Fluid treatment system
US4629568A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1983 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2321/12
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method for purifying a solvent such as water, using a reverse osmosis process. The apparatus includes a reverse osmosis (R.O.) unit 10, a storage tank 24 for storing permeate produced by the reverse osmosis unit, and a flushing arrangement for cleansing the concentrate side of a reverse osmosis membrane at the conclusion of a purifying cycle. In one embodiment, the storage tank 24 communicates with the input to the R.O. unit through a check valve 26 which allows permeate flow from the tank into the R.O. unit but prevents reverse flow. A flow regulating arrangement 34, 40, 42 maintains one of two pressures at the concentrate output. A system controller 50 controls the communication of feed water to the R.O. unit and the concentrate pressure. At the conclusion of a purifying cycle, the system controller terminates the flow of feed water and reduces the concentrate output pressure resulting in the flow of a quantity of permeate from the storage tank into the R.O. unit to flush the concentrate's side of the membrane. In another embodiment of the invention, a separate flushing accumulator 100 receives permeate during a purifying cycle. When the cycle is terminated, the per…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.