membranes get clogged and the filter cartridges need to be replaced with new filter cartridges for efficient filtration of the water, and old clogged filter cartridges are thrown away. Thus, the RO purification systems, though efficient, become expensive to use and are not affordable for rural masses.

[0007] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a simple, cost effective and efficient water purification system that is suitable for resource deprived regions, such as rural areas of developing and underdeveloped countries. Specifically, there is a requirement of a water purification system that does not require on electricity and does not have sophisticated electric controls and can be operated manually for filtrating brackish or impure water.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and economical water purification system that is suitable for low resource settings like rural areas in developing and underdeveloped countries, where resources for attending to electrical devices are not readily available. [0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a manually operated water purification system that does not require electric power for water filtration and is devoid of any electrically operated controls.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a water purification system that works uninterrupted over extended periods of time.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for cleaning clogged filter membranes of filter cartridges of RO purification systems for reusing the filter cartridges.

[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a water purification system. More specifically, it pertains to a manual water purification system that is devoid of any electricity driven mechanism and electrical controls making it suitable for low resource settings like rural areas in developing and underdeveloped countries where resources for attending to electrical devices are not readily available. The proposed water purification system is based on manual operation and mechanical valves, and designed to work without interruptions overextended periods of time based on manually pressurizing a feed water container of the water purification system.

[0017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the proposed water purification system includes a plurality of filter cartridges configured to receive feed water to be filtered under a pressure higher than a first predefined pressure, and a feed water storage container for storage of the feed water. The plurality of filter cartridges are configured to separate the feed water into waste water and usable water. The water storage container is fluidically connected to the plurality of filter cartridges and configured to supply the feed water to the plurality of filter cartridges at a pressure that is higher than the first predefined pressure without requirement of any electrically operated means.

[0018] The water purification system further includes a set of mechanical valves, which are configured to ensure that water pressure in the water purification system does not go below an operating pressure due to draining out of the waste water or due to return of the feed water to the feed water container or or due to draining of excess usable water, and filtration of the feed water takes place only when usable water is being drawn from the water purification system.

[0019] In an embodiment, the set of mechanical valves may include a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve and a double shutoff valve with a single knob. The first pressure relief valve may be configured in a passage of the feed water flowing out of the feed water storage container, and can be configured to allow flow of the feed water only if pressure of the feed water is more than the first predefined pressure.

[0020] The second pressure relief valve may be provided in a passage of the waste water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges, and may be configured to prevent flow of the waste water out of the plurality of filter cartridges if pressure of the waste water is less than a second predefined pressure that is less than the first predefined pressure.

[0021] The double shutoff valve with a single knob may be provided in the passage of the waste water beyond the second pressure relief valve and in a flow passage of the usable water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges such that the filtration process starts when the double shutoff valve is moved to an open position due to flow of the usable water and the waste water starts in the corresponding passages.

[0022] In an embodiment, each of the first pressure relief valve, the second pressure relief valve and the double shutoff valve can be a mechanical valve making the system devoid of any electrical control device.

[0023] In an embodiment, the system can include a manual pneumatic pump configured to pressurise the feed water storage container to a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure, which results in supply of the feed water to the plurality of filter cartridges at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure.

[0024] In an alternate arrangement, the feed water storage container may be located at a height such that the feed water flows to the plurality of filter cartridges under gravity at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure.

[0025] In an embodiment, the system may include a flow control valve upstream of the second pressure relief valve, which can be configured to control flow rate of the waste water thereby allowing to control ratio of waste water and usable water flowing out of the plurality of cartridges.

[0026] In an embodiment, the feed water storage container may include a valve at a feed water outlet. The valve may be configured to normally close the feed water outlet and open when a connection is made to the feed water outlet, thereby allowing the feed water storage container to be decoupled from the system without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container.

[0027] The feed water storage tank may include a float valve configured to close the feed water outlet when level of the feed water in the feed water storage container is below a predefined level. The predefined level can be higher that a location of the feed water outlet to prevent flow of air to the plurality of filter cartridges.

[0028] The plurality of filter cartridges may be arranged in any or a combination of a parallel and series configuration to meet the requirement of rate of filtration.

[0029] Each of the plurality of filter cartridges may include a filter membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0030] The system may include a mechanism to transfer supply of the feed water to the feed water storage tank without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a water purification system having a manually operated mechanism to fill feed water into a feed water storage container of the system without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container, so that the system works uninterrupted during filling of fresh charge of feed water. The water purification system with the mechanism to fill feed water includes the feed water storage container for storage of feed water to be filtered, the feed water storage container being configured to be pressurized to a pressure higher than a first predefined pressure; and a plurality of filter cartridges fluidically connected to the feed water storage container for receiving the feed water under pressure higher than the first predefined pressure, to separate stored feed water into waste water and usable water. The system further includes a manual pneumatic pump fluidically coupled to the feed water storage tank to pressurise the feed water storage container for supply of the feed water from the feed water storage container to the plurality of filter cartridges for purification at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure. In an aspect, the system includes a manually operated mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage tank without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container.

[0032] In an embodiment, the mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage container without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container can be a cavity based transfer mechanism having a rotor with at least one cavity on an outer surface of the rotor. The rotor can be housed in a housing having a matching cavity with an inlet opening configured to receive feed water under gravity, and a discharge opening fluidically coupled to an interior of the feed water container. The rotor is configured within the matching cavity such that when the at least one cavity is not aligned with any of the inlet opening and the discharge opening, the at least one opening is fluidically sealed. As the rotor is manually rotated, and the at least one opening gets aligned with the inlet opening, the cavity gets filled with the feed water. As a result of rotation of the rotor, when the cavity gets aligned with the discharge opening the feed water filled therein gets discharged into the feed water container. [0033] In an embodiment, the at least one cavity of the rotor can include two cavities located on the rotor in diametrically opposite locations; and the inlet opening and the discharge opening can be located in diametrically opposite position in the housing such that when one of the two cavities is in fluidic communication with the inlet opening to receive supply of the feed water, the other of the two cavities is in fluidic communication with the discharge opening to discharge the feed water filled therein to the feed water storage container.

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, the mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage container without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container can be a manually operated water pump which is configured, when operated manually, to discharge feed water at pressure higher than pressure inside the feed water storage container.

[0035] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cleaning system for cleaning a filter membrane of a clogged filter cartridge. The cleaning system can include an enclosure having a fluid; a pair of drive motor comprising a first motor and a second motor, the first motor coupled to a first core of the clogged filter cartridge, and the second motor coupled to a second core for winding a layer of the filter membrane after unclogging, the first motor and the second motor separated apart such that the first core, the second core and the filter membrane there between are submerged into the fluid; and a vibration generation unit for generating vibration and turbulence in the fluid in the enclosure such that the exposed filter membrane between the first core and the second core is exposed to the vibration and turbulence to dislodge trapped particles from the filter membrane.

[0036] In an embodiment, the filter membrane, after unclogging, is wrapped on the second core by rotating the first motor in a first direction for unwinding the filter member and the second motor in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, for winding of the filter membrane on the second core.

[0037] In an embodiment, the cleaning system can include a fluid recirculating unit for recirculating the fluid in the enclosure and for filtering the dislodged particles.

[0038] In an embodiment, the vibration generation unit can include a piezo transducer and a power unit for generating ultrasonic vibration in the fluid in the enclosure. [0039] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG.1A illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram showing principle of working of the proposed pneumatic pump based water purification system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIGs.lB and 1C illustrate exemplary side view and perspective view respectively of an embodiment of the proposed pneumatic pump based water purification system of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. ID illustrates an exemplary perspective view of another embodiment of the proposed pneumatic pump based water purification system of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary representation of a hand pump based water purification system for filtering impure water that works based on the principle of the present disclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the hand pump based water purification system of FIG. 2A,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of a hydrostatic pressure head based water purification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed pneumatic pump based water purification system with a separate pressurized water container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram showing different components of the disclosed pneumatic pump based water purification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary diagram showing arrangement of a float valve that prevents the emptying of the pressurized water container and consequent loss of pressure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0050] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams showing different embodiments of a mechanism to transfer water to the pressurized feed water storage container without loss of air pressure in the feed water storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 8illustratesan exemplary representation of a flat filter membrane based water purification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 9illustratesan exemplary representation of a system for cleaning a filter membrane of a filter cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0054] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0056] Various terms as used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0057] Embodiments explained herein relate to a water purification system. In particular, it pertains to a manual water purification system, which facilitates water filtration without requirement of electric power. The disclosed water purification system facilitates filtration of impure water in areas where the electric power is a major issue, and requires less manual effort to filter water which is suitable for drinking, and for other uses.

[0058] FIGs.lA to ID illustrate exemplary representations of a pneumatic pump based water purification system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The disclosed water purification system 100 includes a housing 102 having a filter cartage compartment 104 to accommodate a plurality of filter cartridges 112 for filtering impure or brackish water, a water compartment 106 located above the filter cartage compartment 104 for storage of impure or brackish water to be filtered, and an air pressure compartment 108 located above the water compartment 106. The disclosed system 100 also includes a pneumatic pump 110 connected to the air pressure compartment 108 through a conduit for increasing air pressure in the air pressure compartment 108 for pressuring the stored water in the water compartment 106. The water compartment 106 is fluidically connected to the plurality of filter cartridges 112 for supplying pressurised impure water to the filter cartridges 112, when the air pressure is increased in the air pressure compartment 108. The plurality of filter cartridges 112 are configured for filtering the received water from the water compartment 106. Each of the plurality of filter cartridges 112 includes a filter membrane for filtering impure water into usable water (also referred to as filtered water or low total dissolve solid (TDS) water hereinafter) and waste water or high TDS water. The filter cartage compartment 104 includes a first outlet 114 and a second outlet 116 fluidically conned to the plurality of filter cartridges 112. The first outlet 114 is configured to allow outflow of usable water. The second outlet 116 is configured to allow outflow of waste water.

[0059] In an embodiment, the pneumatic pump 110 is fluidically connected to the air pressure compartment through a conduit 118. The pneumatic pump 110 includes a plunger- cylinder assembly, where a plunger 120 is operated by either hand or leg of a user for creating high air pressure in the air pressure compartment 108 to force the impure water stored into the water compartment 106 to flow pressurised impure air in the plurality of cartridges 112 for purification. A first no-return valve 122 is fitted in the conduit 118 to prevent back flow of air from the air pressure compartment 108. A second no-retum valve 124 is fitted with a cylinder of the plunger-cylinder assembly of the pneumatic pump 110 to prevent back flow of air from the plunger-cylinder assembly.

[0060] The first no-return valve 122 ensures that the high air pressure remains trapped in the air pressure compartment 108 to maintain the high pressure over water stored in the water compartment 106 to maintain flow of water through the filter cartridges 112. Therefore, filtration process continues even after a user has stopped operating the pneumatic pump 110. Thus, the pneumatic pump 110 may be operated intermittently, such as when a user draws water from the water purification system 100, for a continuous filtration of water. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed purification system 100 can include an enclosure 126 to enclose the housing 102 and the pneumatic pump 110 (shown in FIGs. IB and 1C).

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, the disclosed purification system 100 can include another enclosure 128 to enclose the housing 102 (shown in FIGs. ID).

[0062] Referring to FIGs. 2 A and 2B, where a hand pump based water purification system 200 is shown. The disclosed purification system 200 requires less effort for purification of impure water. The disclosed water purification system 200 can include a base 202 which may be made of concrete tiles, a water reservoir or water storage compartment 204 fitted in a reservoir cavity 206 of the base 202, and a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration assembly 208 having a plurality of filter cartridges 210 for filtering impure water stored in the water reservoir 204. The filter cartridges 210 are connected in parallel using a flexible conduit. The filtration assembly 208 can be fitted in a filter cavity 212 of the base 202.

[0063] In an embodiment, the disclosed system 200 also includes a hand pump assembly 214fluidically connected to the water reservoir 204 through a first conduit 216 and to the RO filtration assembly208 through a second conduit 224. The hand pump assembly 214 is configured for pumping impure water from the water reservoir 204 to the cartridges 210 of filtration assembly 208. The hand pump assembly 214 includes a plunger or piston 218 that is configured for reciprocating movement in a cylindrical member of the hand pump assembly 214 for positive displacement of the impure water in the water reservoir 204 to the filter cartridges 210 for purification, and a cantilever handle 220 which is pivotally coupled. The hand pump assembly pumps pressurised impure water into the filter cartridges 210 for purification of the impure water. One end of the handle 220 is connected to the piston 218 and another is free to operate it for pumping the impure water stored in the water reservoir 204 to the filtration assembly 208. The hand pump assembly 214 can be vertically fitted on a top concrete tile of the base 202 using a set of screws 222.

[0064] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of filter cartridges 210 includes a filter member to separate pumped impure water into usable or drinkable water and waste water. Presence of a plurality of filter cartridges 210 connected in parallel helps to augment filtration rate so that user can get enough supply even as he is pumping impure water from the water reservoir 204 to the filter cartridges 210 using the handle 220. [0065] The disclosed purification system 200 also includes a first outlet with a faucet 226fluidically connected to the filtration assembly 208 for dispensing usable water when required. The disclosed purification system 200 also includes a second outlet 228fluidically connected to the filtration assembly 208 to allow outflow of the waste water. This concrete base 202 is configured for providing support and stability to the purification system 200. [0066] In an embodiment, a reservoir lid 230provided to cover a top open side of the water reservoir 204. The reservoir lid is pivotally coupled with a side of the water reservoir 204 to move between a closed position for covering the water reservoir 204, and an open position to un-cover or open the reservoir 204.

[0067] In an embodiment, a cover 232, which can be made of polymeric material, is adapted to cover the filtration assembly 208. The cover 232 is mounted on the base 202 through a set of screws 238.

[0068] In an embodiment, the filtration assembly 208 also includes a mounting bracket 234. All the filter cartridges are mounted on the mounting bracket 234. The mounting bracket 234 can be made of metal or polymeric material.

[0069] In an embodiment, a plurality of holes 236can be provided in the concrete tiles of the base 202 for joining all tiles together by pouring cement in holes 223 after placing one over other.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, where a hydrostatic pressure head based water purification system 300 is shown. The disclosed water purification system 300 purifies impure water using hydrostatic pressure head along with manual effort. The disclosed purification system 300 includes a reverse osmosis (RO) purification unit 302, a feed water storage tank 304 located at a predefined height above the purification unit 302, and a manual lever unit 306. The water storage tank 304 is fluidically coupled to purification unit through a conduit 308 to supply impure water to the purification unit 302. The positioning of the water storage tank 304 at the predefined height generates a hydrostatic pressure head on the purification unit 302 for filtering the impure water. The RO purification unit 302 can includes a plurality of filter cartridges with filter membranes for filtering the impure water.

[0071] In an embodiment, the manual lever unit 306 can include a small hand pump with a lever to augment the hydrostatic pressure head and create a high pressure in the conduit 308 to assist water purification. The disclosed system 300 requires less human effort because the hydrostatic pressure head helps to increase water pressure. Purified filtered water can be stored in a filtered water storage tank 310 for usage. [0072] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed pneumatic pump based water purification system 100 having a feed water storage container 402for storage of feed water that is to be filtered, a foot air pump 404 that is coupled to the feed water container 402 through a pneumatic pipe 408 for pressurizing the feed water storage container 402 to a pressure higher than a first predefined pressure; and a set of a plurality of filter cartridges 406 that are fluidically connected to the feed water storage container 402 through a pipe 410 for receiving the feed water under pressure higher than the first predefined pressure. The set of plurality of filter cartridges 406 includes filter cartridges 420, which may be arranged in combination of series and parallel configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, to separate stored feed water into waste water and usable water and supply the usable water at a desired flow rate. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of filter cartridges 402 can include a filter membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0073] The waste water from the filter cartridges can flow out through a waste water passage 418 and the usable water can flow out through a usable water passage 416. Flow of the waste water and the usable water can be controlled by a dual valve 414 having a single knob, i.e. when the dual valve 414 is operated to open position, waste water as well as usable water starts flowing through the waste water passage 418 and the usable water passage 416, and in the closed position of the dual valve 414 none of the waste water and the usable water flows out of the filter cartridges 406. Since flow of waste water starts along with the usable water, filtering process in the filter cartridges 406 can occur only when the dual valve 414 is moved to the open position.

[0074] The water purification system 100 further includes a first pressure relief valve 412 configured in the pipe 410 (also referred to as passage and the two terms used interchangeably). The first pressure relief valve 412 can be configured to allow flow of the feed water from the feed water storage container 402 to the filter cartridges 420 only if pressure of the feed water is more than the first predefined pressure.

[0075] Also shown in FIG. 4 is arrangement of a lid 422 of the feed water storage container 402. The lid 422 can include a pair of lugs, such as lugs 424-1 and 424-2 (collectively referred to as lugs 424), positioned in diametrically opposite locations. A top opening of the feed water container 402 can be configured to allow insertion of the lid 422 and rotation for engagement of the jugs 424 with corresponding features in the top opening for locking the lid 422 in position. A gasket 426 can be provided between the lid 422 and the top opening to provide an air tight engagement between the lid 422 and the top opening that withstands the pressure within the feed water container 402. The lid 422 is configured to allow cleaning of the feed water container 402.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram showing different components of the disclosed mechanical valves and pneumatic pump based water purification system. It is to be appreciated that though FIG. 5 carries reference numbers that are also used in embodiment of FIG. 4, the mechanical valves based principle of operation of the water purification system can be applied to other embodiments shown in FIGs. 1 A to 3 of the water purification system after suitable modification that would be evident to those skilled in the art, and all such modifications are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations whatsoever.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 4, the mechanical valves and pneumatic pump based water purification system of the present disclosure includes, besides the first pressure relief valve 412 and the double shutoff valve 414, a second pressure relief valve 504 provided in the passage 418 of the waste water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges 420. The second pressure relief valve 504 can be configured to prevent flow of the waste water out of the plurality of filter cartridges 420 if pressure of the waste water is less than a second predefined pressure. The second predefined pressure can be less than the first predefined pressure. The difference between the first predefined pressure and the second predefined pressure can be pressure difference required across filtering membranes in the filter cartridges 420. Each of the first pressure relief valve 412 and the second pressure relief valve 504 can have mechanism to adjust the corresponding predefined pressures.

[0078] In an aspect, each of the first pressure relief valve 412, the second pressure relief valve 504 and the double shutoff valve 414 can be mechanical valves making the system devoid of any electrical control devices. The first pressure relief valve 412, the second pressure relief valve 504 and the double shutoff valve 414 ensure that water pressure in the water purification system 100 does not go below an operating pressure due to draining out of the waste water or return of the feed water to the feed water container 402 and filtration of the feed water takes place only when usable water is being drawn from the water purification system 100.

[0079] In an embodiment, the water purification system 100 can further include a flow control valve 502 located upstream of the second pressure relief valve 504. The flow control valve 502 can be configured to control flow rate of the waste water thereby allowing to control ratio of waste water and usable water flowing out of the plurality of cartridges 420. [0080] In an embodiment, the feed water storage container 402 can includes a valve 506 at a feed water outlet. The valve 506 can be configured to normally close the feed water outlet and open when a connection is made to the feed water outlet. This can allow the feed water storage container 402 to be decoupled from the water purification system 100 without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container 100.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, the feed water storage container 402can include a float valve 600 configured to close a feed water outlet 606 when level of the feed water in the feed water storage container 402 is below a predefined level. The predefined level can be higher that a location of the feed water outlet 606. Thus the float valve 600can prevent flow of air to the plurality of filter cartridges 420 if the water level were to go below the feed water outlet 606, which situation shall require restarting of the filtration process by bleeding out the air from the filter cartridges 420 and repressurizing the feed water container 402. The float valve 600 can include a float 602 and a feed water outlet blocker 604 connected to the float through a pitted member, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0082] In an embodiment, the water purification system 100 can further include a mechanism to transfer supply of the feed water to the feed water storage container without a significant loss of pressure in the feed water storage container 402. As can be appreciated, if the feed water storage container 402 were to be opened for filling fresh supply of the feed water, pressure in the feed water storage container 402 would be lost interrupting the filtration process, and the feed water storage container 402 would need repressurizing at considerable effort for restarting the filtering process. The mechanism to transfer supply of the feed water to the feed water storage container without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container 402 helps in preventing such interruption and avoids the extra effort.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7A, the mechanism to transfer supply of the feed water to the feed water storage container402 without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container 402 can be a manually operated water pump 700 configured, when operated manually, to discharge feed water at pressure higher than pressure inside the feed water storage container 402.

[0084] In an alternate embodiment of the mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage container shown in FIG. 7B, the mechanism can be a cavity based feed water transfer mechanism 750 having a rotor 752 having a pair of diametrically opposite cavities, such as cavities 754-1 and 754-2 (collectively referred to hereinafter as cavities 752) on an outer surface of the rotor 752. The rotor 752 can be rotatably housed in a housing having a matching cavity with an inlet opening configured to receive feed water under gravity from another container 702, and a discharge opening fluidically coupled to an interior of the feed water container 402. The rotor 752 can be configured within the matching cavity such that when the cavities 754 are not aligned with the inlet opening and the discharge opening, they are fluidically sealed. As the rotor 752 is manually rotated, and one of the cavities 754 get aligned with the inlet opening, the cavity 754 gets filled with the feed water. As a result of rotation of the rotor 752, when the cavity 754 gets aligned with the discharge opening, the feed water filled therein can get discharged into the feed water container 402.

[0085] In an embodiment, the rotor 752 can be of cylindrical shape or spherical shape and housed within the housing with the matching shape to provide the fluidic sealing. Additional sealing members such as seals or O-rings may also be used to achieve the fluidic sealing.

[0086] It is to be appreciated that while the above embodiment has been explained with reference to a pair of diametrically opposed cavities 754, it is possible to have any number of cavities including only one with the condition that when a cavity are not aligned with any of the inlet opening or discharge opening, it is fluidically sealed, and all such variations are well within the scope of the disclosure without any limitations whatsoever. It is to be further appreciated that the cavity based mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage container shown in FIG. 7B shall result in loss of some pressure in the feed water container, however the loss shall not be significant and can be made up with minimal efforts.

[0087] Referring to FIG.8, where a flat filter membrane based water purification system is shown. The disclosed purification system 800includes a flat membrane sheet 802 which is fitted between a front enclosure member 804and a rear enclosure member806 of an enclosure using rubber gaskets 808. A conduit 810 for carrying input water is coupled to a hand pump at one end and to the rear enclosure member806 at other end to supply impure water to be filtered. An output conduit 812 is connected to the front enclosure member 804 for outflow of filtered water or usable water. When pressurized impure water carried by the conduit 810 is passes through the flat filter membrane sheet 802, the filter membrane sheet 802 restrict passage of all salty, contaminated and other undesired particle of the impure water as waste water, which remain in the rear enclosure member 806, and allow usable water to flow through the filter membrane 802, and is stored in the front enclosure member sheet 802. The waste water or the contaminated particles are removed from the rear enclosure member 806through a reject water outlet 814. The filtered water or usable water from the front enclosure member 804 can be supplied in a reservoir or storage tank through outlet the conduit812.The disclosed system 100 reduces the area of membrane wasted in the gluing in the spiral wound membranes. In this system 800, at the time of replacement only flat membrane sheet 802 has to be replaced rather than the current whole spiral wound membrane.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, where a cleaning system for a reverse osmosis membrane of a clogged filter cartridge is shown. The disclosed cleaning system 900 cleans a clogged filter membrane of a filter cartridge for reuse of the filter cartage. For reuse of a clogged filter membrane, it must be properly cleaned. The disclosed cleaning system 900 can include an enclosure 902 having a fluid, and a pair of drive motor comprising a first motor 904 and a second motor906. The first motor 904 is adapted to hold a first core 908of the clogged filter cartridge 910 on its shaft, and a shaft of the second motor 904 is coupled to a second core 912 for winding a layer of the filter membrane 914 after unclogging. The first motor 904 and the second motor 906 are configured with the enclosure 902 and separated apart such that the first core of the filter cartridge 910, the second core 912and the filter membrane 914 there between are submerged into the fluid. The fluid can be water.

[0089] In an embodiment, the disclosed cleaning system 900 can include a vibration generation unit (not shown) for generating vibration and turbulence in the fluid in the enclosure such that the exposed filter membrane 914between the first core 908 of the filter cartridge 910 and the second core 912 is exposed to the vibration and turbulence to dislodge trapped particles from the filter membrane 914.

[0090] In an embodiment, the filter membrane 914, after unclogging, is wrapped on the second core 912by rotating the first motor 904 in a first direction or clockwise direction for unwinding the filter member and the second motor 906 in a second direction or anti clockwise direction for winding of the filter membrane 914 on the second core 912. During winding and unwinding process, due to the vibrations in the fluid, clogging particles are removed from the filter membrane 904.

[0091] In an embodiment, the cleaning system can include a fluid recirculating unit (not shown) for recirculating the fluid in the enclosure 902 and for filtering the dislodged particles.

[0092] In an embodiment, the vibration generation unit can include a piezo transducer and a power unit for generating ultrasonic vibration in the fluid in the enclosure.

[0093] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0094] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0095] The present disclosure provides an efficient and economical water purification system that is suitable for low resource settings like rural areas in developing and underdeveloped countries, where resources for attending to electrical devices are not readily available.

[0096] The present disclosure provides a manually operated water purification system that does not require electric power for water filtration and is devoid of any electrically operated controls.

[0097] The present disclosure provides a water purification system that works uninterrupted over extended periods of time. [0098] The present disclosure provides a system for cleaning clogged filter membranes of filter cartridges of RO purification systems for reusing the filter cartridges.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A water purification system, the system comprising: a plurality of filter cartridges configured to receive a feed water under pressure higher than a first predefined pressure, the plurality of filter cartridges configured to separate the feed water into waste water and usable water; and a feed water storage container for storage of feed water to be filtered, the water storage container being fluidically connected to the plurality of filter cartridges and configured to supply the feed water to the plurality of filter cartridges at pressure that is higher than the first predefined pressure without requirement of any electrically operated means; wherein the system comprises a set of mechanical valves, the mechanical valves configured to ensure that water pressure in the water purification system does not go below an operating pressure due to draining out of the waste water or due to return of the feed water to the feed water container or due to draining of excess usable water, and that filtration of the feed water takes place only when usable water is being drawn from the water purification system.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of mechanical valves comprises: a first pressure relief valve configured in a passage of the feed water from the feed water container to the plurality of filter cartridges, and configured to allow flow of the feed water only if pressure of the feed water is more than the first predefined pressure; a second pressure relief valve provided in a passage of the waste water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges, the second pressure relief valve configured to prevent flow of the waste water out of the plurality of filter cartridges if pressure of the waste water is less than a second predefined pressure that is less than the first predefined pressure; and a double shutoff valve with a single knob provided in the passage of the waste water beyond the second pressure relief valve and in a flow passage of the usable water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges such that the filtration process starts when the double shutoff valve is moved to an open position due to flow of the usable water and the waste water starts in the corresponding passages; wherein the first pressure relief valve, the second pressure relief valve and the double shutoff valve are all mechanical valves making the system devoid of any electrical control device.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a manual pneumatic pump configured to pressurise the feed water storage container to a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure, which results in supply of the feed water to the plurality of filter cartridges at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feed water storage container is located at a height such that the feed water flows to the plurality of filter cartridges under gravity at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system comprises a flow control valve upstream of the second pressure relief valve, the flow control valve being configured to control flow rate of the waste water thereby allowing to control ratio of waste water and usable water flowing out of the plurality of cartridges.

6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the feed water storage container includes a valve at a feed water outlet, said valve configured to normally close the feed water outlet and open when a connection is made to the feed water outlet, thereby allowing the feed water storage container to be decoupled from the system without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container.

7. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the feed water storage container comprises a float valve configured to close the feed water outlet when level of the feed water in the feed water storage container is below a predefined level, the predefined level being higher that location of the feed water outlet to prevent flow of air from the pressurized feed water container to the plurality of filter cartridges.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of filter cartridges are arranged in any or a combination of a parallel and series configuration.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of filter cartridges comprises a filter membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane.

10. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the system comprises a manually operated mechanism to fill the feed water to the feed water storage container without significant loss of pressure in the feed water storage container, thereby enabling uninterrupted functioning of the system.

11. A water purification system, the system comprising: a feed water storage container for storage of feed water to be filtered, the water storage container being configured to be pressurized to a pressure higher than a first predefined pressure;- a plurality of filter cartridges fluidically connected to the feed water storage container for receiving the feed water under pressure higher than the first predefined pressure, the plurality of filter cartridges configured to separate stored feed water into waste water and usable water; a manual pneumatic pump fluidically coupled to the feed water storage container and configured to pressurise the feed water storage container for supply of the feed water from the feed water storage container to the plurality of filter cartridges for purification at a pressure higher than the first predefined pressure; and a manually operated mechanism to fill the feed water to the feed water storage container without significant loss of pressure in the feed water storage container; wherein the mechanism to fill the feed water to the feed water storage container without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container enables uninterrupted functioning of the system.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mechanism to fill the feed water to the feed water storage container is a cavity based transfer mechanism having a rotor with at least one cavity on an outer surface of the rotor, the rotor being rotatablly housed in a matching cavity of a housing having an inlet opening configured to receive feed water under gravity, and a discharge opening fluidically coupled to an interior of the feed water storage container; wherein the rotor is configured within the matching cavity such that when the at least one cavity is not aligned with any of the inlet opening and the discharge opening, the at least one cavity is fluidically sealed; and as the rotor is manually rotated, and the at least one opening gets aligned with the inlet opening, the at least one cavity gets filled with the feed water, and as a result of rotation of the rotor, when the at least one cavity gets aligned with the discharge opening, the feed water filled therein gets discharged into the feed water container.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one cavity of the rotor includes two cavities located on the rotor in diametrically opposite locations; and the inlet opening and the discharge opening are located in diametrically opposite position in the housing such that when one of the two cavities is in fluidic communication with the inlet opening to receive supply of the feed water, the other of the two cavities is in fluidic communication with the discharge opening to discharge the feed water filled therein to the feed water storage container.

14. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mechanism to fill the feed water into the feed water storage container without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container is a manually operated water pump, the manually operated water pump being configured to, when operated manually, discharge the feed water at a pressure higher than pressure inside the feed water storage container.

15. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system further comprises: a first pressure relief valve configured in a passage of the feed water flowing out of the feed water storage container, and configured to allow flow of the feed water only if pressure of the feed water is more than the first predefined pressure; a second pressure relief valve provided in a passage of the waste water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges, the second pressure relief valve configured to prevent flow of the waste water out of the plurality of filter cartridges if pressure of the waste water is less than a second predefined pressure that is less than the first predefined pressure; and a double shutoff valve with a single knob provided in the passage of the waste water beyond the second pressure relief valve and in a flow passage of the usable water flowing out of the plurality of filter cartridges such that the filtration process starts when the double shutoff valve is moved to an open position due to flow of the usable water and the waste water starts in the corresponding passages; wherein the first pressure relief valve, the second pressure relief valve and the double shutoff valve are all mechanical valves making the system devoid of any electrical control device; and wherein the first pressure relief valve, the second pressure relief valve and the double shutoff valve ensure that water pressure in the water purification system does not go below an operating pressure due to draining out of the waste water or due to return of the feed water to the feed water container or due to draining of excess usable water, and filtration of the feed water takes place only when usable water is being drawn from the water purification system.

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the system comprises a flow control valve upstream of the second pressure relief valve, the flow control valve being configured to control flow rate of the waste water thereby allowing to control ratio of waste water and usable water flowing out of the plurality of cartridges.

17. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the feed water storage container includes a valve at a feed water outlet, said valve configured to normally close the feed water outlet and open when a connection is made to the feed water outlet, thereby allowing the feed water storage container to be decoupled from the system without loss of pressure in the feed water storage container.

18. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the feed water storage container comprises a float valve configured to close the feed water outlet when level of the feed water in the feed water storage container is below a predefined level, the predefined level being higher than location of the feed water outlet to prevent flow of air from the pressurized feed water container to the plurality of filter cartridges.

19. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of filter cartridges are arranged in any or a combination of a parallel and series configuration.

20. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of filter cartridges comprises a filter membrane or a reverse osmosis membrane.