Abstract Pressure in a tank for storing water purified by a reverse osmosis unit is relieved at a predetermined proportionate pressure level by providing a connection from water in said tank to a restricted elongated flow channel used for control of brine release and pressure control in the reverse osmosis unit. Connection to the flow control channel is made at a point intermediate its ends and preferably at a point closer to the brine release end. The flow control channel may be formed by a spiral groove in a face of one element maintained in contact with an adjoining face of another element, with the tank pressure relief connection at a point preferably from one-tenth to onehalf the length of the channel measured from its brine release end.
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the point at which said conduit from said temporarily stored purified liquid is connected to said restricted, elongated channel is closer to the brine release end of said channel than to the brine input end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the said conduit from said purified liquid storage tank is connected to said restricted, elongated channel at a point to maintain pressure of said temporarily stored purified liquid between about 10 and about 30 p.s.i.g.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the said conduit from said purified liquid storage tank is connected to said restricted, elongated channel at a point between one-tenth and one-half of its length measured from the brine overflow end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said restricted elongated channel through which said brine is passed is formed by one element having an elongated groove in a face pressed against the face of an adjoining element, and said conduit from said temporarily stored purified liquid is connected to said groove at a point intermediate its ends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said module containing said semipermeable membrane and said flow control device containing said connection from said purified water storage tank are enclosEd in a common casing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 in which said restricted, elongated channel through which said brine is passed is formed by a spiral groove in face of a plug inside said casing enclosing said module, said spirally grooved face of said plug being pressed against the adjoining plane surface of an end piece in said casing, and said conduit is connected through said end piece to said spiral groove at a point intermediate its ends.