Abstract:
A reverse osmosis liquid filtering assembly includes a reverse osmosis membrane for receiving intake liquid and creating permeate and concentrate liquid and a tank having a first chamber for storing the permeate and a second chamber for receiving the concentrate liquid, the first and second chambers being operatively connected so that the concentrate liquid in the second chamber pressurizes the permeate in the first chamber. The embodiment may further include means for directing the concentrate liquid into the second chamber, wherein the means selectively directs the concentrate liquid into the second chamber only when the faucet is open. To relieve backpressure, a connection between the second chamber and drain may be provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/746,242, filed May 2, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to new and improved reverse osmosis water filtering systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     As is known, a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtering process uses a semi-permeable membrane that has the ability to remove and reject a wide spectrum of impurities and contaminants from water using only water pressure. These contaminants are automatically rinsed down the drain. The purified water is then stored in a tank for dispensing through an auxiliary faucet. 
     A typical residential RO water filtering system is installed under a kitchen sink and includes a filter assembly, a reverse osmosis membrane, a storage tank, and an auxiliary faucet attached to the sink. The filter assembly includes a sediment filter and a carbon filter. Intake water enters the system from a cold-water source and is routed through the filter system. The sediment filter removes sediment such as sand and dirt and the like from the intake water, while the carbon filter removes chlorine and other contaminants that cause bad color, odor and taste. The filtered water is then routed to the RO membrane. 
     The RO membrane includes three ports: an intake port, a permeate outlet port, and a concentrate outlet port. The intake port receives filtered intake water from the filter assembly, and permeate passes through the membrane to the permeate outlet port, while the concentrate water does not pass through the membrane but is directed to the concentrate outlet port. Concentrate water is routed from the concentrate outlet port through a flow restrictor for disposal down a drain of the sink. 
     Most plumbing codes specify that an anti-siphon or air gap must be located between the concentrate outlet port and the drain. This prevents development of a vacuum in the system that could cause drain or wastewater to be siphoned back into the RO system and contaminate the water supply connected to the RO system. The auxiliary faucet, normally also includes an air gap connecting the concentrate outlet port and the drain. 
     The permeate is routed from the permeate outlet port to the tank to be stored under pressure. An automatic shut-off valve stops the flow of water to the membrane and to the tank when the tank is full. When the auxiliary faucet is opened by a user, permeate is forced from the tank, through a carbon filter, and out the faucet. 
     In a typical RO system, especially in the type of RO system used in homes, the rate at which treated water or “permeate” is produced by the system can be very low. As a result, the storage tank is used to store permeate, so that relatively large quantities can be made available when the consumer opens the tap or faucet. In the past, “pre-charged” storage tanks were used. In this type of storage tank, a bladder is used to define a pressurized chamber, usually filled with a compressible gas, such as nitrogen. The bladder isolates the gas from the permeate received by the tank. As the permeate is received by the tank, the permeate gradually compresses the gas in the pressurized chamber. As a result, the permeate is stored under pressure, such that when the tank is opened, the pressure in the storage tank exerted by the compressed gas, forces permeate out of the tank to the faucet. 
     Although these storage tanks are widely used and provide a suitable means for storing permeate, the storage tanks do have a significant drawback. As more and more permeate is received by the tank, the pressure needed to effect flow of permeate into the tank increases because as the gas chamber is compressed, forces on the bladder increase and the backpressure in the system increases. Accordingly, in order to completely fill the storage tank, a significant pressure must be applied to the permeate as the capacity of the tank is reached. This pressure increase reduces the efficiency of the RO membrane. 
     This resistance to flow exerted by the storage tank decreases the production rate of the RO system, since the RO system relies on differential pressures between the source and the output to effect flow across the membrane. In addition, as permeate is discharged by the storage tank, the permeate delivery pressure is gradually reduced as the pressurized gas chamber expands. This reduced delivery pressure is observable at the auxiliary faucet. Further examples of prior art systems are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,764,595; 6,110,360; 5,132,017; 4,853,117; and 4,705,625, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     What is still desired is a new and improved RO water filtering system. Preferably, the RO water filtering system will include an improved permeate storage arrangement that reduces backpressure within the system and/or provides a steadier pressure at the faucet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides a new and improved RO water filtering system. Among other aspects and advantages, the RO water filtering system of the present disclosure includes an improved permeate storage arrangement that reduces backpressure within the system. The storage arrangement is adapted to pressurize permeate in a storage tank using concentrate water. In one embodiment, the permeate is pushed out of the storage tank only when the permeate or auxiliary faucet assembly is open. 
     The present disclosure also provides an auxiliary faucet assembly for use as part of the RO water filtering system. The auxiliary faucet assembly is adapted so that the flow of concentrate water into the storage tank is synchronized with the flow of permeate out of the storage tank. Preferably, the RO water filtering system utilizes off the shelf components whenever possible to allow for easy, cost-effective manufacture and assembly. 
     One embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a reverse osmosis liquid filtering assembly including a reverse osmosis membrane for receiving intake liquid and creating permeate and concentrate liquid and a tank having a first chamber for storing the permeate and a second chamber for receiving the concentrate liquid, the first and second chambers being operatively connected so that the concentrate liquid in the second chamber pressurizes the permeate in the first chamber. The embodiment may further include means for directing the concentrate liquid into the second chamber, wherein the means selectively directs the concentrate liquid into the second chamber only when the faucet is open. To relieve backpressure, a connection between the second chamber and drain may be provided. 
     Another embodiment is directed to a method of filtering a liquid comprising the steps of using reverse osmosis on the liquid to create a permeate flow and a concentrate flow, storing the permeate flow in a chamber formed in a tank, selectively dispensing the permeate flow from the tank and when the permeate flow is dispensed, directing the concentrate flow into a portion of the tank to facilitate dispensing the permeate flow. The permeate can be dispensed from a mechanism such as a faucet assembly, an ice-maker assembly and a combination thereof. Backpressure in the tank may be reduced by connecting the portion to drain. 
     In still another embodiment, the subject technology is a liquid filtering assembly including a reverse osmosis membrane for receiving intake liquid and creating permeate and concentrate liquid and a tank. The tank has a chamber for storing the permeate for selective dispensing and a portion for receiving the concentrate liquid, the portion being operatively connected so that the concentrate liquid passes to drain to relieve a backpressure on the reverse osmosis filter when the permeate is not being dispensed. The concentrate liquid in the portion may pressurize the permeate in the first chamber when the permeate is being dispensed. 
     A further embodiment is a liquid filtering assembly including a cleaning assembly for receiving intake liquid and creating a clean flow and a reject flow and a tank having a chamber for storing the clean flow and a portion for receiving a secondary flow, the chamber and portion being operatively connected so that the secondary flow in the portion pressurizes the clean flow in the chamber, wherein the secondary flow is selected from the group consisting of the intake liquid, reject flow and combinations thereof. 
     Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Reference is made to the attached drawings, wherein elements having the same reference character designations represent like elements throughout, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing that shows an exemplary embodiment of a new and improved RO water filtering system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing that shows another exemplary embodiment of a new and improved RO water filtering system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with reverse osmosis (RO) filtering systems. The advantages, and other features of the RO filtering systems disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. 
     Additionally, the illustrated and described embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, features, components, modules, elements, and/or aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed systems or methods. Further, the shapes and sizes of components are also somewhat schematic for exemplary purposes and can be altered without materially affecting or limiting the disclosed technology. For clarity, common items such as conduits, tubing interconnections and interconnections have not been specifically included or represented schematically in the Figures as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a new and improved RO water filtering system  10  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. Intake water enters the filtering system  10  from a water source, such as city water, and is routed therethrough. The RO water filtering system  10  generates purified water or permeate for dispensing from a faucet assembly  100  and waste or concentrate water that is ultimately rejected to drain. 
     In brief overview, the system  10  includes a filter assembly  14  for initially removing sediment and contaminants. The filter assembly  14  can include a sediment filter  30  and a carbon filter  32 . After passing through the filter assembly  14 , the filtered water passes a RO membrane  18  that creates permeate and concentrate water. A storage tank  80  accumulates the permeate while using the concentrate water to selectively create pressure upon the stored permeate. The RO water filtering system  10  also includes an auxiliary faucet assembly  100  that works with flow restrictors  26   a  and  26   b  and a shut-off valve  28  to control the output of the RO water filtering system  10 . 
     The storage tank  80  includes an outer container  82  housing an expandable resilient bladder  84 . The expandable bladder  84  forms a permeate storage chamber  86 , while a concentrate water chamber  88  is formed between the bladder  84  and the outer container  82 . Because the bladder  84  is flexible and expands, pressure equalizes within the tank  80  generally. Thus, higher pressure in the concentrate chamber  88  will urge permeate from the storage chamber  86  and lower pressure in the concentrate chamber  88  reduces and/or removes resistance on permeate into the permeate storage chamber  86 . In one embodiment, the bladder  84  is fabricated from an elastomeric material. 
     The RO membrane  18  includes three ports: an intake port  42 , a permeate outlet port  44 , and a concentrate outlet port  46 . The intake port  42  receives filtered intake water from the filter assembly  14  through a water tube  40 . The permeate is routed from the outlet port  44  through the shut-off valve  28  and permeate tube  48  and to a first valve  102  of the faucet assembly  100 . The permeate is also diverted through a permeate diverter tube  49  to the permeate storage chamber  86  of the storage tank  80  to be stored under pressure until the valve  102  of the faucet assembly  100  is opened. When the valve  102  is opened by a user, permeate is forced from the tank  80  and out the faucet assembly  100 . The combination of intake pressure differential and pressure from the concentrate water contained in the concentrate water chamber  88  provides excellent outflow of permeate. 
     Concentrate water is routed from the outlet port  46  through the shut-off valve  28  and a primary concentrate tube  50 , and then through an air gap  106  of the faucet for subsequent disposal down drain  110 . One of the flow restrictors  26   a  is provided in the primary concentrate tube  50 . 
     The shut-off valve  28  is automatic and is adapted to stop the flow of concentrate water through to the primary concentrate tube  50  when the permeate storage chamber  86  of the tank  80  becomes full of permeate and pressure within the permeate tube  48  rises past a predetermined level indicating that the permeate storage chamber  86  is full. The blocked primary concentrate tube  50  prevents additional filtered water from entering the intake port  42  of the RO membrane and prevents the production of additional permeate. 
     A secondary concentrate tube  52  branches off from the primary concentrate tube  50  between the RO membrane  18  and the shut-off switch  28 . The secondary concentrate tube  52  is routed through a second valve  104  of the faucet assembly  100  and connects back to the primary concentrate tube  50  between the first flow restrictor  26   a  and the air gap  106  of the faucet assembly  100 . The other of the flow restrictors  26   a  is provided in the secondary concentrate tube  52 . A concentrate diverter tube  54  connects the concentrate water chamber  88  of the tank  80  to the secondary concentrate tube  52  between the second valve  104  and the second flow restrictor  26   b.  The valves  28 ,  102 ,  104  may be any kind of valve now known and later developed such a pin valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, or a butterfly valve. Although not shown explicitly, the branching of the various tubes could be by several means such as diverters or T-shaped fittings. 
     The faucet assembly  100  includes a lever  108  that controls both of the first and second valves  102 ,  104  of the faucet assembly  100 , such that the valves  102 ,  104  are substantially simultaneously opened and closed. During operation with the valves  102 ,  104  closed, the RO water filtering system  10  operates until the permeate storage chamber  86  is full and the shut-off switch  28  closes the primary concentrate tube  50 . At this point, the permeate storage chamber  86  is at its largest volume while the concentrate chamber  88  of the tank  80  is at its smallest volume, with excess concentrate water being expelled from the concentrate chamber  88 , through the second flow restrictor  26   b  and the air gap  106 , and down the drain. Throughout the expansion of the permeate storage chamber  86 , backpressure advantageously remains low while the efficiency of the RO membrane remains high because of the expulsion of the concentrate water from the concentrate chamber  88 . 
     When the lever  108  of the faucet assembly  100  is opened, both valves  102 ,  104  are opened. Permeate is directed from the permeate storage chamber  86  to the faucet assembly  100  by the open first valve  102 , while concentrate water is directed through tubes  52 ,  54  to the concentrate chamber  88  by the open second valve  104 . The concentrate water flowing into the concentrate chamber  88  provides additional pressure for expelling the permeate from the permeate storage chamber  86 . As a result, the exit flow from the faucet assembly  100  is adequately maintained as the permeate storage chamber  86  empties. 
       FIG. 2  shows another exemplary embodiment of a new and improved RO water filtering system  110  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The embodiment  110  of  FIG. 2  is similar to the embodiment  10  of  FIG. 1  such that similar elements have the same reference number. The filtering system  110  uses concentrate to to provide pressure, thus similar to above, water is not wasted as compared to systems that use intake water to pressurize. Further, the filtering system  110  desirably uses standard components like diaphragm valves and flow restrictors to accomplish the objectives. 
     A primary difference of the water filtering system  110  is the use of two shut-off valves  28   a  and  28   b  with a modified auxiliary faucet assembly  200 . The faucet assembly  200  includes only one valve  102  for controlling flow of the permeate. Accordingly, when the lever  108  is actuated to dispense permeate, the permeate in the tank  80  is urged out of the faucet assembly  200 . It is envisioned that the faucet assembly  200  could be any device for using or dispensing purified water such as an ice-maker or other application. Commonly, the faucet assembly  200  and ice-maker would both receive permeate from the system  110 . 
     As shown, the second shut-off valve  28   b  is connected in the permeate path between the RO membrane  18  and faucet assembly  200 . Tubing  51  connects the permeate output of the shut-off valve  28   b  to the faucet valve  102 . In the concentrate path, the second shut-off valve  28   b  is connected between the RO membrane  18  and the concentrate chamber  88  with the secondary concentrate tube  52  passing to drain and having a concentrate diverter tube  54  branch to bring the concentrate to the concentrate chamber  88  of the tank  80 . Shut-off valves  28   a,    28   b  may be the exact same part. In a preferred embodiment, the shut-off valves  28   a,    28   b  close upon the exit pressure being two thirds of the inlet pressure. 
     In operation, the shut-off valve  28   b  responds to pressure changes. When the lever  108  opens, the pressure drops in tubing  51  to open the shut-off valve  28   b  to allow permeate and concentrate water to flow there through. As a result, concentrate water flows into the concentrate chamber  88  via the diverter tube  54  to urge the permeate water in the permeate storage chamber  86  into diverter tube  49  and ultimately out the faucet  200 . For the time that the faucet is open, the flow restrictor  26   b  also creates some bleeding to drain, but the flow restrictor  26   b  is sized so that the bleed level is acceptable. 
     Upon closing the lever  108 , the pressure builds in tubing  51  so that the shut-off valve  28   b  closes. With the shut-off valve  28   b  closed, the permeate passes into the permeate storage chamber  86 . The concentrate chamber  88  is still open to drain via tubing  52 ,  54 . The flow restrictor  26   b  drains more quickly than the RO membrane  18  makes permeate so that the system back pressure is minimal, if any, and the efficiency of the RO membrane  18  is improved. As a result of the minimal back pressure, the permeate not only replenishes quickly without resistance, a fast wash effect occurs at the RO membrane  18 . In other words, the increased flow across the RO membrane has a cleaning effect. 
     It is noted that the subject technology would be useful in many applications. For example, the permeate could be used to supply an ice-maker or any other similar device that uses purified water. Any liquid can be effectively purified and stored for dispensing. Further, any type filter(s) may be used instead of or in addition to the combination of sediment, carbon and reverse osmosis shown, whether the filters are now known or later developed. Preferably, the filtering generates a clean flow for storage and subsequent use as well as a reject flow. Alternatively, the intake, well or municipal water could be routed to the chamber  88  via the shut-off valve  28   b  or directly to provide the pressurizing of the permeate storage chamber  86 . This mode could even be used with the concentrate water simply routed to drain. 
     In view of the above, the present disclosure provides new and improved RO filtering systems. It should be understood, however, that the exemplary embodiments described in this specification have been presented by way of illustration rather than limitation, and various modifications, combinations and substitutions may be effected by those skilled in the art without departure either in spirit or scope from this disclosure in its broader aspects.