RU2671358C1 - Reverse system of filtering, measuring unit and method for obtaining data on the condition of reverse system filtering - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: water treatment.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to water purification means. System contains a measuring unit. Block contains sensors for measuring water parameters and means for transmitting this data to the online storage. Online storage is connected to an external computer user module that displays real-time data.EFFECT: obtaining objective information about the state of the system and the quality of cleaning.22 cl, 12 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to means for producing pure water, in particular to reverse osmosis water purification systems and to means for controlling and diagnosing such systems, and can be used in residential premises, hospitals, social institutions, as well as in industrial enterprises.

State of the art

As the closest analogue, a means for controlling reverse osmosis systems was selected, which contains a pump whose inlet is connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet is connected to the pipe to connect to the input of the membrane separation unit (US 2005/0115875 A1, published June 2, 2005). The purified water that has passed the membrane separation is stored in a tank from which it is supplied to the consumer. Storage of water in the tank reduces its quality compared to once-through systems in which the water that has just been cleaned is sent to the consumer. In addition, in reverse osmosis cleaning systems with a storage tank, a back pressure is applied to the membrane from the tank side, which reduces the efficiency of the pump. As a result, ceteris paribus (with the same pump power, etc.), systems with a storage tank show the worst characteristics of flow rate, degree of desalination, and permeate selection coefficient. In turn, this entails a decrease in the service life of the membrane and prefilters. Another disadvantage of this known system is that it lacks means of obtaining information about the quality of cleaning and the state of the system, which makes it impossible to conduct diagnostics and control the system in real time.

Disclosure of the invention

The problem solved by the present invention is the creation of a direct-flow reverse osmosis water purification system that provides diagnosis and management in real time.

In the course of solving this problem, the following set of technical results is achieved: determining the quality of water purification and the system’s operability in real time, remotely managing the system by the user, the ability to create a service system and technical support for clusters of autonomous reverse osmosis filtering systems in real time, obtaining data to optimize and modify existing filtering systems to increase their efficiency spacers and compliance with operating conditions.

This set of technical results is achieved by the fact that the reverse osmosis filtering system contains:

- at least one reverse osmosis membrane;

- at least one pump that supplies water to the inlet of said membrane;

- a measuring unit comprising a housing in which a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters is installed: a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a salinity sensor, wherein the measuring unit is installed with the possibility of measuring the water parameters by said sensors in front of the entrance of the said membrane;

- a circuit board with electronic components is installed in said housing of the measuring unit for connecting to said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module for transmitting data received from said sensors to online storage.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit has means for connecting to an external power source.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit is equipped with means for installing an internal power source.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external sensor selected from the group: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor, pH sensor, pressure sensor, while an external sensor is installed with the ability to measure the parameters of the water that has been cleaned by said membrane.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said board with electronic components is configured to connect a group of at least the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: flow rate sensor, salinity sensor.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the system contains a shutoff solenoid valve installed at the entrance to the system, and said board with electronic components is configured to control the operation of this valve and, accordingly, to shut off or open the water supply to the system.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module designed to establish a direct connection with an external computer module.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said online data storage is configured to interact with at least one of said external computer modules by sending notifications about the operation of said measuring unit and receiving control commands from said external computer module.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that, as the mentioned external computer module, a personal electronic computing device selected from the group is used: a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable smart device on which a software application is installed that provides information about and displays state of the system.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said online storage is configured to send at least the following data via push technology to said external computer module; the degree of permeate selection, the degree of desalination, the volume of water passed through the system, data on the state of the system, notification of malfunctions, data on the timing of replacement of consumable elements of the system, service data, and the mentioned external computer module is configured to display visually received information.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said pump is installed in the pump unit, which includes an adjustable valve, the first and second pressure gauges, while the said measuring unit is also installed inside the said pump unit.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit for a reverse osmosis filtering system having a reverse osmosis membrane connected to pipelines contains:

- a housing, inside which a tube is installed, designed to be embedded in the system pipeline before entering the said membrane;

- means of connecting to a power source;

- a group of at least the following sensors is installed in said housing for measuring water parameters in said tube: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor;

- a board with electronic components installed in the said case and equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) module;

- said board with electronic components is configured to connect to said sensors and to transmit data received from them to the online storage via said wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the aforementioned circuit board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor, as well as at least a group; of the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a salinity sensor, wherein said group of external sensors is configured to measure water parameters that have been cleaned by said membrane.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the aforementioned circuit board with electronic components is configured to control a shut-off solenoid valve and to shut off or open the water supply to the system.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module designed to establish a direct connection with an external computer module.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that said tube includes T-fittings, in the branch channels of which said temperature and salinity sensors are installed.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the method of obtaining data on the state of the reverse osmosis filtering system, including the reverse osmosis membrane, is that

- on the pipeline of the system, before the entrance of the said membrane, a measuring unit is installed, comprising a housing in which a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters is installed: a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a salinity sensor, and also a circuit board with electronic components, designed to connecting to said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module, for transmitting data received from said sensors to online storage;

- provide measurement by said sensors of water parameters in front of said membrane;

- provide data from said sensors to online storage through said wireless local area network (WLAN) module;

- provide data transfer from online storage to an external computer module for display.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that

- additionally provide said board with electronic components module wireless personal area network (WPAN);

- after installing said measuring unit, a direct connection of an external computer module to said measuring unit is provided through said wireless personal area network (WPAN) module;

- using the mentioned external computer module provide the connection settings of the said measuring unit with a wireless local area network for connecting to the Internet;

- provide for linking said measuring unit and said external computer module to one AccountID account in said online storage.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that after the first connection of the said measuring unit with the Internet and establishing a connection with the said online storage, the account AccountID for the said measuring unit is automatically created by the said online storage, while the said measuring unit having a unique DeviceID, and the mentioned external computer module, which has a unique identification number in accordance with standard by mouth, the UUIDs are linked to the said AccountID, and each sensor is assigned its own SensorID.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that several mentioned external computer modules with a different UUID are connected to one mentioned AccountID account, and the same mentioned computer module can be linked to several mentioned AccountID.

The specified set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that

- install at least one external sensor selected from the group: flow sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor, pH sensor, pressure sensor, while said external sensor is installed with the ability to measure the parameters of the water that has been cleaned by said membrane;

- provide a measurement of the parameters of the water mentioned by the external sensor after it is cleaned by said membrane;

- provide data transmission from said external sensor to the online storage via said wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

A distinctive feature of the tools in accordance with the present invention is that they allow users to receive information about the quality of cleaning and system operation in real time and remotely. Another distinctive feature of the present invention is a high degree of structural aggregation and the ability to integrate the measuring unit in accordance with the present invention in existing filtering systems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In FIG. 1 - FIG. 5 shows the options for constructing a direct-flow reverse osmosis water purification system.

In FIG. 6 - FIG. 8 shows the design of the pump unit.

In FIG. 9 shows the construction of the measuring unit.

In FIG. 10 shows the design of the sensor installation assembly.

In FIG. 11 shows a communication circuit for connecting external sensors and communication of the measuring unit.

In FIG. 12 shows a diagram of the construction of a service and technical support system.

The implementation of the invention

The problem of providing the population with quality drinking water remains relevant throughout the world. Existing water purification systems are based on various principles and have significantly different operational properties. In some operating conditions, some systems are effective, in others - others. The operating conditions of the water treatment system may vary over time. Those initial conditions for which this or that cleaning system was originally designed can change so much that the efficiency of the system can significantly decrease. Along with this, the analysis of the efficiency of cleaning systems is a laborious and costly process. Due to the different designs of existing systems and different operating conditions, raising their technical level is most often possible only by completely replacing all equipment. Moreover, such decisions are most often not based on objective diagnostic data.

Modern systems are also faced with additional requirements in terms of interactivity, communicative qualities and the ability to control them remotely in real time.

The present invention solves the problem of providing water purification systems with effective measuring and diagnostic hardware and software, allowing to obtain objective data about the system in real time. Based on the reverse osmosis filtering system, which meets many requirements:

- ensuring the supply of fresh water to the consumer, excluding its storage in the drive;

- stable high performance of clean water at any time as needed;

- saving water by reducing the discharge of water into the sewer and other losses;

- low cost of maintenance and operation by increasing the life of the membrane, prefilters, etc .;

- high reliability of operation.

One of the main factors determining the effectiveness of the reverse osmosis process is the amount of water pressure at the membrane inlet, which can be provided by the pump unit 1, the design of which is shown in FIG. 6 - Fig. 8. If there is no pump unit in the system, one pump 20 is enough to create water pressure.

The pump unit 1 of the reverse osmosis filtering system contains means for connecting to a power source, a housing 18, inside which are installed: a pump 20, a first 21 and a second 22 water pressure sensors, a controller 26, an adjustable valve 23, an electromagnetic valve 24.

As the pump 20, a volumetric water pump is used, the working body of which is made in the form of a flexible plate (diaphragm) fixed at the edges. In pumps of this type, the plate bends under the action of a lever mechanism (mechanical drive) or as a result of a change in air pressure (pneumatic drive) or fluid (hydraulic drive), performing a function equivalent to the function of a piston in a piston pump.

The power source can be made both in the form of a power supply unit 19, installed inside the housing 18, and in the form of an external unit, providing power to the electrical components of the pump unit from the mains. In the case of an internal power supply; 19, the latter can be performed both with one output voltage, for example, 24 V, and with several, for example, 24 V and 48 V. This will allow installing pumps of various power and capacity in pump unit 1 without changing other components.

The material of the housing 18 should have high operational and mechanical properties: strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, fire resistance. It is advisable to make the housing 18 from plastic, for example, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate. The housing 18 may consist of a base 27 and a cover 28, as shown in FIG. 8. The housing 18 may include a ventilation window (not shown). The housing 18 may also include shock absorbing supports 25 and means of attachment to vertical surfaces (not shown). As such means of fastening, sockets, hinges, flanges and any other known elements can be used.

The pump unit 1 comprises means 8 for connecting to a group of pipelines, including at least: an inlet pipe 3 for connecting to a water source; pipeline 4 at the input of the membrane for connection with the input of the membrane 16; permeate pipe 5 for connecting to the permeate outlet of the membrane 16; a concentrate conduit 6 for connecting to the outlet of the membrane concentrate 16, and a drainage conduit 7 for connecting to the drain. As the connection means 8, standard fittings, fittings, adapters, collet elements or any other suitable means can be used. Thus, the pump unit 1 is designed to connect with at least three inlet pipelines 3, 5 and 6 and two exhaust pipelines 4 and 7.

The inlet of the pump 20 is connected to the means of connecting to the input pipe 3, and the output of the pump 20 is connected to the means of connecting to the pipe 4 to the membrane inlet. Thus, the pump 20 creates in the pipeline 4 at the inlet of the membrane the water pressure of the required value.

The first pressure sensor 21 is used to determine the water pressure at the inlet of the pump 20. The second pressure sensor 22 is used to determine the permeate pressure in the pipeline 5. Both pressure sensors are installed inside the housing 18. As sensors for pressure 21 and 22, for example, sensors with a bellows or membrane elastic element. The function of the pressure sensors 21 and 22 is to provide an electrical signal at a time when the pressure in the corresponding pipe reaches a certain maximum or minimum value.

The inlet of the pump 20 is connected to the means of connecting to the inlet pipe 3 through an electromagnetic valve 24 to stop the water supply to the pump by the signal of the controller 26. The controller 26 gives a signal to close the solenoid valve 24 if the pressure in the inlet pipe 3 measured by the first sensor 21 pressure reaches a certain lower acceptable value. A decrease in pressure means that there is not enough water in the inlet pipe 3, and in order to prevent damage to the pump 20, the controller 26 gives a signal to turn it off, shut off the inlet pipe 3 and turn on the corresponding indicator light.

The adjustable valve 23 provides a connection inside the housing 18 of the pipeline 6 of the concentrate with the drain pipe 7 and performs the function of a flow restrictor on the drainage line.

The controller 26 is installed inside the housing 18, for example, in its cover 28 (see Fig. 7) and provides control over the operation of the adjustable valve 23, pump 20, the electromagnetic valve 24 and other electrical components. As the controller 26 can be used as a programmable or non-programmable industrial controller.

Thus, the pump unit 1 can be made so that when connected to a group of pipelines:

- the inlet pipe 3 inside the housing 18 is connected to the input of the pump 20 through the electromagnetic valve 24, while the inlet pipe 3 is also connected to the first pressure sensor 21,

- the pipe 4 at the input of the membrane is connected inside the housing 18 with the output of the pump 20,

- the permeate pipe 5 is connected inside the housing 18 with the second pressure sensor 22 and is not flow-through,

- the pipeline 6 of the concentrate is connected inside the housing 18 with the drain pipe 7 through an adjustable valve 23.

- the controller 26 is connected to the first 21 and second 22 pressure sensors, an adjustable valve 23, an electromagnetic valve 24 and is configured to control the operation of the pump unit 1.

The pump unit 1 contains installed on the housing 18 (for example, on the cover 28) diode means 10 for indicating the status and operating modes of the unit, controlled by the controller 26. The presence of light indicators ensures the interactivity of the system, i.e. highly effective user interaction. As the means of indication 10 can be used standard light diodes, possibly of different colors. In the event of the occurrence of an event or the inclusion of a certain operating mode, the corresponding indicator lights up. It is optimal to install at least four indication means 10 on the housing 18, informing about the following modes or conditions: indication of the lack of water supply at the inlet of pump 20 (in this state, pump 20 is turned off); indication of the filtration process (in this mode, pump 20 is turned on); indication of the readiness of the unit to start filtering (pump 20 is turned off); flushing mode indication (pump 20 is on).

Indicators 10 (when turned on individually or in a specific combination) can, for example, inform the user about other conditions: the need to restart; the presence or absence of communication with wireless networks, communication with remote devices, the need for service activities (replacing cartridges, membranes, etc.).

The controller 26 is configured to switch the adjustable trap 23 from the mode of restricting the flow of concentrate to the washing mode of the membrane 16. This is achieved by fully opening the adjustable valve 23 and increasing the flow washing the membrane. It is advisable to turn on the flushing mode at the end of each filtration cycle (on / off cycle of pump 20) for a period of 15 seconds to 25 seconds, depending on the quality of the water. The optimal washing mode prolongs the membrane life, improves the quality of cleaning and the degree of filtration efficiency. To improve the quality of washing and water purification in general, the washing regime can be switched on not only at the end, but also before the start of each filtration cycle.

The task of obtaining diagnostic and operational information is solved by the measuring unit 30 shown in FIG. 9 - FIG. 11. The measuring unit 30 includes a housing, inside of which a tube 31 is installed, designed to be inserted into the system pipeline before entering the membrane. Thus, the measuring unit 30 can be installed both on the inlet pipe 3 (as shown in Fig. 1), and on the pipe 4 at the membrane inlet, i.e. either before or after the pump unit 1. Installation can be carried out using two connectors (fittings) 32 or any other known method.

The measuring unit 30 contains means for connecting to a power source, which can be used either as an external power source or an internal unit 33 (battery, batteries). To control the state, a control button 34 is installed on the body of the measuring unit, designed to reset the settings to the default settings, transfer the unit to the availability mode for detection. The button 34 may be equipped with a light indicator, the mode of operation of which (constantly on, blinks frequently, blinks rarely, does not light) informs the user about the current state of the unit. Button 34 may be configured to turn on / off the power of the measuring unit 30.

In the housing of the measuring unit 30, a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters in the tube 31 is installed: a flow rate sensor 35 (also called a flow meter), a temperature sensor 36, and a salinity sensor 37 (also known as a TDS meter). As you know, a sensor means a measuring device designed to generate a signal of measurement information in a form convenient for transmission, further conversion, processing and (or) storage. Sensors (also called meters, sensors, etc.) 35-37 can have any design compatible with the electronic control system. Tube 31 may include T-fittings, in the branch channels of which sensors 36 and 37 are installed. FIG. 10 shows a possible installation of sensors 36 or 37. The T-fitting 49 is inserted into the tube 31 with its direct-flow channel, and the sensor 36 or 37 is installed in the T-branch of the fitting, as shown in FIG. 10. The flow rate sensor 35 may be directly mounted inside the tube 31 or otherwise, depending on the type of sensor used.

Also inside the case, there is a board 38 with electronic components, equipped with a module 40 wireless local area network (WLAN). As the board 38, a single board computer (SBC) can be used. The wireless communication module 40 can be made either as a separate element or as an integral part of the board 38, and is designed to establish a connection (Wi-Fi) to the Internet. The module 40 can also provide communication with wireless personal networks (eg, Bluetooth), providing a direct connection to an external computer module 46 (eg, a smartphone).

Board 38 is equipped with the necessary drivers and is configured to connect to sensors 35, 36 and 37, as well as to external sensors, if any, and ensures the transfer of data received from them to online storage 47 via module 40.

The board 38 is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor (not shown), as well as the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: pressure sensor 42 (pressure gauge), flow rate sensor 43 (also called a flow meter), salinity sensor 44 temperature sensor, pH sensor. External sensors 43 and 44 are installed to measure the parameters of the water that has been cleaned by the membrane 16, in particular, before the means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer. The pressure sensor 42 can be installed on the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet before entering the membrane 16. To connect external sensors, the board 38 contains the appropriate means 39 (connection interfaces).

The circuit board 38 is configured to control an external shutoff solenoid valve 45, preferably mounted on the inlet pipe 3. Thus, by a signal from the circuit board 38, it is possible to shut off or open the water supply to the system. As one of the possible options, the board 38 can also control the solenoid valve 24 mounted inside the housing 18 of the pump unit 1, in which case the shutoff solenoid valve 45 can be omitted.

The board 38 may be equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module (not shown). It can be made as a separate element, or can be included in the board 38 or module 40. The wireless personal area network (WPAN) module is designed to establish a direct connection (such as Bluetooth) with an external computer module 46 (used, for example, for initial setup measuring unit, as well as for visualizing measuring information from sensors). As an external computer module, a personal electronic computing device selected from the group is used: a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable smart device, on which a software application is installed that provides information on and displays the status of the system.

The measuring unit 30 may include a means of light indication 41, similar to the pump unit 1.

The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are implemented as separate devices. It is also possible that the measuring unit 30 is located inside the pump unit 1 and installed on the pipeline before entering the pump 20, as shown in FIG. 6.

The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are installed in the reverse osmosis filtering system shown in FIG. 1 - FIG. 5.

The system as a whole contains a reverse osmosis membrane 16 having an inlet, a concentrate outlet and a permeate outlet. In filtration systems equipped with pump and measuring units in accordance with the present invention, Prio ^® reverse osmosis membranes of the K858, K859 models are optimal.

As is known in the art, permeate is understood to mean water that has undergone membrane separation. By concentrate is meant water that has not undergone membrane separation, into which all impurities retained by the membrane are washed off.

The permeate outlet of the membrane 16 is connected to the means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer via the permeate supply line 11 to the consumer. In FIG. 1 - FIG. 5, such an embodiment is shown by a solid line. As means 12 for supplying pure water to a consumer, for example, a faucet 12 is used.

The pump unit 1 is connected by means of connection 8 to the following pipelines: inlet pipe 3, pipe 4 to the membrane inlet, permeate pipe 5, concentrate pipe 6, drain pipe 7. Thus, the pump unit 1 is connected to three inlet pipes 3, 5 and 6 and two exhaust pipes 4 and 7, as shown in FIG. 1 - Fig. 5. As, means of connecting to the mentioned pipelines, any known means (fittings, fittings, adapters, etc.) can be used.

At the entrance of the membrane 16, at least one prefilter can be installed. The prefilter is designed to protect against mechanical impurities and provides an extension of the life of both the membrane and other components. There are various options for installing a prefilter. A prefilter 13 can be mounted on the inlet pipe 3 in front of the pumping side 1, as shown in FIG. 2 (option 2), FIG. 3 - FIG. 5. In this case, the prefilter 13 protects both the pump 20 and the membrane 16 from mechanical impurities. It is also possible to install the prefilter 14 in the pipe 4 at the membrane inlet after the pump unit 1, as shown in FIG. 2 (option 1). In this case, only the membrane 16 is protected, but it becomes possible to form a more compact single cleaning unit 2.

As pre-filters, both single-module and multi-module filters can be used. In FIG. 2 - FIG. 4 shows single-module pre-filters. In FIG. 5 shows a variant with a multi-module pre-filter, which is an assembly of three modules, including a combination of filter modules of the same or different action (mechanical, sorption, etc.).

It is advisable to use mechanical filters with prefilters with a filter fineness of worse than 5 microns. The optimal properties for use as pre-filters in the present invention are possessed by Prio ^® filters of models K100, K101, K200, K205, K604, K870, K871, K874, K875. The use of prefilters improves the quality of water treatment and extends the life of the membrane.

The filtering system in accordance with the present invention may include at least one post-filter 15, which is installed between the output of the permeate of the membrane 16 and the means 12 for supplying permeate to the consumer. The presence of a post filter allows you to improve the quality of water treatment and improve its taste. The optimal properties for use as post-filters in the present invention are possessed by Prio ^® filters of models K875, K870, K884, K879, K880, K886, K881, K873, K896. From those shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. Of the 5 options, it is obvious that the post-filter can be installed both on the permeate pipe 5 and on the permeate supply pipe 11 to the consumer. Most preferred is the installation of the post-filter 15 on the pipe 11 as close to the means 12 for supplying permeate to the consumer.

To increase the modularity of the design, it is advisable to prefilter 14, postfilter 15 and membrane 16 in one housing in the form of a single cleaning unit 2, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 (dashed line), FIG. 4 (dashed line) and FIG. 5 (dashed line). The body of the cleaning unit 2 may contain means 17 for attaching filters and membranes, as well as means 9 for connecting to the following pipelines: pipeline 4 to the membrane inlet, permeate pipe 5, concentrate pipe 6, pure water supply pipe 11 to the consumer. Means 17 of fastening can be made in the form of elastic plastic forks, providing capture and fixing of the cylindrical filter housings and membranes due to the elastic deformation of the material. This design provides quick removal / installation without additional assembly operations.

On the pipe 5 of the permeate, as close as possible to the outlet of the permeate of the membrane 16, a check valve 35 is installed to prevent the reverse flow of permeate (Fig. 2).

The system comprises a measuring unit 30, the construction of which is described above. This unit provides the appearance of information and communication subsystems as components, which allows you to integrate the filtering system into various computer networks.

The filtering system combines the various connections of the permeate supply pipe 11 to the consumer. Alternatively, the pipe 11 is connected to the pump unit 1, and not to the permeate outlet of the membrane 16. This connection option is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, there is no need to install means for connecting to the pipe 11 on the cleaning unit 2. The permeate line 5 in this embodiment is flowing and starts from the permeate exit of the membrane 16, passes inside the housing 18 through the second pressure sensor 22, and exits through the means 8 in line 29 (see Fig. 6) and connected to the means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer (as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1).

Thus, all options for implementation: systems are shown in the graphic materials:

- in FIG. 1 shows a design of a reverse osmosis filtering system comprising a pump unit 1 and a purification unit 2 connected by pipelines 4, 5 and 6;

- in FIG. 2 shows the options for a filtering system with a postfilter 15 and two options for connecting a single-module prefilter 13 (option 2) and a single-module prefilter 14 (option 1);

- in FIG. 3 shows the design of the cleaning unit 2 (dashed line) comprising a single-module prefilter 13 and a membrane 16;

- in FIG. 4 shows the design of a cleaning unit (dashed line) comprising a single-muzzle pre-filter 13, a membrane 16 and a post-filter 15;

- in FIG. 5 shows the design of a cleaning unit (dashed line) comprising a three-module prefilter 13, a membrane 16 and a postfilter 15.

In all cases, the information block 30, containing sensors 35, 36, and 37, is installed to measure the parameters of water at the entrance to the membrane 16, and external sensors 43, 44 measure the parameters of water after it is cleaned by the membrane 16.

The design described above allows you to implement a method of obtaining objective data about the state of the system.

The method is that

- provide a measurement of 35-37 sensors water parameters in front of the membrane 16;

- provide data from sensors 35-37 to the online storage 47 (Fig. 11) through the module 40 wireless local area network (WLAN);

- provide data from the online storage 47 to an external computer module 46 for display.

Similarly, information is transmitted from external sensors 42-44, as shown in FIG. eleven.

The invention is as follows.

The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are connected to the inlet pipe 3. The pump unit 1 is also connected to the membrane inlet pipe 4, permeate pipe 5, concentrate pipe 6 and drain pipe 7 using appropriate connection means.

The permeate pipe 5 is also connected to the means of supplying pure water to the consumer 12 via the pipe 11. In the first embodiment, the pipe 11 connects the permeate outlet of the membrane 16 to the means 12. In the second embodiment, the pipe 11 connects the permeate output of the membrane 16 to the permeate supply means 12 to the consumer through the pump block 1.

Due to the design of the pump unit 1, the concentrate pipe 6 is connected inside the housing 18 with the drain pipe 7 through an adjustable valve 23. This connection allows you to control the throughput of the flow restrictor on the drainage line, which increases the permeate selection coefficient and allows you to turn the membrane flush on and off to increase it service life and work efficiency.

After installing the measuring unit 30 on the corresponding pipeline, the connection of the measuring unit 30 to the Internet and online storage 47 is activated as follows.

Connect the external computer module 46 to the measurement unit 30 via a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module (not shown). Due to the availability of the appropriate hardware and software capabilities of the board 38, using an external computer module 46 (for example, a smartphone), the connection of the measuring unit 30 with one of the available wireless local area networks for connecting to the Internet is configured. After the first such connection, the measuring unit 30 establishes a connection with the online storage 47, which automatically creates an account AccountID of the measuring unit 30 in the cloud storage. The measuring unit 30 has a unique DeviceID. The external computer module 46, which communicates with and controls the measuring unit 30, has a unique identification number in accordance with the UUID standard. As a result of the first connection described above, the DeviceID and UUID are associated with the created AccountID, and each Sensor 35-37,42-44 is assigned its own SensorID.

Thus, the measuring device 30, the sensors 35-37, 42-44 and the external computer module 46 are attached to the account in the online storage 47. Several external computer modules 46 with a different UUID can be connected to the same AccountID account. The same computer module 46 (with its unique UUID) can be connected to different AccountID entries to control several measuring units 30 and the sensors connected to them, each of which has its own SensorID. This allows you to control from one external computer module 46 several filtering systems equipped with corresponding measuring units 30, and also allows you to control the same filtering system equipped with a measuring unit 30 from several external computer modules 46 with a different UUID.

After the system is configured and wireless communication between all components is established, open the inlet pipe 3 and provide water to the inlet of the pump 20 under pressure from 0.05 MPa to 0.45 MPa.

The filtering system and the pump unit work as follows.

Sensors 35-37 of the measuring unit 30 receive data on the parameters of water before it is cleaned with a membrane 16, sensors 43, 44 - after it is cleaned with a membrane 16, and transfer them to online storage 47. Here, thanks to the software, the data obtained are processed on their different calculated and integral indicators are calculated: the volume of water passed through the system for different periods (both the total volume of water and the volume of only that water that has passed membrane separation (permeate)), the calculation of the date of the required service, replacement cartridges, permeate selection coefficient, degree of desalination, drainage water volume. The presence of external sensors 42-44 expands the number of monitored parameters. These parameters characterize both the quality of cleaning and the operability of the system, allowing, for example, to accurately determine the residual life of cartridges, membranes and other components.

The obtained information, as well as the calculated parameters, are transmitted from the online storage 47 to the module 46 for display. Having received this data, the user has the opportunity to monitor the status of the system and respond to various emergency situations. For example, a temperature sensor 35 and a manometer 42 provide information about emergency situations (supplying hot water to the system instead of cold water, breakdown of pump 20, leakage, etc.). Having received the relevant information, the user can remotely command to shut off the water supply to the system by closing the solenoid valve 45. For the convenience of the user, the information transmitted from the online storage 47 can be color differentiated and presented in various application windows. So, for example, green will display information about the normal operation of the system, orange or red - warnings about possible malfunctions. External computer module 46 may have various widgets for presenting the received information in the most user-friendly form.

In turn, the first pressure sensor 21 determines the water pressure at the inlet of the pump 20 and transmits data to the controller 26. The controller 26 provides voltage from the power source to the pump 20 and opens the solenoid valve 24. The pump 20 delivers water to the pipe 4 to the membrane inlet 16 and provides a pressure at the inlet of the membrane 16 is not lower than 0.6 MPa.

Permeate from the output of the membrane 16 is supplied to the user through the pipe 11 and the supply means 12. In the filtering mode, the adjustable valve 23 is half open and acts as a flow restrictor of the concentrate. The concentrate in this filtering mode is discharged into the drainage pipe 7 with a flow rate of 240 ml / min to 450 ml / min. On the housing 18 of the pump unit 1, the corresponding indicator light is on.

If the user stops consuming water (supply means 12 is closed), the pressure in the permeate pipe 5 rises. The second pressure sensor 22 detects the pressure in the pipeline 5 and transmits data to the controller 26. If the permeate pressure reaches the maximum permissible value, the controller 26 switches on the washing cycle of the membrane 16, for which it switches the adjustable valve 23 from the mode of limiting the flow of concentrate to the washing mode of the membrane 16, after which turns off the pump 20, closes the solenoid valve 24, returns the adjustable valve 23 from the flushing mode of the membrane 16 to the flow restriction mode of the concentrate and turns on the corresponding indicator light. This prevents the breakdown of the mechanisms of the pump unit 1.

At the end of each cycle of the pump 20, the membrane flushing mode is automatically activated. For this, the controller 26 completely opens the adjustable valve 23 for a period of 15 seconds to 25 seconds and provides a drain into the drainage pipe 7 of the concentrate stream with a flow rate of up to 2.2 l / min. On the housing 18 of the pump unit 1, the corresponding indicator light is turned on. The flushing mode can be activated before each cycle of the pump 20.

The measuring unit in accordance with the present invention can be used in reverse osmosis filtering systems of various types. The use of pump unit 1 for the operation of the measuring unit 1 is optional.

By analyzing the data received by the measuring unit 30, such as the flow rate before and after the membrane 16, the on and off times of these flows, their duration and time shift relative to each other, and the accumulation of these data received from sensors 35-37 and 42- 44, it becomes possible to unambiguously identify the type of filtering system (the presence of a tank and its volume, the presence of auto-flushing mode, pump type) and develop objective recommendations for its modernization in terms of saving resources and reducing costs. As an example, the use of the present invention makes it possible to evaluate the feasibility of increasing the size of the storage tank (if any) if it is emptied too often (this can be determined by the minimum, average and maximum duration of the tank refilling with water, according to the readings collected by the sensor 43, and the number of relevant events ), although normally it should be almost full almost always (the maximum number of tank refill events should be short in time, events with a long filling time aka should be rare). Relevant recommendations for upgrading the system, the user receives through an external computer module 46.

This invention opens up new possibilities for service departments and developers of water treatment systems. In FIG. 12 shows a scheme for transmitting information from several filtration systems installed in various buildings and equipped with measuring units 30 to a single service center 48. The present invention allows to automate and optimize the process of technical and service maintenance based on objective data obtained in real time.

The data obtained in accordance with the present invention will allow developers to determine the parameters and methods of operation of the water purification systems they have created and improve their design as necessary.

Claims (42)

1. The reverse osmosis filter system containing - at least one reverse osmosis membrane; - at least one pump supplying water to the inlet of said membrane; - a measuring unit comprising a housing in which a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters is installed: a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a salinity sensor, wherein the measuring unit is installed with the ability to measure the water parameters by said sensors in front of the entrance of the said membrane; - a circuit board with electronic components is installed in said housing of the measuring unit for connecting to said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module for transmitting data received from said sensors to online storage. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring unit has means for connecting to an external power source. 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring unit is equipped with means for installing an internal power source. 4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external sensor selected from the group: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor, pH sensor, pressure sensor, said external sensor is installed with the ability to measure the parameters of the water that has been cleaned by said membrane. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said board with electronic components is configured to connect a group of at least the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: flow rate sensor, salinity sensor. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a shut-off solenoid valve installed at the entrance to the system, and said board with electronic components is configured to control the operation of this valve and, accordingly, shut off or open the water supply to the system. 8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module designed to establish a direct connection with an external computer module. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said online data storage is configured to interact with at least one said external computer module by sending notifications about the operation of said measuring unit and receiving control commands from said external computer module. 10. The system according to p. 9, characterized in that as the mentioned external computer module uses a personal electronic computing device selected from the group: tablet, personal computer, smartphone, wearable smart device, on which a software application is installed that provides receiving and displaying system status information. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said online storage is configured to send at least the following data via push technology to said external computer module: degree of permeate withdrawal, degree of desalination, volume of water passed through the system, status data systems, notification of malfunctions, data on the timing of replacement of consumable elements of the system, service data, and said external computer module is configured to display visually received information. 12. The system according to p. 1, characterized in that the said pump is installed in the pump unit, which includes an adjustable valve, the first and second pressure gauges, while the said measuring unit is also installed inside the said pump unit. 13. A measuring unit for a reverse osmosis filtering system having a reverse osmosis membrane connected to pipelines, comprising: - a housing, inside which a tube is installed, designed to be embedded in the system pipeline before entering the said membrane; - means of connecting to a power source; - a group of at least the following sensors is installed in said housing for measuring water parameters in said tube: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor; - a board with electronic components installed in the said case and equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) module; - said board with electronic components is configured to connect to said sensors and to transmit data received from them to the online storage via said wireless local area network (WLAN) module. 14. The unit according to claim 13, characterized in that said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor, as well as a group of at least the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, a salt content sensor, wherein said group of external sensors is configured to measure water parameters that have been cleaned by said membrane. 15. The unit according to claim 13, characterized in that said circuit board with electronic components is configured to control a shut-off solenoid valve and to shut off or open the water supply to the system. 16. The unit according to claim 13, characterized in that said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module for establishing a direct connection with an external computer module. 17. The unit according to claim 13, characterized in that said tube includes T-fittings, in the branch channels of which said temperature and salinity sensors are installed. 18. A method of obtaining data on the state of the reverse osmosis filtering system, including the reverse osmosis membrane, consisting in that - on the pipeline of the system, before the entrance of the said membrane, a measuring unit is installed, comprising a housing in which a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters is installed: a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a salinity sensor, and also a circuit board with electronic components for connecting to said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module for transmitting data received from said sensors to an online store; - provide measurement by said sensors of water parameters in front of said membrane; - provide data from said sensors to online storage through said wireless local area network (WLAN) module; - provide data transfer from online storage to an external computer module for display. 19. The method according to p. 18, characterized in that - additionally provide said board with electronic components module wireless personal area network (WPAN); - after installing said measuring unit, a direct connection of an external computer module to said measuring unit is provided through said wireless personal area network (WPAN) module; - using the mentioned external computer module provide the connection settings of the said measuring unit with a wireless local area network for connecting to the Internet; - provide for linking said measuring unit and said external computer module to one AccountID account in said online storage. 20. The method according to p. 19, characterized in that after the first connection of said measuring unit with the Internet and establishing communication with said online storage, said AccountID account for said measuring unit is automatically created by said online storage, wherein said measuring unit, having a unique identification number DeviceID, and said external computer module having a unique identification number in accordance with the UUID standard, are bound to said Ac countID, and each sensor mentioned is assigned its own SensorID. 21. The method according to p. 20, characterized in that several said external computer modules with a different UUID are connected to one said AccountID account, and the same mentioned computer module can be linked to several mentioned AccountIDs. 22. The method according to p. 18, characterized in that - install at least one external sensor selected from the group: flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, salinity sensor, pH sensor, pressure sensor, while said external sensor is installed with the ability to measure the parameters of the water that has been cleaned by said membrane; - provide a measurement of the parameters of the water mentioned by the external sensor after it is cleaned by said membrane; - provide data transmission from said external sensor to the online storage via said wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

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