MINI RO FILTRATION STRUCTURE FOR FILTERING SALINE WATER UNDER MICRO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

This invention provides a miniaturized RO filtration structure designed to desalinate saline water for use in micro-irrigation systems. The system includes pre-filtration, RO filtration, and post-filtration stages to ensure water quality, supported by a control unit for monitoring and adjustments. This sustainable solution addresses water scarcity in agriculture, promoting efficient resource use and enhancing crop productivity.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to water filtration technology and agricultural irrigation systems, specifically a miniaturized Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration structure designed for use in micro-irrigation. The device addresses the challenges associated with utilizing saline or brackish water in agriculture, enabling efficient desalination in resource-limited settings, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water scarcity is a significant issue in many agricultural regions, necessitating the use of alternative water sources such as saline or brackish water. However, high salinity levels in irrigation water lead to soil degradation, crop stress, and reduced productivity. Existing desalination technologies are typically large, expensive, and energy-intensive, making them unsuitable for small-scale farmers or areas with limited infrastructure. Furthermore, these technologies often require complex installation and maintenance procedures, which are not feasible for all farmers. The invention of a mini RO filtration structure provides an efficient, compact, and cost-effective solution for desalinating water at the point of use in micro-irrigation systems. This device enables farmers to utilize available saline water sources without compromising soil health or crop quality, promoting sustainability in agriculture and supporting food security in water-scarce regions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a compact RO filtration system that effectively removes salts and impurities from saline water, making it suitable for micro-irrigation use. Key components include a pre-filtration unit, RO membrane, high-pressure pump, and control system, all designed to fit a small-scale setup. The system is equipped with a monitoring and control interface, allowing users to adjust parameters and receive maintenance alerts. Designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective, the Mini RO filtration structure offers a sustainable solution for water-scarce agricultural areas, enhancing crop yields and soil health by providing access to quality irrigation water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE FEED WATER TANK AND ITS INLET VALVE, SHOWING THE INITIAL STEP IN THE DESALINATION PROCESS.
FIGURE 2: DEPICTS THE PRE-FILTRATION UNIT, WHICH REMOVES LARGER PARTICLES AND DEBRIS FROM THE FEED WATER.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Mini RO filtration structure is specifically designed to provide desalinated water for micro-irrigation systems. The system begins with a feed water tank that stores saline or brackish water collected from wells, rivers, or coastal sources. The feed tank includes an inlet valve to regulate water flow into the filtration system, ensuring controlled operation. A pre-filtration unit is incorporated to remove larger particles and debris from the feed water, which helps protect the RO membrane from fouling and extends its operational life. The pre-filtration step uses a sediment or mesh filter, providing an essential first layer of filtration.
The core component of the system is the Reverse Osmosis membrane, a semi-permeable barrier that selectively allows water molecules to pass through while blocking salts and other contaminants. The RO membrane is typically constructed from polyamide or thin-film composite materials, chosen for their durability and high rejection rates for dissolved salts. A high-pressure pump is used to generate the force required to push the saline water through the membrane, effectively separating fresh water from the saline solution. The pump is designed for energy efficiency, which is essential for minimizing operational costs, especially in resource-limited agricultural settings.
After passing through the RO membrane, the desalinated water undergoes a final post-filtration stage where an activated carbon filter may be used to remove any remaining organic compounds or residual chlorine. This additional filtration step ensures that the water meets quality standards for agricultural use. The filtered water is then stored in a product water tank, where it is ready for distribution to the micro-irrigation system. The product water tank is constructed to maintain water quality until it reaches the crops, preserving the benefits of the desalination process.
The system also includes a control unit that monitors key parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and water quality. Equipped with sensors and a user-friendly interface, the control unit allows farmers to adjust the filtration settings according to their specific irrigation needs and receive alerts when maintenance is required. This monitoring capability enhances the efficiency and reliability of the system, ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the RO membrane.
, Claims:1. A miniaturized RO filtration structure designed for desalinating saline water under micro-irrigation systems, comprising a feed water tank, pre-filtration unit, RO membrane, high-pressure pump, and control system.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pre-filtration unit removes larger particles and debris, protecting the RO membrane from fouling and prolonging its operational life.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the RO membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that selectively filters out salts and impurities, providing water suitable for irrigation.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a high-pressure pump generates the necessary force to drive saline water through the RO membrane, ensuring effective desalination.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the post-filtration unit removes remaining organic compounds or chlorine, enhancing water quality for agricultural use.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a product water tank stores filtered water for distribution to the micro-irrigation system, preserving water quality.
7. A method for desalinating saline water as claimed in Claim 1, involving pre-filtration, RO filtration, post-filtration, and storage in a miniaturized system suitable for small-scale agriculture.

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