Patent Publication Number: US-2023138332-A1

Title: Reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus, systems, and methods of using the same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a base rack having a controllable linear actuator thereon, preferably a hydraulic ram apparatus. The ram apparatus comprises detachable and changeable connection brackets configured to alternately connect to steel reverse osmosis tubes and fiberglass reverse osmosis tubes. The linear actuator comprises a plunger head that is configured to push one or more spools within a reverse osmosis tube for moving tubular reverse osmosis filters therein, either for adding the same to the reverse osmosis tube or removal of the same from the reverse osmosis tube. Systems and methods of using the same are further provided. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Reverse osmosis systems generally remove pollutants and other like molecules from water. In a typical industrial reverse osmosis system, a series of tubes, each having a plurality of tubular reverse osmosis filters, have wastewater pumped therein at high pressure. As the water passes through the reverse osmosis filters, larger molecules and compounds, such as waste products, salts, contagions such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other like contagions, are filter and a clean water stream is collected. The clean water stream is utilized or further filtered for increased purity. The contaminants are typically collected for further processing/filtering or collected for disposal. 
     Each of the reverse osmosis filters is tubular, having a filter medium in a rolled configuration. The filter media comprises a plurality of layers. Contaminated water is pumped at high pressure longitudinally through the rolled filter media, and a barrier layer passes water molecules therethrough but not larger molecules, as detailed above. The water molecules then pass through a filter passage spirally through the rolled filter media to an axial passage where it is removed from the reverse osmosis tube and collected for use or further processing. 
     Each reverse osmosis tube comprises a plurality of reverse osmosis filters disposed serially and connected together axially to allow passage of clean water through the reverse osmosis tube. Typically, reverse osmosis filters are pulled or pushed from the reverse osmosis tubes. It is common to use a hook on a reverse osmosis tube to pull the same from a reverse osmosis tube. 
     Reverse osmosis filters must be changed periodically as the filter media collects impurities. However, it is often difficult to remove reverse osmosis filters from reverse osmosis tubes. Because there is a plurality of filters disposed serially within each reverse osmosis tube, it may be difficult to reach reverse osmosis tubes that are within the tubes. Moreover, over time, sediments and impurities can collect around the edges of the filters, causing the filters to jam within the tubes, thereby preventing the removal of the same. Oftentimes, it is typical to take a pole or a board, place the same within the reverse osmosis tube and hit it with a hammer in an attempt to dislodge the same from the tube. However, this technique can lead to damage of the equipment, namely of the tubes themselves, the filters disposed therein, or other ancillary equipment. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for removing reverse osmosis filters from a reverse osmosis tube. Specifically, a need exists for an improved apparatus for moving reverse osmosis filters through a reverse osmosis tube that prevents damage to the tubes, the filters, and to other ancillary equipment. 
     Moreover, placement of reverse osmosis filters within reverse osmosis tubes may also present challenges. Specifically, because a plurality of reverse osmosis filters is disposed and connected serially within each reverse osmosis tube, it may be difficult to add reverse osmosis filters to the reverse osmosis tubes and place them in their desired locations. As more and more filters are added to a reverse osmosis tube, it may become more difficult to keep pushing the series of filters through the reverse osmosis tube, due to compounded friction of the filters within the pipes. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for adding filters to reverse osmosis tubes. Specifically, a need exists for an improved apparatus that can easily and effectively move a plurality of serially connected filters through the reverse osmosis pipe, without having problems with compounded friction or the like. 
     Current methods of removing and/or adding reverse osmosis filters to reverse osmosis tubes provide no alignment of the tools to prevent the tools from striking or hitting the sides of the tubes, pipes running therethrough, or other like elements within a reverse osmosis tube. Therefore, present tools can impinge on these elements causing damage to the same. 
     A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for adding filters to and/or removing filters from reverse osmosis tubes that is properly aligned. Specifically, a need exists for an improved apparatus that pushes filters therethrough without impinging or contacting sensitive elements within the reverse osmosis tube. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a base rack having a controllable linear actuator thereon, preferably a hydraulic ram apparatus. The ram apparatus comprises detachable and changeable connection brackets configured to alternately connect to steel reverse osmosis tubes and fiberglass reverse osmosis tubes. The linear actuator comprises a plunger head that is configured to push one or more spools within a reverse osmosis tube for moving tubular reverse osmosis filters therein, either for adding the same to the reverse osmosis tube or removal of the same from the reverse osmosis tube. Systems and methods of using the same are further provided. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a filter ram system for use in pushing reverse osmosis filters through a reverse osmosis tube is provided. The filter ram system comprises: a filter ram apparatus comprising: a base configured to hold a plunger, the plunger comprising a plunger rod and a plunger head on an end of the plunger rod, the plunger controlled via a linear actuator to extend the plunger rod and head from the plunger; a controller for controlling the linear actuator to extend the plunger rod and plunger head from the plunger; and a clamp on an end of the base; and a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube attachment bracket comprising: a first ring configured to sit on an end of a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube, the first ring having a bracket tube extending therefrom, the bracket tube extending beyond the end of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube when sitting thereon and having an internal diameter roughly the same as an internal diameter of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube; a second ring configured to be attached around the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube behind a flare of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube; a first tab extending from the first ring; a second tab extending from the second ring; a threaded rod between the first tab and the second tab and connecting the second ring to the first ring, wherein the clamp of the filter ram apparatus is configured to hold the base and the plunger of the filter ram apparatus onto the bracket tube of the bracket such that the plunger rod and plunger head are in alignment with an opening of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube. 
     In an embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of base rods connected between a first end plate and a second end plate. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of base rods is configured to form a base having a semi-cylindrical base area. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp comprises a first semi-circular ring element attached to the base and configured to engage a lower outside surface of the bracket tube. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp further comprises a second semi-circular ring element connected to the first semi-circular ring element and configured to engage an upper outside surface of the bracket tube. 
     In an embodiment, the second semi-circular ring element is attached to the first semi-circular ring element via at least one rod. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp further comprises a circular ring element connected to the first semi-circular ring element and configured to engage completely around a surface of bracket tube. 
     In an embodiment, the circular ring element is attached to the first semi-circular ring element via at least one rod. 
     In an embodiment, the plunger is rotatably connected to the base and comprises a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the plunger is on or adjacent the base and the second position of the plunger is away from the base thereby forming an open space adjacent the space when the plunger is in the second position. 
     In an embodiment, the filter ram system further comprises: a pushing spool comprising a first disk end, a second disk end, and a rod disposed between the first disk end and the second disk end. 
     In an embodiment, the second ring of the bracket comprises a hinge for opening and closing the second ring on the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube. 
     In an embodiment, the filter ram system further comprises: a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube, wherein the bracket is attached to an open end of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of pushing a reverse osmosis filter through a reverse osmosis tube is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing the filter ram system; providing a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube; clamping the bracket to an open end of the reverse osmosis tube; clamping the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus to the bracket tube; and pushing a reverse osmosis filter through the reverse osmosis tube with the filter ram apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp comprises a first semi-circular ring element attached to the base and engages a lower outside surface of the bracket tube. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp further comprises a second semi-circular ring element connected to the first semi-circular ring element and engages an upper outside surface of the bracket tube. 
     In an embodiment, the second semi-circular ring element is attached to the first semi-circular ring element via at least one rod. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp further comprises a circular ring element connected to the first semi-circular ring element and configured to engage completely around a surface of the reverse osmosis tube. 
     In an embodiment, the circular ring element is attached to the first semi-circular ring element via at least one rod. 
     In an embodiment, the plunger is rotatably connected to the base and comprises a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the plunger is on or adjacent the base and the second position of the plunger is away from the base thereby forming an open space adjacent the space when the plunger is in the second position, and comprising the steps of: rotating the plunger from the first position to the second position; placing the reverse osmosis filter into the open end of the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube; rotating the plunger from the second position to the first position; and pushing the reverse osmosis filter through the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube by extending the plunger rod and plunger head into the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube. 
     In an embodiment, the plunger is rotatably connected to the base and comprises a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the plunger is on or adjacent the base and the second position of the plunger is away from the base thereby forming an open space adjacent the space when the plunger is in the second position, and comprising the steps of: providing a pushing spool comprising a first disk end, a second disk end, and a rod disposed between the first disk end and the second disk end; rotating the plunger from the first position to the second position; pushing the spool into the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube by extending the plunger rod and plunger head into the fiberglass reverse osmosis tube. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for removing reverse osmosis filters from a reverse osmosis tube. 
     Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for moving reverse osmosis filters through a reverse osmosis tube that prevents damage to the tubes, the filters, and to other ancillary equipment. 
     Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for adding filters to reverse osmosis tubes. 
     Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus that can easily and effectively move a plurality of serially connected filters through the reverse osmosis pipe, without having problems with compounded friction or the like. 
     Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for adding filters to and/or removing filters from reverse osmosis tubes that is properly aligned. 
     Still further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus that pushes filters therethrough without impinging or contacting sensitive elements within the reverse osmosis tube. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus on a storage and/or holding rack with a plurality of spools in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus connected to a steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a close-up perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus connected to a steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus connected to a steel reverse osmosis tube having the ram rotated away from a base in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus and a pushing spool in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus and a pushing spool partially inserted into the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus and a pushing spool fully inserted into the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus having the ram rotated back into position over the base in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus wherein the ram is hydraulically extended into the steel reverse osmosis tube to push the pushing spool in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus rotated away from the base and having a reverse osmosis filter placed on the base for insertion in the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus having the reverse osmosis filter partially inserted into the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus having a reverse osmosis filter fully inserted into the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus wherein the ram is hydraulically extended to push the reverse osmosis filter further into the steel reverse osmosis tube in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus connected to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a close-up perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus connected to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube in the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a perspective view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus bracket connected to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube in yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a close-up side view of a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus bracket connected to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube in the yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus. Specifically, the present invention comprises a base rack having a controllable linear actuator thereon, preferably a hydraulic ram apparatus. The ram apparatus comprises detachable and changeable connection brackets configured to alternately connect to steel reverse osmosis tubes and fiberglass reverse osmosis tubes. The linear actuator comprises a plunger head that is configured to push one or more spools within a reverse osmosis tube for moving tubular reverse osmosis filters therein, either for adding the same to the reverse osmosis tube or removal of the same from the reverse osmosis tube. Systems and methods of using the same are further provided. 
     Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG.  1    illustrates a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  in an embodiment of the present invention. The ram apparatus  10  is specifically designed for use in steel reverse osmosis tubes  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 13   , or in fiberglass reverse osmosis tubes, as illustrated and describe with reference to  FIGS.  16  and  17   , below. The filter ram apparatus  10  comprises a first end plate  20  and a second end plate  22 , with a plurality of base rods  24  disposed in a semi-circular arc around the first end plate  20  and the second end plate  22 , thereby forming a base on which a plunger  26  may sit. The plunger comprises a plunger tube  30  which may contain a rod  32  (as illustrated in  FIG.  13   ) and a plunger head  34  on an end of the rod  32 . The plunger  26  may have a controller  36  that may control the linear actuation of the rod  32  and plunger  34  out of the plunger tube  30 . The linear actuator may preferably be hydraulically controlled, such that activating the plunger  26  using the controller  36  causes the rod  32  and plunger head  34  to extend out of the tube  30 . 
     The plunger head  34  may be in the shape of a disk and may be made from a thermoplastic material that may easily be pushed into the steel tube  12  to push one or more osmosis filters and/or pushing spools (as described below) in or out of the steel tube  12 . It should also be noted that the plunger head  34  may also be utilized to push osmosis filters and/or pushing spools into and out of fiberglass reverse osmosis tubes, as described below with reference to  FIGS.  14  and  15   . 
     The second end plate  22  may be sized and positioned, as illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , to sit against the bottom outside circular wall of the steel tube  12 . Extending from the second end plate  22  may be relatively short rods  40 , which connect to a semi-circular clamp plate or ring  42  that may be sized and positioned, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , to sit against the top outside circular wall of the steel tube  12 . The second end plate  22  and the clamp plate or ring  42  may act together to clamp the filter ram apparatus  10  to the open end of the steel tube  12 . 
     Therefore, the plunger head  34  may be pushed into the steel tube  12 , thereby moving reverse osmosis filters or pushing spools through the steel tube  12 . The second end plate  22  and the clamp plate or ring  42  may hold the filter ram apparatus  10  in place so that the plunger head  34  has a direct unimpeded path into the steel tube  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the filter ram apparatus  10  may rest upon a cart  50  that may be movable and allow the filter ram apparatus  10  to be positioned adjacent to a reverse osmosis tube, as shown in  FIG.  1   . Once clamped to the tube  12 , the cart may be moved out of the way, as shown in  FIG.  2   . The cart may further have a plurality of pushing spools  60  (described below) and may provide storage for other elements required, such as tools, alternate parts, or the like. 
       FIGS.  4 - 9    illustrate the use of the filter ram apparatus  10  to push a pushing spool into the steel tube  12 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the plunger tube, along with the rod  32  and the plunger head  34 , may be rotatably attached via rotatable connectors  62   a ,  62   b  to one of the base rods  24  so that the plunger tube  30 , the plunger rod  32  and the plunger head  34  may be moved off of the base formed by the base rods  24 , thereby clearing the space for a pushing spool  60 . The pushing spool  60  may comprise a pushing spool rod  64  having, on terminal ends thereof, first and second pushing spool heads  66 , respectively. The pushing spool heads  66  may be disks that are sized and shaped to just fit within the opening of the steel tube  12 , thereby moving into and through the steel tube  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 7   , pushing spool  60  may be placed into the steel tube  12  manually until the rear pushing spool head  66  is placed just inside the opening of the steel tube  12 . As illustrated by  FIG.  8   , the plunger tube  30 , with plunger rod  32  and plunger head  34 , may be rotated back toward the base formed by the base rods  24  so that the plunger head  34  and plunger rod  32  are aligned with the opening of the steel tube  12 . A user may then operate the controller  36  to push the plunger head  34  and thus the pushing spool  60  into steel tube  12 . A plurality of pushing spools  60  may therefore be pushed into the steel tube  12  in the same manner to dislodge and move spent reverse osmosis filters through and out of the steel tube  12  on an opposite side thereof, which would also be opened. Once all of the spent reverse osmosis filters are removed from the steel tube  12 , a plurality of clean reverse osmosis filters may be pushed into the steel tube  12 , as described below with reference to  FIGS.  9 - 13   . 
     Specifically, in  FIGS.  9 - 13   , the plunger  26  may be rotated away from the base formed by the base rods  24  thereby clearing the area for a clean reverse osmosis filter  70 , which may be placed onto the base rods  24  and aligned with the opening in the steel tube  12 , as shown in  FIG.  10   . The clean reverse osmosis filter  70  may then be manually pushed into the steel tube  12 , as shown in  FIG.  11   , so that an end thereof is just inside the opening of the steel tube  12 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . Then, the plunger  26  may be rotated back toward the base formed by the base rods  24  so that the plunger head  34  aligns with the opening of the steel tube  12 . The controller  36  may then be used to push the plunger rod  32  and plunger head  34  into the steel tube  12 , thereby pushing the reverse osmosis filter into the steel tube  12 . A plurality of clean reverse osmosis filters may therefore be added to the steel tube  12  in the same or similar manner. At the same time, any pushing spools  60  that may be within the steel tube  12  may be pushed out the opposite end thereof as the steel tube  12  becomes full of clean reverse osmosis filters. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Specifically filter ram apparatus  100  is shown having many of the same parts as described above with respect to the filter ram apparatus  10 , shown in  FIGS.  1 - 13   , except that instead of attaching to a steel tube, the filter ram apparatus  100  connects to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube  112 . The fiberglass reverse osmosis tube  112  also comprises a plurality of reverse osmosis filters therein, but because of the less sturdy nature of the fiberglass material, and because the fiberglass tube  112  has a flared end, it is difficult to utilize the same connection means as described above with respect to the filter ram apparatus  10  for the steel tube  12 . As illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the second end plate  22  may comprise relatively long connector rods  102  that extend beyond the flare of the fiberglass tube and attach to a ring  104  having a shape and size sufficient to ring around the outside surface of the fiberglass tube  112  beyond the flare therein. Thus, the ring  104  may hold the apparatus  100  in place, aligning the plunger head  34  with the opening of the fiberglass tube  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  15   , the plunger  26  may have a semi-disk-shaped end plate  108  having a mesh material  110  that may cover the plunger head  34  and the opening of the fiberglass tube  112  when in proper positioning. The end plate  108  and mesh material  110  may protect a user from material that may expel from the fiberglass tube  112  when the plunger head  34  is pushed into the fiberglass tube  112 , either when adding pushing spools  60  or pushing through clean reverse osmosis filters, as described above. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus bracket  200  is illustrated. The bracket  200  may be attached to a fiberglass reverse osmosis tube  202  at an end thereof, allowing a reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus, such as the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10 , illustrated herein and described above, to attach thereto to align the plunger  26  with the tube  202 . The fiberglass tube  202  may have a flare  206  at its end and the bracket  200  may utilize the flare to lock the bracket  200  onto the fiberglass tube. 
     Specifically, the bracket  200  may comprise a first ring  210  and a second ring  212   connected by one or more threaded rods  214 , each of which may be attached to a first tab  216  on the first ring and a second tab  218  on the second ring  212 . The first ring  210  may sit on the end  204  of the fiberglass tube  202  and the second ring  212  may sit behind the flare  206  of the fiberglass tube  202 . To allow the second ring  212  to be placed on the fiberglass tube  202  behind the flare  206 , the second ring  212  may have a hinge  213  on one end thereof and a bracket and bolt connection  215  on an opposite end thereof, holding the ring  212  together on the fiberglass tube  202 . 
     Nuts  220 ,  222  may be utilized to tighten the threaded rods  214  on the first and second tabs  216 ,  218 , respectively, and pull the second ring  212  toward the first ring  210 . The second ring  212  may be tightened until the second ring  212  cannot travel closer to the first ring  210  due to the flare  206  of the fiberglass tube  202 . Thus, the first ring  210  and the second ring  212  may be rigidly held on the end of the fiberglass tube  202 . 
     Extending from the first ring  210  may be a short tube  230  extending past the end  204  of the fiberglass tube  202  and having roughly the same internal diameter as the internal diameter of the fiberglass tube  202 . The short tube  230  may further have a clamp recession  232  that may provide a seat for the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  to be connected thereto. Specifically, the clamp plate or ring  42  of the reverse osmosis filter apparatus  10  may sit within the clamp recession  232  and be held therein. 
     Therefore, the short tube  230  may allow the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  to be clamped thereto in the same manner that the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  is clamped to the end of the steel reverse osmosis tube  12 , described above. Therefore, with the bracket  200  clamped rigidly to the fiberglass tube and the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  clamped rigidly to the short tube  230  of the bracket  200 , the reverse osmosis filter ram apparatus  10  may be utilized to push reverse osmosis filters therethrough. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.