Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Unit
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For my engineering project at the University of Toledo in 2024, my group decided to tackle one of the grand challenges of engineering: accessing clean water. Overall design consisted of a 45psi water pump, RO membrane, and carbon filter.
Water Filtration Unit
Future Iterations
Plan for a possible upgraded version would consist of a sustainable power source, 3D-printed panels with easy access to RO membrane replacement, a more compact design, a better pump, portability, and affordability. Additionally, it would include testing for water purity, which was not done for the first iteration.
Initial Concepts
Wanted a water filtration system that works while also considering a saltwater battery. Ultimately settled on a general system revolved around the reverse osmosis membrane, including a solar panel as a source of power.
Challenges
Time constraint of two months, where we spent the first month researching our topic. Ordered parts took too long to arrive, the testing kit was not received, and the solar panel was not the correct order, therefore incompatible with our design. Also, 45psi was not enough to filter the water through the RO membrane, though our findings stated that 45psi was the minimum compatible pressure.
Fixes
Included a shut off valve in the tubing and having it partially closed, creating enough back pressure inside the RO membrane to filter more water.
Though the ratio wasn't 50/50, it was able to produce a consistent stream of clean water while returning back the brine.