DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This Application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202221017126 filed on 25-Mar-2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to water purifiers and more particularly, to a multi-stage water pre-treatment module for the water purifier such as but not limited to a reverse osmosis water purifier which achieves increased recovery and reduced water wastage and reduced electric power consumption, where the module is detachable and can be retrofitted to any type of water purifier.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a water purifier is a device which is used for purifying water. The permeate flux and salt rejection are the key parameters used to evaluate the performance of a reverse osmosis water purifier. These key performance parameters are mainly influenced by variable parameters such as pressure, temperature, pH and ionic type and concentration in the feed water. The effect of temperature and pH on the membrane performance is the most important parameter. When temperature of feed water is increased for constant product flow, the required applied feed pressure decreases and the product water salinity increases. Energy consumption is decreased as the applied pressure decreases. If the permeate flow is let to increase as the temperature increase, fewer membrane elements will be required. Similarly, the feed water pH has a significant role in increasing the permeate flux. This leads to a considerable saving in the water production cost. As a rule of thumb, membrane capacity increases about 3% per degree Celsius increase in water temperature. The flux improves in terms of membrane surface charge as stated by the Donnan theory of di-electric exclusion. However, while improving the recovery, the membrane fouling increases and leads to chocking of the membrane. Further, most reverse osmosis water purifiers are subjected to higher water wastage in the process of purifying water.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a multi-stage water pre-treatment module which pre-treats the input water provided to the water purifier, such that the water’s physical and chemical characteristics are stabilized to elevate the membrane’s performance of the water purifier as well as obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a multi-stage water pre-treatment module for pre-treating input water provided to a water purifier for improving the efficiency of water purifier.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for a reverse osmosis water purifier which achieves increased recovery and reduced water wastage.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module which increases purified water flow rate of the water purifier.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module which enables the water purifier to achieve better mineral level in the purified water.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module which reduces running time of the purification and improves the tank filling time of the water purifier.
[009] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for reducing the concentration gradient due to increased recovery.
[0010] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for preventing the scale formation resulting in increased recovery of the water purifier.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for water purifier which has considerable saving in water production cost.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for the water purifier which has reduced electric power consumption as the applied pressure decreases.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module which increases lifetime of the membranes (water purification cartridges) of the water purifier.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the multi-stage water pre-treatment module for the water purifier which reduces the surface area of the membrane required to achieve the same performance.
[0015] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a multi-stage water pre-treatment module retro-fitted with a water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts schematic view of the multi-stage water pre-treatment module, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0019] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method for pre-treating input water provided to the water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a multi-stage water pre-treatment module for a water purifier, which achieves increased recovery and reduced water wastage and reduced electric power consumption. Further, embodiment herein achieve a method for pre-treating input water provided to the water purifier. Referring now to the drawings Fig. 1 to fig. 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic view of a multi-stage water pre-treatment module (100) retro-fitted with a water purifier (10), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts schematic view of the multi-stage water pre-treatment module (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the multi-stage automated module ((100), hereinafter called as module)) includes a first scale inhibiting unit (101), a heater unit (102), a pH regulator (104), a second scale inhibiting unit (106) and a main housing (108). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the module (100) is explained herein with below reference to pre-treating input water provided to the water purifier such as but not limited to a reverse osmosis water purifier for achieving increased recovery and reduced water wastage and reduced electric power consumption while purifying water. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/ use the components of the module (100) for pre-treating input water provided to any other type of water purifier without otherwise deterring the intended function of the module (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The module (100) continuously regulates the physical parameters of the input water, such that the input water is always regulated in the upper range of room temperature which can vary between 25° C to 50° C, in the pH range convenient for the input water to deliver improved flux.
[0023] The first scale inhibiting unit (101) is adapted to receive input water from a water source (tap). The first scale inhibiting unit (101) is adapted to reduce scale formation in the input water and allow the treated input water flow to the heater unit (102). The first scale inhibiting unit (101) defines an inlet (101Y) and an outlet ((101Z), as shown in fig. 2)). The inlet (101Y) of the first scale inhibiting unit (101) is adapted to facilitate entry of input water from the water source to the first scale inhibiting unit (101). The outlet (101Z) of the first scale inhibiting unit (101) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from the first scale inhibiting unit (101) to the tank (102T) of the heater unit (102). The first scale inhibiting unit (101) is also called as an electronic membrane life enhancer. The first scale inhibiting unit (101) is an electro-magnetic wave generating unit which is configured to generate and induce electro-magnetic waves into the input water thereby reducing scale formation in the input water. For example, the first scale inhibiting unit (101) comprises an electro-magnetic induction coil, being provided with a high frequency micro vibration generating means to generate micro-vibrations in frequency of 1100Hz to 1700 Hz. The micro-vibration generating means includes clockwise and anti-clockwise conducting wires extending over a tube with respect to the water flow path in the tube of the first scale inhibiting unit (101) to transmit the micro-vibration generated therein to the input water.
[0024] The heater unit (102) is adapted to receive the treated input water from the first scale inhibiting unit (101). The heater unit (102) is configured to heat the input water up to a pre-defined temperature threshold (pre-defined temperature limit). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pre-defined temperature threshold (pre-defined temperature limit) of the input water stored in the tank (102T) is 40° C. As water gets warmer it gets thinner and the flow rate coming out of a membrane (cartridge) of the water purifier (10) increases. In an embodiment, the heater unit (102) includes a tank (102T), a temperature sensor (102S) and at least one heating element ((102C), as shown in fig. 2)). The tank (102T) is adapted to store the treated input water received from the first scale inhibiting unit (101). The tank (102T) defines an inlet (102Y) and an outlet ((102Z), as shown in fig. 2)). The inlet (102Y) of the tank (102T) is adapted to facilitate entry of treated input water from the first scale inhibiting unit (101) to the tank (102T). The outlet (102Z) of the tank (102T) is adapted to facilitate exit of heated input water from the tank (102T) to the pH regulator (104). The temperature sensor (102S) is located in the tank (102T). The temperature sensor (102S) is adapted to detect and communicate a temperature of the input water to a controller unit (10C). In an embodiment, the controller unit (10C) is the controller unit of the water purifier (10). In another embodiment, the controller unit (10C) is a separate/ dedicated controller unit which is integrated into the module (100). The heating element (102C) is adapted to heat the input water up to the pre-defined temperature threshold when the heating element (102C) is energized by the controller unit (10C) based on the measured temperature of input water sent by the temperature sensor (102S) to the controller unit (10C). For example, the controller unit (10C) is configured to switch ON electric current to the heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of the input water is below the pre-defined temperature threshold. Further, the controller unit (10C) is configured to switch OFF electric current to the heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of the input water is above the predefined temperature threshold. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the heating element (102C) is a at least a heating coil. The heating element (102C) is disposed in the tank (102T) near a bottom end of the tank (102T).
[0025] The pH regulator (104) is adapted to receive the heated input water from the heater unit (102). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, pH refers to potential of hydrogen or power of hydrogen. The pH regulator (104) is adapted to regulate a pH level of the input water at a predefined pH level. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the predefined pH level of input water is in range of 6.5 to 7.5 pH. The pH regulator (104) defines an inlet (104Y) and an outlet ((104Z), as shown in fig. 2)). The inlet (104Y) of the pH regulator (104) is adapted to facilitate entry of heated input water from the heater unit (102) to pH regulator (104). The outlet (104Z) of the of the pH regulator (104) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from the pH regulator to the second scale inhibiting unit (106). The pH regulator (104) can include an electrode based pH regulator or a media based pH regulator, which modulate the pH of the input water. All flow rates stated on reverse osmosis systems and membranes are assuming a water temperature of 77 degrees F and a pH of 7.0. As the water pH and temperature changes so will the flow rate. For every degree F you raise temperature you gain about 3% product flow rate - this occurs because water with a higher temperature has a lower viscosity and higher diffusion rate, which makes it easier for the water to permeate the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. As the pH of the feed water modulates to higher range, the flux in doubly charged salt solutions increases, as the charge properties of the membrane gets altered. The membrane is negatively charged at high pH due to the deprotonation of carboxylic group and adsorption of hydroxide ions to the membrane surface.
[0026] The second scale inhibiting unit (106) is adapted to receive the treated input water from the pH regulator (104). The second scale inhibiting unit (106) is adapted to reduce scale formation in the input water and allow the treated input water flow to an inlet of the water purifier (10). The second scale inhibiting unit (106) includes an inlet (106Y) and an outlet ((106Z), as shown in fig. 2)). The inlet (106Y) of the second scale inhibiting unit (106) is adapted to facilitate entry of treated input water from the pH regulator (104) to the second scale inhibiting unit (106). The outlet (106Z) of the second scale inhibiting unit (106) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from the second scale inhibiting unit (106) to the inlet of the water purifier (10). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second scale inhibiting unit (106) is a chemical-based scale inhibiting unit. The main housing (108) adapted to house the first scale inhibiting unit (101), the heater unit (102), the pH regulator (104) and the second scale inhibiting unit (106) therein.
[0027] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) for pre-treating input water provided to the water purifier (10), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step (202), the method (200) includes, receiving, by a first scale inhibiting unit (101), input water from a water source (tap). At step (204), the method (200) includes, reducing, by the first scale inhibiting unit (101), scale formation in the input water. At step (206), the method (200) includes, receiving, by a tank (102T) of a heater unit (102), the treated input water from the first scale inhibiting unit (101). At step (208), the method (200) includes, heating, by at least one heating element (102C) of the heater unit (102), the input water up to a predefined temperature threshold (pre-defined temperature limit).
[0028] At step (210), the method (200) includes, receiving, by a pH regulator (104), the heated input water from the heater unit (102). At step (212), the method (200) includes, regulating, by the pH regulator (104), a pH level of the input water at a pre-defined pH level. At step (214), the method (200) includes, receiving, by a second scale inhibiting unit (106), the treated input water from the pH regulator (104). At step (216), the method (200) includes, reducing, by the second scale inhibiting unit (106), scale formation in the input water. At step (218), the method (200) includes, allowing, by the second scale inhibiting unit (106), the treated input water flow to an inlet of the water purifier (10).
[0029] Further, the method step (208) includes detecting and communicating, by a temperature sensor (102S), a temperature of input water, to a controller unit (10C); and switching ON, by the controller unit (10C), electric current supply to the at least one heating element (102C) which in turn heats the input water at the pre-defined temperature based on the measured temperature of input water sent by the temperature sensor (102S) to the controller unit (10C).
[0030] Furthermore, the method (200) includes switching OFF, by the controller unit (10C) electric current to the at least one heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of input water is above the predefined temperature.
[0031] The technical advantages of the module (100) for pre-treating input water provided to the water purifier (10) are as follows. The multi-stage stage water pre-treatment module for reverse osmosis water purifier has increased recovery and reduced water wastage and reduced electric power consumption. The module increases purified water flow rate from the water purifier. The has better mineral level in the purified water. The module reduces running time of the purification and improves the tank filling time of the water purifier. The reverse osmosis water purifier has considerable saving in water production cost. The reverse osmosis water purifier has reduced electric power consumption as the applied pressure decreases. The module reduces the concentration gradient due to increased recovery of the water purifier. The module prevents the scale formation resulting in increased recovery of the water purifier. The module increases lifetime of the membranes (water purification cartridges) of the water purifier. The module reduces the surface area of the membrane required to achieve the same performance.
[0032] 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A multi-stage water pre-treatment module (100) for a water purifier (10), said module (100) comprising:
a heater unit (102) adapted to receive input water, wherein said heater unit (102) is configured to heat the input water up to a pre-defined temperature threshold; and
a pH regulator (104) adapted to receive the heated input water from said heater unit (102), wherein said pH regulator (104) is adapted to regulate a pH level of the input water at a predefined pH level.

2. The module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said module (100) comprises a first scale inhibiting unit (101) adapted to receive input water from a water source, wherein said first scale inhibiting unit (101) is adapted to reduce scale formation in the input water and allow the treated input water flow to said heater unit (102); and
said first scale inhibiting unit (101) is an electro-magnetic wave generating unit which is configured to generate and induce electro-magnetic waves to the input water thereby reducing scale formation in the input water.

3. The module (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said heater unit (102) includes,
a tank (102T) adapted to store the treated input water received from said first scale inhibiting unit (101);
a temperature sensor (102S) adapted to detect and communicate a temperature of the input water to a controller unit (10C);
at least one heating element (102C) adapted to be heat the input water up to the pre-defined temperature threshold (pre-defined temperature limit) when said heating element (102C) is energized by said controller unit (10C) based on the measured temperature of input water sent by said temperature sensor (102S) to said controller unit (10C); and
the pre-defined temperature threshold is 40° C.

4. The module (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said controller unit (10C) is configured to switch ON electric current to said heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of the input water is below the pre-defined temperature threshold;
said controller unit (10C) is configured to switch OFF electric current to said heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of the input water is above the predefined temperature threshold;
said heating element (102C) is a at least a heating coil;
said tank (102T) defines an inlet (102Y) and an outlet (102Z), wherein said inlet (102Y) is adapted to facilitate entry of treated input water from said first scale inhibiting unit (101) to said tank (102T), wherein said outlet (102Z) is adapted to facilitate exit of heated input water from said tank (102T) to said pH regulator (104);
said heating element (102C) is disposed in said tank (102T) near a bottom end of said tank (102T); and
said temperature sensor (102S) is located in said tank (102T).

5. The module (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said module (100) comprises a second scale inhibiting unit (106) adapted to receive the treated input water from said pH regulator (104), wherein said second scale inhibiting unit (106) is adapted to reduce scale formation in the input water and allow the treated input water flow to an inlet of said water purifier (10);
said second scale inhibiting unit (106) includes an inlet (106Y) and an outlet (106Z), wherein said inlet (106Y) is adapted to facilitate entry of treated input water from said pH regulator (104) to said second scale inhibiting unit (106), wherein said outlet (106Z) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from said second scale inhibiting unit (106) to the inlet of said water purifier (10); and
said second scale inhibiting unit (106) is a chemical-based scale inhibiting unit.

6. The module (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said module (100) comprises a main housing (108) adapted to house said first scale inhibiting unit (101), said heater unit (102), said pH regulator (104) and said second scale inhibiting unit (106) therein;
said first scale inhibiting unit (101) defines an inlet (101Y) and an outlet (101Z), wherein said inlet (101Y) is adapted to facilitate entry of input water from the water source to said first scale inhibiting unit (101), wherein said outlet (101Z) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from said first scale inhibiting unit (101) to said tank (102T) of said heater unit (102); and
said pH regulator (104) defines an inlet (104Y) and an outlet (104Z), wherein said inlet (104Y) is adapted to facilitate entry of heated input water from said heater unit (102) to pH regulator (104), wherein said outlet (104Z) is adapted to facilitate exit of treated input water from said pH regulator to said second scale inhibiting unit (106).

7. The module (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said module (100) is configured to enable said water purifier (10) to achieve increased recovery and reduced water wastage and reduced electric power consumption;
said water purifier (10) is at least a reverse osmosis water purifier;
said module (100) is detachable and can be retrofitted to any type of water purifier;
the predefined pH level is in range of 6.5 to 7.5 pH;
said pH regulator (104) is one of an electrode based pH regulator or a media based pH regulator; and
said first scale inhibiting unit (101) comprises an electro-magnetic induction coil, being provided with a high frequency micro vibration generating means to generate micro-vibrations in frequency of 1100Hz to 1700 Hz.

8. A method (200) of pre-treating input water provided to a water purifier (10), wherein said method (200) comprising:
receiving (202), by a first scale inhibiting unit (101), input water from a water source;
reducing (204), by the first scale inhibiting unit (101), scale formation in the input water;
receiving (206), by a tank (102T) of a heater unit (102), the treated input water from the first scale inhibiting unit (101);
heating (208), by at least one heating element (102C) of the heater unit (102), the input water up to a predefined temperature threshold;
receiving (210), by a pH regulator (104), the heated input water from the heater unit (102);
regulating (212), by the pH regulator (104), a pH level of the input water at a pre-defined pH level;
receiving (214), by a second scale inhibiting unit (106), the treated input water from the pH regulator (104); and
reducing (216), by the second scale inhibiting unit (106), scale formation in the input water.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said method (200) comprises,
allowing (218), by the second scale inhibiting unit (106), the treated input water flow to an inlet of the water purifier (10).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said heating (208), by the at least one heating element (102C) of the heater unit (102), the input water up to the predefined temperature threshold, includes,
detecting and communicating, by a temperature sensor (102S), a temperature of input water, to a controller unit (10C); and
switching ON, by the controller unit (10C), electric current supply to the at least one heating element (102C) which in turn heats the input water up to the pre-defined temperature based on the measured temperature of input water sent by the temperature sensor (102S) to the controller unit (10C).

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method (200) comprises, switching OFF, by the controller unit (10C) electric current to the at least one heating element (102C) when the measured temperature of input water is above the predefined temperature threshold.