U.S. patent application number 14/018335 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for maple tree sap reverse osmosis device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Denis Cote. Invention is credited to Denis Cote.
Application Number | 20140217021 14/018335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40580760 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140217021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cote; Denis |
August 7, 2014 |
MAPLE TREE SAP REVERSE OSMOSIS DEVICE
Abstract
A maple sap reverse osmosis device has a support rack configured
and sized to rest atop a tank. The support rack supporting a
reverse osmosis device. The reverse osmosis device has a pump line
and a dump line both located within the tub. The pump line being
located at an upper region of the tank. A pumping means to pump the
maple sap from the pump line. The pumping means pushing maple sap
through an osmosis membrane. The dump pipe purging concentrate
resulting from sap not passing through the osmosis membrane into
the deepest region of the tub.
Inventors: |
Cote; Denis; (Ham-Nord,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cote; Denis |
Ham-Nord |
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CA |
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|
Family ID: |
40580760 |
Appl. No.: |
14/018335 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13245547 |
Sep 26, 2011 |
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14018335 |
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12258086 |
Oct 24, 2008 |
8025799 |
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13245547 |
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60982401 |
Oct 24, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/636 ; 137/1;
210/121; 210/195.2; 210/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 2/74 20130101; B01D
2313/243 20130101; Y10T 137/0318 20150401; C13B 20/165 20130101;
B01D 61/10 20130101; A23L 2/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/636 ;
210/196; 210/121; 210/195.2; 137/1 |
International
Class: |
C13B 20/16 20060101
C13B020/16 |
Claims
1. A maple sap reverse osmosis device comprising: a support rack
configured and sized to rest atop a tank; the support rack
supporting a reverse osmosis device; the reverse osmosis device has
a pump line and a dump line both located within the same tank; the
pump line being located at an upper region of the tank; a pumping
means to pump the maple sap from the pump line; the pumping means
pushing maple sap towards an osmosis membrane; a recirculating pump
to process the sap inside a module; the dump pipe purging
concentrate, resulting from sap that has passed through the module,
into a deepest region of the tank.
2. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 wherein: the
pumping means is a feed pressure pump consisting of a rotary vane
pump.
3. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 wherein: the
pumping means is a feed pressure pump capable of sustaining a
pressure of between 200 and 270 psi.
4. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 wherein: the
pump line has a float so that it pumps only sap water located at
the top of the sap contained in the tank, which determines the
upper region of the tank.
5. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 having a method
of operation consisting in the steps of: the pumping means takes
the sap from the tank and brings the pressure between 200 to 270
psi at a volume of 1.66 gallons per minute; the pressure of between
200 to 270 psi pushes the sap through a 5 to 10 micron filter
located between the feed pump and the osmosis membrane; the sap is
piped through to the recirculating pump having a capacity of
between 14 to 16 GPM at 28 PSI so as to increase pressure to
between 228 to 298 psi; the recirculating pump pushes the sap
towards the membrane which results in pure water passing through
the membrane and concentrate resulting from sap by-passing the
osmosis membrane; pure water resulting from passing through the
osmosis membrane is sent away; concentrate being poured directly at
the bottom of the tank by way of the dump line; the pump line and
the dump line are at opposite ends of the tank; the dump pipe pours
its content proximal a tank outlet located at the bottom of the
tank; and the tank outlet leads directly to an evaporator.
6. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 using two 4''
modules in series having a method of operation consisting in the
steps of: the pumping means takes the sap from the tank and brings
the pressure between 200 and 258 psi at a volume of between 3.33
gallons per minute; the pressure of between 200 to 258 psi pushes
the sap through a 5 to 10 micron filter located between the feed
pump and the osmosis membrane; the sap is piped through to the
recirculating pump having a capacity of 16 GPM at 40 PSI so as to
increase pressure to between 240 to 298 psi; the recirculating pump
pushes the sap towards the membrane which results in pure water
passing through the membrane and concentrate resulting from sap
by-passing the osmosis membrane; pure water resulting from passing
through the osmosis membrane is sent away; concentrate being poured
directly at the bottom of the tank by way of the dump line; the
pump line and the dump line are at opposite ends of the tank; the
dump pipe pours its content proximal a tank outlet located at the
bottom of the tank; and the tank outlet leads directly to an
evaporator.
7. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 using one 8''
module having a method of operation consisting in the steps of: the
pumping means takes the sap from the tank and brings the between
200 and 270 psi at a volume of 5 gallons per minute; the pressure
of between 200 to 270 psi pushes the sap through a 5 to 10 micron
filter located between the feed pump and the osmosis membrane; the
sap is piped through to the recirculating pump having a capacity of
between 65 to 75 GPM at 28 PSI so as to increase pressure to
between 228 to 298 psi; the recirculating pump pushes the sap
towards the membrane which results in pure water passing through
the membrane and concentrate resulting from sap by-passing the
osmosis membrane; pure water resulting from passing through the
osmosis membrane is sent away; concentrate being poured directly at
the bottom of the tank by way of the dump line; the pump line and
the dump line are at opposite ends of the tank; the dump pipe pours
its content proximal a tank outlet located at the bottom of the
tank; and the tank outlet leads directly to an evaporator.
8. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 5 wherein a
restrictor located after the membrane and before the recirculation
pump provides a pressure drop of 12 to 18 psi.
9. A method of rinsing the reverse osmosis device of claim 1
consisting in the steps of: disconnecting the pump line and the
dump line; opening all valves to recuperate the concentrate and
draining the system; shutting all the valves; running a small
amount of pure water through to quick rinse the reverse osmosis
device; opening all valves and draining the reverse osmosis device;
running the pumping means a few seconds to drain it so that there
is no water left.
10. A method of rinsing the reverse osmosis device of claim 9
wherein: following the step of rinsing and draining, shutting all
the valves; admixing soap with water and running through the
system; dump through drain pipe; run water to rinse the system and
dump through drain pipe; opening all valves and drain; running the
pumping means a few seconds to drain it.
11. A method of restarting the reverse osmosis device of claim 1
consisting in the steps of: connecting the pump line and the dump
line; warming up the pumping means (pressure pump) for defrosting
starting the pumping means until sap comes out of a first valve;
repeating the sequence of shutting valves after sap comes out from
any given valve.
12. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 wherein: the
support rack has a telescopic handle capable of adapting and
locking in to a variety of tank sizes
13. A maple sap reverse osmosis device as in claim 1 wherein: the
support rack is movable by way of a set of wheels.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority base on U.S. provisional
60/982,401 filed Oct. 24, 2007
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to maple tree sap
but more particularly to sap device that processes that sap into
syrup.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Collecting the sap of maple trees to make maple syrup and
other derivative products has been known for centuries by
North-American Indians and more recently, it has been eagerly taken
over by the colonists and is now a thriving industry in the north
east United States and south east of Canada. Like most industry, it
has to modernize in order to remain profitable and a number of
inventions have automated the process.
[0004] That is why, over the years, various systems have been used
to improve the production of maple syrup. The most expensive and
time consuming part of the process of making maple syrup has to do
with the boiling of the sap so as to create the sugary
concentrate--the maple syrup.
[0005] It has been found that by using reverse osmosis, a more
concentrated sap can be produced, which requires less boiling time,
thus a saving in energy cost. Reverse osmosis for the purpose of
filtering water has been known for decades and by discarding the
pure water and keeping the concentrate, an improved process for
making maple syrup was born.
[0006] The prior art shows several systems whether for water
desalination or water purification. Although none of the systems
were developed specifically for the maple syrup industry, similar
systems are currently in use in that industry. The major drawback
is that those systems work on high voltage (240V) and require up to
50 amps. The high voltage and amperage is to operate the high
pressure pumps. The systems are quite huge, heavy and bulky.
Moreover, they require to be located where they won't be in a
temperature below freezing.
[0007] By its very nature, the maple syrup industry remains mostly
a small scale business and many small producers cannot afford the
large equipment that larger producers can. There is therefore a
need for smaller efficient and low cost devices to make the
processing of maple sap profitable even for small producers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
devices now present in the prior art, the present invention, which
will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide
objects and advantages which are:
[0009] To provide for a device that is quick to install on site.
That is simple to use; That does not take up much space; That does
not require a heated location to operate in; That easily adapts to
any maple sap tank size; That Works at low pressure; That works on
regular 110-120 volts AC; That uses only one tank for both the sap
and the concentrate; That reduces operating costs by 50% or
more.
[0010] In order to do so, the invention comprises most of the
components usually found on larger machines but in smaller size and
with a unique system of a two step pumping system that allows for
the use of a single tank instead of three, the use of low cost low
pressure pumps. Moreover, the maple sap reverse osmosis device has
a support rack configured and sized to rest atop a tank. In this
art, both osmosis membranes and nanofiltration membranes are used.
For the sake of simplicity, the term membrane is used throughout as
well as reverse osmosis device. Also, the membrane itself is housed
in a module, known hereinafter as "module" to differentiate it from
the osmosis membrane itself.
[0011] The support rack supporting a reverse osmosis device. The
reverse osmosis device has a pump line and a dump line both located
within the same tank. The pump line is located at an upper region
of the tank. A pumping means to pump the maple sap from the pump
line. The pumping means pushes maple sap towards a module
containing the osmosis membrane. The dump pipe purges concentrate,
resulting from sap by-passing the membrane--that is, passing into
the module but not passing through the osmosis membrane--and into
the deepest region of the tank.
[0012] More specifically, the pumping means is a feed pressure pump
consisting of a rotary vane pump.
[0013] The pumping means is a feed pressure pump capable of
sustaining a pressure of between 200 and 300 psi.
[0014] The pump line has a float so that it pumps only sap water
located at the top of the sap contained in the tank, which
determines the upper region of the tank.
[0015] The pumping means takes the sap from the tank and brings the
pressure between 200 to 270 psi at a volume of between 1.66 to 5
gallons per minute The pressure of between 200 to 270 psi pushes
the sap through a 5 to 10 micron filter located between the feed
pump and the osmosis membrane. The sap is piped through to the
recirculating pump having a capacity of between 14 to 75 GPM at 28
PSI so as to increase pressure to between 228 to 298 psi. The
recirculating pump pushes the sap towards the membrane which
results in pure water passing through the membrane and concentrate
resulting from sap by-passing the membrane. A restrictor, located
down line from the osmosis membrane and before the recirculation
pump provides additional pressure necessary for reverse osmosis
pressure. Pure water resulting from the reverse osmosis process is
sent away. Away meaning that it is either disposed of or stored in
a water suitable container. Concentrate resulting from sap not
passing through the osmosis membrane is poured directly at the
bottom of the tank by way of the dump line. The pump line and the
dump line are at opposite ends of the tank. The dump pipe pours its
content proximal a tank outlet located at the bottom of the tank,
and the tank outlet leads directly to an evaporator.
[0016] There are variations in the embodiments for other pressure
and volume values.
[0017] The restrictor provides a pressure drop of 16 psi.
[0018] After concentration of maple sap, there is a method of quick
rinsing the reverse osmosis device that does require a lot less
volume of pure water for rinsing. Because of the efficient draining
before rinsing due to a series of valves optimally located
facilitate quick and easy draining. The draining and rinsing
consists of following steps: [0019] Disconnecting the pump line and
the dump line. [0020] Opening all valves to recuperate the
concentrate and draining the system. [0021] Shutting all the
valves. [0022] Running a small amount of pure water through to
quick rinse the system, that is the reverse osmosis device.
[0023] Opening all valves and draining the reverse osmosis
device;
[0024] Running the pumping means a few seconds to drain it so that
there is no water that could cause damage to all the components of
the system when temperature drops below freezing. With no water, no
freezing damage can occur.
[0025] Optionally, a washing step can be inserted into the
preceding method wherein, following the step of rinsing and
draining, shutting all the valves, admixing soap with water and
running through the system. Opening all valves and drain. Run water
to rinse the system and let the water drain. Run the pumping means
a few seconds to drain it.
[0026] There is also a method of restarting the reverse osmosis
device, even if frozen, which consists in the steps of: [0027]
Connecting the pump line and the dump line. [0028] Warming up the
feed pressure pump; [0029] Starting the feed pressure pump; until
sap comes out of a first valve
[0030] Note: the water flow will defrost the balance of residual
frozen water left in the reverse osmosis device.
[0031] Repeating the sequence of shutting valves after sap comes
out from any given valve.
[0032] Preferably, the support rack has a telescopic handle capable
of adapting and locking in to a variety of tank sizes. Also, the
support rack is movable by way of a set of wheels.
[0033] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0034] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0035] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0036] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0037] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 Schematic view of an installation with system of the
prior art.
[0039] FIG. 2 Side view of an installation of this invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 Schematic detail of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 4 Schematic detail of FIG. 2.
[0042] FIG. 5 Isometric view of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 Isometric view with the complete system.
[0044] FIG. 7 Isometric reverse angle view of FIG. 6.
[0045] FIG. 8 Isometric view of the invention when it is in a
vertical configuration.
[0046] FIG. 9 Isometric view of the invention showing the eight
valves.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] A maple sap reverse osmosis device (20) has a filter (1) a
pumping means, also known as feed pressure pump (2), at least one
osmosis membrane (3), a recirculating pump (4). In a preferred
embodiment, the filter (1) is a 5 micron filter which is most
appropriate for this specific task. Also, the housing for this
filter (1) has to be sturdy so as to take on a pressure that is
higher than that of the prior art since the device described herein
uses a higher pressure at this stage. The feed pressure pump (2)
configured so as to be capable of sustaining a pressure of about
250 psi. This insures that it is no longer necessary to use a
conventional feed pump as is done in the prior art. The feed
pressure pump (2) actually performs the function normally done with
two pumps (feed pump and pressure pumps) in prior art systems.
Hence the higher pressure at this stage. In order to keep costs low
for the small entrepreneur, the maple sap reverse osmosis device
(20) uses the most economical components. For example, the feed
pressure pump (2) is a low cost, 120 volts, highly efficient rotary
vane pump. The pump has the advantage of not warming up the sap,
since a warm sap could cause the proliferation of bacteria and thus
be harmful to the resulting maple syrup's quality.
[0048] The prior art uses a 4 in membrane capable of a capacity of
150 GPH at 500 psi. In a preferred embodiment, the osmosis membrane
(3) is used at a rate of 100 GPH at 250 psi. This lower pressure
allows for the use of the low cost feed pressure pump (2) described
hereinabove and which is typically able of a maximum capacity of
250 psi. The advantage of using a lower 250 psi over the more
conventional 500 psi is that the osmosis membrane (3) has a lesser
tendency to foul at the lower pressure. The other advantage, the
use of low pressure membrane housing reduces the cost of this one
significantly, up to 4 times, the same economic advantages apply to
the cost of plumbing parts which are less expensive when rated at
low pressure.
[0049] An electrical control box (6) contains all the electronics
and electrical components which are similar to those found on
devices of the prior art. Also, flow meter gauges (7) give a visual
indication of the permeate and the concentrate. All the components
are held together on a support rack (9) which is comprised of a
telescopic handle (5) which changes the overall length of the
support rack (9) and locks in place when the adequate length is
obtained so that it can adapt to a variety of tank (10) sizes. To
make the device truly mobile, the support rack (9) can act as a
hand truck that is easily movable by way of a set of wheels (8). In
the alternate embodiment as seen in FIG. 8, by simply moving the
electrical control box (6), the flow meters (7) and filter (1) the
maple sap osmosis device (20) can be used vertically, which make it
usable in a fashion similar to that of FIG. 1.
[0050] In order to operate, depending upon a variety of factors
such as the size and capacity of the feed pressure pump (2), the
size of the membrane (3) and so on, different pressures and volumes
will be required and obtained.
Example 1
[0051] A system that operates at 100 GPH (one 4'' membrane) with a
75% recovery, the device takes sap from the tank (10) and passes it
through the feed pressure pump (2) which brings the pressure to
between 200 and 270 psi at a volume of 1.66 gallons per minute.
This pressure is strong enough to push the sap through the filter
(1) (since this pressure is higher than in the prior art, the
filter housing has to be made stronger) this filter must support
that high pressure) which is used for removing all the suspended
particles which would unnecessarily foul the osmosis membrane
(3).
[0052] The sap is then piped through to the recirculating pump (4)
with a capacity of 16 GPM at 28 PSI which increases the pressure by
an additional 28 psi.--The recirculating pump (4), besides the
function described hereinabove, also provides constant motion of
sap tangentially on the surface of the osmosis membrane (3) at 16
GPM with a pressure drop on the osmosis membrane (3) of 12 PSI so
as to reduce the fouling factor on the osmosis membrane (3). An
optional restrictor (11) located just outside the osmosis membrane
(3), where the concentrate comes out, creates a pressure drop of 16
PSI so that the 12 PSI pressure drop at the membrane along with the
16 PSI from the restrictor (11) adds 28 PSI to the 200 to 270 PSI
of the pressure pump (2) for a total of between 228 to 298 PSI, at
the inlet of the osmosis membrane (3), which is sufficient to push
the sap through the osmosis membrane (3), all the while protecting
the membrane from too strong a flow rate and efficiently separating
the sugar from the water. Moreover, the recirculating pump (4)
increases the volume to around 16 gallons per minute at a pressure
of around 28 psi within the osmosis membrane (3). Every psi gain
achieved in a low pressure system is important in improving system
performance.
Example 2
[0053] A system that operates at 200 GPH (two 4'' membranes in
series) with a 75% recovery, the device takes sap from the tank
(10) and passes it through the feed pressure pump (2) which brings
the pressure to between 200 and 258 psi at a volume of between 3.33
gallons per minute. This pressure is strong enough to push the sap
through the filter (1) which is used for removing all the suspended
particles which would unnecessarily foul the osmosis membrane
(3).
[0054] The sap is then piped through to the recirculating pump (4)
with a capacity of 16 GPM at 40 PSI which increases the pressure by
an additional 40 psi.--The recirculating pump (4), besides the
function described hereinabove, also provides constant motion of
sap tangentially on the surface of the osmosis membrane (3) at 16
GPM with a pressure drop on the two osmosis membranes (3) of 24 PSI
so as to reduce the fouling factor on the osmosis membrane (3). An
optional restrictor (11) located just outside the osmosis membrane
(3), where the concentrate comes out, creates a pressure drop of 16
PSI so that the 24 PSI pressure drop at the two membrane along with
the 16 PSI from the restrictor (11) adds 40 PSI to the 200 to 258
PSI of the pressure pump (2) for a total of between 240 to 298
PSI.
Example 3
[0055] A system that operates at 300 GPH (one 8'' membrane) with a
75% recovery, the device takes sap from the tank (10) and passes it
through the feed pressure pump (2) which brings the pressure to
between 200 and 270 psi at a volume of 5 gallons per minute. This
pressure is strong enough to push the sap through the filter (1)
(this filter must support that high pressure) which is used for
removing all the suspended particles which would unnecessarily foul
the osmosis membrane (3).
[0056] The sap is then piped through to the recirculating pump (4)
with a capacity of 65 to 75 GPM at 28 PSI which increases the
pressure by an additional 28 psi.--The recirculating pump (4),
besides the function described hereinabove, also provides constant
motion of sap tangentially on the surface of the osmosis membrane
(3) at 65 to 75 GPM with a pressure drop on the osmosis membrane
(3) of 12 PSI so as to reduce the fouling factor on the osmosis
membrane (3). An optional restrictor (11) located just outside the
osmosis membrane (3), where the concentrate comes out, creates a
pressure drop of 16 PSI so that the 12 PSI pressure drop at the
membrane along with the 16 PSI from the restrictor (11) adds 28 PSI
to the 200 to 270 PSI of the pressure pump (2) for a total of
between 228 to 298 PSI.
[0057] Continuing with EXAMPLE 1, the permeate, which is obtained
at the rate of 1.245 GPM is pure water, passes through the osmosis
membrane (3) and is sent away or in a container (12) to provide
clean water for rinsing the osmosis device (20). Any extra water is
disposed of. The concentrate which is obtained at the rate of 0.415
GPM is directed towards outlet (24) leading to the evaporator (not
shown) for further processing.
[0058] When the concentrate is not directed to the evaporator (not
shown) it remains in the tank (10) and settles at the bottom of it
because it is denser than sap and therefore, it will settle at the
bottom and not readily mix with the lighter sap. By providing the
pump line (26) with a float (27), only to top, that is the sap, is
pumped into the system. The benefit of doing this is that only one
tank is needed instead of two as per the prior art. Concentrate at
bottom and maple sap at top instead of one tank for concentrate and
one for maple sap.
[0059] The maple sap osmosis device (20) has a method of operation
which consists of the following steps:
[0060] Sap is pumped from the tank (10) into the osmosis device
(20) by way of a pump line (26). The resulting concentrate is
poured directly into an open outlet (24) located at the bottom of
that same tank (10) by way of a dump line (22). The configuration
is such that the pump line (26) and the dump line (22) are at
opposite ends of that same tank (10).
[0061] With the use of a single tank (10) and taking the sap from
one extremity of the tank (10) by way of an intake pipe (26), the
sap is processed through the maple sap osmosis device (20), and
then the concentrate, by way of an outlet pipe (22), is poured into
a tank outlet (24), and the tank outlet (24) leads directly to an
evaporator (not shown).
[0062] Even if the evaporator (not shown) is not in function, the
osmosis device (20) can still be in function and make concentrate
since the connection between the concentrate outlet pipe (22) and
the tank outlet (24) is not a closed connection but rather an open
connection, which means that the concentrate will remain at the
bottom of the tank (10) until the tank outlet (24) is opened to
feed the evaporator (not shown) if it is in operation. When the
evaporator enters in function, it will siphon the concentrate
directly from the outlet pipe (22), which is located proximal the
tank outlet (24). If the evaporator consumes more than the osmosis
system (20) can provide, it can be supplemented with the
concentrate already present at the bottom of the tank (10). With
this system, using only one tank (10) instead of, as per the prior
art of FIG. 1, using one concentrate tank (10') and one sap tank
(10''), there is no need to monitor the level of the concentrate in
the single tank (10), especially if the evaporator boils more
liquid than the produced concentrate coming from the osmosis system
(20). Also, with this process, the tank (10) can be continually
filled with new sap.
[0063] After concentration of maple sap, there is a method of quick
rinsing the reverse osmosis device (10) that does require a lot
less volume of pure water for rinsing. Because of the efficient
draining before rinsing due to a series of valves optimally located
to facilitate quick and easy draining. The draining and rinsing
consists of following steps: [0064] Draining the reverse osmosis
device (10) by disconnecting the pump line (26) and the dump line
(22). [0065] Opening all valves (28) to recuperate the concentrate
and draining the system. [0066] Shutting all the valves (28).
[0067] Running pure water through the reverse osmosis device (20).
[0068] Draining the reverse osmosis device (20) by opening all
valves (28). [0069] Running the feed pressure pump (2) a few
seconds to drain it, so that there is no water that could cause
damage to all the components of the system when temperature drops
below freezing. With no water, no freezing damage can occur.
[0070] There is also a method of restarting the reverse osmosis
device (20) even if frozen which consists in the steps of: [0071]
Connecting the pump line (26) and the dump line (22). [0072]
Warming up the feed pressure pump (2). [0073] Starting the feed
pressure pump (2) until sap comes out of a first valve (28). [0074]
Repeating the sequence of shutting valves (28) after sap comes out
from any given valve (28).
[0075] There is a valve before an after each component of the
reverse osmosis device (20), for a total of eight, as shown in FIG.
9, including one underneath each of the two flow meter gauges
(7).
[0076] Balancing flow between concentrate and pure water is done by
using valve V1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9.
[0077] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0078] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0079] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *