FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to means for producing pure water, in particular, to reverse-osmosis water purification systems and means for controlling and diagnosing such systems, and can be used in residential premises, hospitals, social institutions, and also at industrial enterprises.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

From the prior art a means for controlling reverse-osmosis systems is known, which comprises a pump with an inlet that is connected to an inlet pipeline, and the outlet that is connected to a pipeline for connecting to a membrane separation unit inlet (US2005/01 15875 A1 , published on June 2, 2005). After the membrane separation, purified water is stored in the tank, prior to be supplied to consumers. Storing water in the tank reduces its quality compared to direct-flow systems, where the consumers obtain water which has just been purified. In addition, in reverse-osmosis systems with a storage tank, the tank affects the membrane with a back pressure that reduces the efficiency of the pump. As a result, with other things being equal (the same pump power, etc.), the systems with the storage tank show insufficient characteristics relatively to flow velocity, dissolved solids rejection degree and permeate recovery coefficient. In turn, it results into the membrane and pre-filters lifetime reduction. Another disadvantage of the known system is lack of means for obtaining information about the quality of purification and the state of the system, which compromises the possibility to provide diagnostics and the system control in real time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to present a direct-flow reverse- osmosis water purification system, which provides diagnostics and the system control in real time. While solving this problem, the following set of technical results is achieved: determining the water purification quality and the system performance capacity in real time, controlling the system by the user remotely, possibility to create a system of technical support and service maintenance for clusters of autonomous reverse-osmosis filtration systems in real time, obtaining data to optimize and modify the existing filtration systems to improve their efficiency and compliance with the operating conditions.

This set of technical results is achieved by the fact that the reverse- osmosis filtration system comprises:

- at least one reverse-osmosis membrane;

- at least one pump, providing water supply to the inlet of the said membrane;

- a measuring unit, comprising a housing with installed group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters: a flow velocity sensor (also known as a flow meter), a temperature sensor (also knows as a temperature probe), a dissolved solids sensor (also known as a total dissolved solids meter), wherein the measuring unit is installed capable to measure water parameters by means of the said sensors before entering the said membrane inlet;

- a board with electronic components is installed in the said housing of the measuring unit, the board is configured to provide connection to the said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module for transmitting data, obtained from the said sensors, to the online storage.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit is equipped with means for connecting to an external power source.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit is equipped with means for installing an internal power source.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external sensor, selected from the group: a flow velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dissolved solids sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, wherein the said external sensor is installed capable to measure the parameters of water purified by the said membrane.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is configured to connect a group of at least the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: a flow velocity sensor, a dissolved solids sensor.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the system comprises a shut off electromagnetic valve, installed at the system inlet, and the said board with electronic components is configured to control this valve operation and, accordingly, to shut off or open the water supply to the system.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module, designed to establish a direct connection to the external computer module.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said online data storage is configured to interact with at least one said external computer module by sending notifications about the said measuring unit operation and receiving control commands from the said external computer module.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that a personal electronic computing device, selected from the group: a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable smart device with a software application providing the receipt and display of information about the state of the system, is used as the said external computer module. This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said online storage is configured to send to the said external computer module at least the following data via push technology: permeate recovery degree, dissolved solids rejection degree, volume of water passed through the system, data on the state of the system, fault notifications, data on the system consumables scheduled replacement time, service data, and the said external computer module is configured to display the obtained information visually.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said pump is installed in a pump unit, that includes an adjustable valve (also known as a combination solenoid valve), the first and the second pressure switches, wherein the said measuring unit is also installed inside the said pump unit.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the measuring unit for reverse-osmosis filtration system, having a reverse-osmosis membrane, connected to the pipelines, comprises:

- a housing, with a tube inside, which is designed to be connected in the pipeline of the system before entering the said membrane;

- means for connecting to a power supply source;

- a housing, which contains a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters in the said tube: a flow velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dissolved solids sensor;

- a board with electronic components, installed in the said housing and equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) module;

- the said board with electronic components is configured to connect to the said sensors and transmit data obtained therefrom to the online storage via the said wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor, as well a group of at least the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: a flow velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dissolved solids sensor, wherein the said group of external sensors is configured to measure the parameters of water purified by the said membrane. This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is configured to control the shut off electromagnetic valve and to shut off or open the water supply to the system.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said board with electronic components is equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module, designed to establish a direct connection to the external computer module.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the said tube includes T-fittings, which branching channels comprise temperature and dissolved solids sensors, installed therein.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that the method of obtaining data on the state of the reverse osmosis filtration system, including a reverse-osmosis membrane, includes the following:

- to be installed on the pipeline of the system before the said membrane inlet is a measuring unit, comprising a housing, which includes a group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters: a flow velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dissolved solids sensor, and a board with electronic components, designed for connecting to the said sensors, together with at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) module for transmitting data obtained from the said sensors to the online storage;

- water parameters measuring is performed by the said sensors before entering the said membrane inlet;

- data transfer is provided from the said sensors to the online storage via the said wireless local area network (WLAN) module;

- data transfer is provided from the online storage to the external computer module for display.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the following:

- the said board with electronic components is additionally provided with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module; - after the installation of the said measuring unit, the external computer module is directly connected to the said measuring unit via the said wireless personal area network (WPAN) module;

- the connection settings for the said measuring unit to connect to the wireless local area network in order to connect to the Internet are provided via the said external computer module;

- the said measuring unit and the said external computer module are linked to the same AccountID within the said online storage.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that after the first connection of the said measuring unit to the Internet and establishing communication with the said online storage, the said AccountID for the said measuring unit is automatically created by the said online storage, wherein the said measuring unit, having a unique identification number DevicelD, and the said external computer module, having a unique identification number according to UUID standard, are linked to the said AccountID, and each of the said sensors is assigned its own identification number SensorlD.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that multiple said external computer modules with different UUID identifiers are linked to the single said AccountID, wherein the single computer module can be linked to multiple said AccountIDs.

This set of technical results is also achieved by the fact that

- to be installed is at least one external sensor selected from the group: a flow velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dissolved solids sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, wherein the said external sensor is installed to measure the parameters of water purified by the said membrane;

- water parameters measuring is provided via the said external sensor after water purification by the said membrane;

- data transfer is provided from the said external sensor to the online storage via the said wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

In accordance with the present invention, the distinctive feature of the means is the ability to provide users with information about the purification quality and the system operation remotely and in real time. Another distinctive feature of the present invention is a high degree of aggregation of the design and the possibility of integrating the measuring unit into the existing filtration systems in accordance with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 - 5 show the embodiments of a direct-flow reverse-osmosis water purification system construction.

Figures 6 - 8 show the design of a pump unit.

Figure 9 shows the design of a measuring unit.

Figure 10 shows the design of a sensor installation node.

Figure 1 1 shows a communication connection diagram for external sensors and a measuring unit.

Figure 12 shows a construction scheme for the system of technical support and service maintenance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Providing population with drinking water of high quality remains of great importance all around the globe. The existing water purification systems are based on different principles and have significantly varying operational properties. Under specific operating conditions, one system turns out to be much more effective than others. Water purification system operating conditions can vary in time. The initial conditions, a purification system was initially designed for, can change, and it may result in a significant decrease of the system efficiency. At the same time, purification systems performance analysis is a complicated and cash-consuming procedure. Due to varying design of the existing systems and different operating conditions, it is possible to improve their technical level only by replacement of all the equipment. However, frequently, such solutions are not based upon objective diagnostic data. Modern systems have also to comply with additional requirements in respect to interactivity, communication parameters and the possibility of being remotely controlled in real time.

The present invention solves the task to provide water purification systems with efficient measuring and diagnostic firmware, software and hardware that allow obtaining objective data on the system operation in real time. A reverse-osmosis filtration system is used as a basis, due to its compliance with a number of requirements:

- providing consumers with fresh water, excluding its storage in the storage tank;

- stable and high-performance pure water supply any time when needed;

- saving water by reducing water discharge into the sewage system and other losses;

- low cost of maintenance and operation due to prolonged membrane and pre filters lifetime, etc.;

- high operational reliability.

One of the major factors, determining the efficiency of the reverse osmosis process, is the value of water pressure at the membrane inlet that can be provided by the pump unit 1 , which design is shown at Figures 6-8. If missing a pump unit in the system, one pump 20 is sufficient to create water pressure.

The pump unit 1 of the reverse-osmosis filtration system comprises means for connecting to a power source, a housing 18, containing the following, installed inside: a pump 20, the first 21 and the second 22 water pressure switches, a controller 26, an adjustable valve 23, an electromagnetic valve 24.

As the pump 20, a water volumetric pump is used, which working element is made in a form of a flexible plate (diaphragm) fixed at the edges. In pumps of this type, the plate is bent by the action of a leverage mechanism (mechanical drive) or resulting from the change in the air pressure (pneumatic drive) or liquid (hydraulic drive), performing a function equivalent to piston function in a piston pump. Power supply source can be made both in a form of a power supply unit 19, installed inside the housing 18, and in a form of an external unit, providing power to the electric components of the pump unit from the electricity mains. In case of an internal power supply unit 19, the latter can be configured either with one output voltage, for example 24V, or with several, for example 24V and 48V. This will enable to install pumps of varying power and performance into the pump unit 1 , without changing the other components.

The material of the housing 18 should have high operational and mechanical properties: strength, rigidity, corrosion resistance, fire resistance. It is worthwhile to make the housing 18 of plastic, for example, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate. The housing 18 may consist of a base 27 and a lid 28, as shown at Figure 8. The housing 18 may comprise a vent window (not shown). The housing 18 may also comprise cushion supports 25 and means for fastening to vertical surfaces (not shown). Sockets, hinges, flanges and any other suitable elements can be used as fastening means.

The pump unit 1 comprises means 8 for connecting to a group of pipelines, including at least: an inlet pipeline 3 for connecting to water source; a pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet for connecting to the membrane 16 inlet; a permeate pipeline 5 for connecting to the membrane 16 permeate outlet; a concentrate pipeline 6 for connecting to the membrane 16 concentrate outlet, and a drainage pipeline 7 for connecting to the drain. Standard fittings, adapters, connectors, collet elements or any other suitable means can be used as means 8 for connecting. Thus, the pump unit 1 is designed for connecting to at least three inlet pipelines 3, 5 and 6, and two outlet pipelines 4 and 7.

The inlet of the pump 20 is connected to the inlet pipeline 3 means for connecting, and the outlet of the pump 20 is connected to the pipeline 4 means for connecting at the membrane inlet. Thus, the pump 20 creates water pressure of the required value within the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet. The first pressure switch (also referred to as a sensor) 21 is designed to determine water pressure at the inlet of the pump 20. The second pressure switch (also referred to as a sensor) 22 is designed to determine permeate pressure in the pipeline 5. Both pressure sensors are installed inside the housing 18. For instance, sensors with a bellows or a membrane pressure element can be used as the pressure sensors 21 and 22. The pressure sensors 21 and 22 serve for issuance an electric signal at the moment, when the pressure in the corresponding pipeline reaches a certain maximum or minimum value.

The inlet of the pump 20 is connected to the inlet pipeline 3 means for connecting via the electromagnetic valve 24 to stop the water supply to the pump upon the receipt of a signal from a controller 26. The controller 26 sends a signal to close the electromagnetic valve 24 in the event when the pressure value in the inlet pipeline 3, measured by the first pressure sensor 21 , reaches a certain lower acceptable threshold. A reduction in pressure means that there is not enough water in the inlet pipeline 3 and, in order to prevent the pump 20 from breaking, the controller 26 issues a signal to switch it off, to shut off the inlet pipeline 3, and to switch on the corresponding light indicator.

The adjustable valve 23 provides connection within the housing 18 of the concentrate pipeline 6 to the drainage pipeline 7 and serves as a flow restrictor on the drainage line.

The controller 26 is installed inside the housing 18, for example, in its lid 28 (see Figure 7) and provides control over the operation of the adjustable valve 23, the pump 20, the electromagnetic valve 24 and other electric components. Both a programmable and non-programmable industrial controller can be used as the controller 26.

Thus, the pump unit 1 can be configured so, that when connected to a group of pipelines the following occurs: - the inlet pipeline 3 within the housing 18 is connected to the inlet of the pump 20 via the electromagnetic valve 24, wherein the inlet pipeline 3 is also connected to the first pressure sensor 21 ,

- the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet is connected within the housing 18 to the outlet of the pump 20,

- the permeate pipeline 5 is connected within the housing 18 to the second pressure sensor 22 and is dead ended.

- the concentrate pipeline 6 is connected within the housing 18 to the drainage pipeline 7 via the adjustable valve 23.

- the controller 26 is connected to the first 21 and the second 22 pressure switches, the adjustable valve 23, electromagnetic valve 24 and is configured to provide control over the pump unit 1 operation.

The pump unit 1 comprises diode means 10 for indicating the state and operating modes of the unit, installed on the housing 18 (for example, on the lid 28) and managed by the controller 26. The presence of light indicators provides the interactivity of the system, i.e. highly effective interaction with the user. Standard light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as means 10 for indicating, optionally, of different colors. If one or another event takes place or the certain operating mode turns on, the corresponding indicator is illuminated. It is optimal to install on the housing 18, at least four means 10 for indicating, informing about the following modes or states: indication of the absence of water supply at the inlet of the pump 20 (in this case the pump 20 is turned off); indication of the filtration process (in this mode the pump 20 is turned on); indication of the unit's readiness (standby) for the beginning of filtration (the pump 20 is turned off); indication of the flush mode (the pump 20 is turned on).

Indicators 10 (when turned on separately or in a specific combination) can, for example, inform the user of other states: the need to reboot; the presence or absence of communication with wireless networks, communication with remote devices, the need to perform service work (replacement of cartridges, membranes, etc.). The controller 26 is configured capable to switch the adjustable valve (also known as a combination solenoid valve) 23 from the concentrate flow restriction mode to the membrane 16 flush mode. This is achieved by a complete opening of the adjustable valve 23 and increasing the flow, that washes the membrane. It is expedient to switch on the flush mode at the end of each filtration cycle (the pump 20 switch on/switch off cycle) for 15 - 25 seconds, depending on water quality. The optimal flush mode prolongs the lifetime of the membrane, improves the quality of purification and the degree of filtration. To improve the quality of washing and water purification in general, the flush mode can be switched on not only at the end, but also prior to starting each filtration cycle.

The task to obtain diagnostic and operating information is solved by means of the measuring unit 30, as shown at Figures 9 - 1 1 . The measuring unit 30 comprises a housing with a tube 31 , installed inside, the tube is designed capable to be connected to the system pipeline before entering the said membrane inlet. Thus, the measuring unit 30 can be installed both on the inlet pipeline 3 (as shown at Figure 1 ), and on the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet, i.e. either before or after the pump unit 1 . The installation may be performed by means of two connectors (fittings) 32 or by any other known method.

The measuring unit 30 comprises means for connecting to a power supply source, which can be either an external power source or an internal unit

33 (accumulator, batteries). In order to control the state on the housing of the measuring unit, the control button 34 is installed, which is used to reset the settings to the default settings, to put the unit into the availability mode for discovery. The button 34 can be equipped with a light indicator, the operating mode of which (the light is on permanently, flashing frequently, flashing rarely, the light is off) informs the user about the current state of the unit. The button

34 can be configured to turn on/off the power of the measurement unit 30.

A group of at least the following sensors for measuring water parameters in the tube 31 is installed in the housing of the measuring unit 30: a flow 35 velocity sensor (also known as a flow meter or water discharge sensor), a temperature 36 sensor (also known as a temperature probe), a dissolved solids 37 sensor (also known as a total dissolved solids meter). As is well known, a sensor refers to a measuring device designed to generate a measuring data signal in a form suitable for transfer, further conversion, processing and (or) storage. Sensors (also called as meters, detectors, etc.) 35-37 can have any type of design compatible with the electronic control system. The tube 31 may include T-fittings, which branching channels comprise the installed sensors 36 and 37. Figure 10 shows an optional arrangement of the sensors 36 or 37. T- fitting 49 is inserted with its straight-through channel into the tube 31 and the sensor 36 or 37 is installed in T-branch of the fitting, as shown at Figure 10. The flow velocity 35 sensor can be directly mounted inside the tube 31 or otherwise, depending on the type of sensor used.

Also, a board 38 with electronic components, equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) module 40, is installed inside the housing. A single board computer (SBC) can be used as the board 38. The wireless communication module 40 may be configured either as a separate element or as an integral part of the board 38, and is designed to establish connection (Wi Fi) to the Internet. The module 40 can also provide communication with wireless personal area networks (for example, Bluetooth), providing direct connection to the external computer module 46 (for example, with a smartphone).

The board 38 is provided with necessary drivers and configured to be connected to the sensors 35, 36 and 37, as well as to external sensors, if any, and provides transfer of data obtained therefrom to the online storage 47 via the module 40.

The board 38 is configured to connect at least one external leakage sensor (not shown), as well as the following external sensors for measuring water parameters: a pressure 42 sensor (manometer), a flow velocity sensor

43 (also known as a flow meter or water discharge sensor), a dissolved solids

44 sensor (also referred to as a TDS-meter), a temperature sensor, a pH sensor. The external sensors 43 and 44 are installed to measure the parameters of water purified by the membrane 16, in particular, before the means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer. The pressure sensor 42 can be installed on the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet, before entering the membrane 16. In order to connect the external sensors, the board 38 contains appropriate means 39 (connection interfaces).

The board 38 is configured to control an external shut off electromagnetic valve 45, preferably mounted on the inlet pipeline 3. Thus, at the signal from the board 38, it is possible to shut off or open water supply to the system. As one of the possible variants, the board 38 can also control the electromagnetic valve 24, installed inside the housing 18 of the pump unit 1 , in this case the shut off electromagnetic valve 45 can be omitted.

The board 38 can be equipped with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module (not shown). It can be made either as a separate element, or can be included in the board 38 or module 40. The wireless personal area network (WPAN) module is designed to establish direct connection (such as Bluetooth) to the external computer module 46 (used, for example, for an initial setup of a measuring unit, as well as for visualization measuring data, obtained from sensors). A personal electronic computing device, selected from the group: a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable smart device with a software application providing the receipt and display of information about the state of the system, might be used as the said external computer module.

The measuring unit 30 can comprise means 41 for light indication, similar to those of the pump unit 1 .

The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are implemented as separate devices. It is also possible that the measuring unit 30 is placed inside the pump unit 1 and is installed on the pipeline before entering into the pump 20, as shown at Figure 6. The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are installed in the reverse- osmosis filtration system, as shown at Figures 1 - 5.

The system as a whole comprises a reverse-osmosis membrane 16 having an inlet, concentrate outlet, and permeate outlet. According to the present invention, the reverse-osmosis membranes by Prio®, models K858, K859, are optimal for filtration systems, equipped with pump and measuring units.

As it is known from prior art, permeate refers to water, that has undergone membrane separation. Concentrate refers to water, that has not undergone membrane separation, and where all the impurities, retained by the membrane, are draining into.

The membrane 16 permeate outlet is connected to the means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer via the pipeline 1 1 for supplying permeate to the consumer. Such an embodiment is shown at Figures 1 - 5 with a continuous line. As a means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer, for example, a faucet 12 is used.

The pump unit 1 is connected, via connecting means 8, to the following pipelines: the inlet pipeline 3, the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet, the permeate pipeline 5, the concentrate pipeline 6, the drainage pipeline 7. Thus, the pump unit 1 is connected to three inlet pipelines 3, 5 and 6 and two outlet pipelines 4 and 7, as shown at Figures 1 - 5. As the means for connecting to the said pipelines, any known means (fittings, adapters, connectors, etc.) can be used.

At least one pre-filter can be installed before the membrane 16 inlet. The pre-filter is designed to protect against mechanical impurities and prolongs lifetime of the membrane and other components. Various variants to install a pre-filter are possible. The pre-filter 13 can be installed on the inlet pipeline 3, before the pump unit 1 , as shown at Figure 2 (variant 2), at Figures 3 - 5. In this case, the pre-filter 13 protects the pump 20 and the membrane 16 against mechanical impurities. It is also possible to install the pre-filter 14 on the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet after the pump unit 1 , as shown at Figure 2 (variant 1 ). In this case, only the membrane 16 is protected, but it becomes possible to form a more compact single purification unit 2.

Both single-module and multi-module filters can be used as pre-filters. Figures 2 - 4 show single-module pre-filters. Figure 5 shows an embodiment with a multi-module pre-filter, which is made as an assembly of three modules, including a combination of filtration modules of the same or different type of operation (sediment, sorption, etc.).

It is expedient to use mechanical cleaning filters with filtering fineness of less than 5 microns, as pre-filters. The filters by Prio®, models K100, K101 , K200, K205, K604, K870, K871 , K874, K875, have optimal properties for use as pre-filters, in accordance with the present invention. The use of pre-filters improves the quality of water purification and prolongs lifetime of the membrane.

The filtration system, in accordance with the present invention, can comprise at least one post-filter 15, which is installed between the membrane 16 permeate outlet and a means 12 for supplying permeate to the consumer. The post-filter allows to increase water purification quality and to improve taste qualities of water. According to the present invention, the filters by Prio®, models K875, K870, K884, K879, K880, K886, K881 , K873, K896, possess optimal properties for use as post-filters. From the embodiments, shown at Figure 2, Figure 4, Figure 5, it is evident that the post-filter can be installed both on the permeate pipeline 5 and on the pipeline 1 1 for supplying permeate to the consumer. The most preferably is to install the post-filter 15 on the pipeline 1 1 , as close as possible to a means 12 for supplying permeate to the consumer.

In order to improve the design modularity, it has a sense to arrange the pre-filter 14, the post-filter 15, and the membrane 16 in the same housing in a form of a single purification unit 2, as shown at Figure 1 , Figure 3 (dashed line), Figure 4 (dashed line) and Figure 5 (dashed line). The housing of the purification unit 2 can comprise means 17 for fastening filters and the membrane, as well as means 9 for connecting to the following pipelines: the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet, the permeate pipeline 5, the concentrate pipeline 6, the pipeline 1 1 for supplying pure water to the consumer. The fastening means 17 can be made in a form of resilient plastic forks, providing gripping and fixing of cylindrical filter bodies and the membrane due to reversible deformation of the material. This design provides a possibility of quick removal/installation without additional assembly operations to be implemented.

In order to prevent backflow of permeate, a check valve 35 is installed on the permeate pipeline 5, as close as possible to the membrane 16 permeate outlet (Figure 2).

The system comprises the measuring unit 30, the design of which is described above. This unit provides the emergence of information and communication subsystems as components, thus, it allows integrating the filtration system into various computer networks.

The filtration system combines different embodiments of connecting the pipeline 1 1 for supplying permeate to the consumer. As an embodiment, the pipeline 1 1 is connected to the pump unit 1 , and not to the membrane 16 permeate outlet. This embodiment is shown with a dotted line at Figure 1 . According to this embodiment, there is no need to install means for connecting to the pipeline 1 1 on the purification unit 2. In this embodiment, the permeate line 5 is flowing through, and starts from the membrane 16 permeate outlet, passes inside the housing 18 through the second pressure sensor 22, exits via the means 8 for connecting to the line 29 (see Figure 6) and is connected to a means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer (as shown with a dashed line at Figure 1 ).

Thus, all the embodiments of the system are illustrated by drawings, on which: - Figure 1 shows the design of a reverse-osmosis filtration system, comprising a pump unit 1 and a purification unit 2, connected via the pipelines 4, 5 and 6;

- Figure 2 shows the embodiments of a filtration system with a post-filter 15 and two variants for connecting a single-module pre-filter 13 (variant 2) and a single-module pre-filter 14 (variant 1 );

- Figure 3 shows the design of a purification unit 2 (dashed line), comprising a single-module pre-filter 13 and a membrane 16;

- Figure 4 shows the design of a purification unit (dashed line), comprising a single-module pre-filter 13, a membrane 16 and a post-filter 15;

- Figure 5 shows the design of a purification unit (dashed line), comprising a three-module pre-filter 13, a membrane 16 and a post-filter 15.

In all cases, the information unit 30, comprising sensors 35, 36 and 37, is installed to measure the parameters of water at the membrane 16 inlet, and external sensors 43, 44 measure the parameters of water after its purification by the membrane 16.

The above-described design allows implementing the method of obtaining objective data on the state of the system.

The method is characterized in that

- water parameters measuring is provided by sensors 35-37 before entering the membrane 16 inlet;

- data transfer is provided from sensors 35-37 to the online storage 47 (Figure 1 1 ) via wireless local area network (WLAN) module 40;

- data transfer is provided from the online storage 47 to the external computer module 46 for display.

Similarly, the information is transmitted from external sensors 42-44, as shown at Figure 1 1 .

The invention is implemented as follows. The pump unit 1 and the measuring unit 30 are connected to the inlet pipeline 3. The pump unit 1 is also connected to the pipeline 4 at the membrane inlet, to the permeate pipeline 5, to the concentrate pipeline 6 and to the drainage pipeline 7 via suitable means 8 for connecting.

The permeate pipeline 5 is also connected to a means 12 for supplying pure water to the consumer via the pipeline 1 1 . According to the first embodiment, the pipeline 1 1 connects the membrane 16 permeate outlet to a means 12. According to the second embodiment, the pipeline 1 1 connects the membrane 16 permeate outlet to a means 12 for supplying permeate to the consumer via the pump unit 1 .

Due to the pump unit 1 design, the concentrate pipeline 6 appears to be connected within the housing 18 to the drainage pipeline 7 via the adjustable valve 23. This type of connection allows controlling the throughput capacity of the flow restrictor on the drainage line, and thus increases permeate recovery coefficient and enables to turn on/off the membrane flush to prolong its lifetime and operating efficiency.

After installation of the measuring unit 30 on the corresponding pipeline, one should activate the connection of the measuring unit 30 to the Internet and to the online storage 47 as follows.

The external computer module 46 should be connected to the measuring unit 30 via a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module (not shown). Due to the presence of the corresponding software and hardware of the board 38, via the external computer module 46 (for example, a smartphone), it is possible to provide the measuring unit 30 with the connection settings and establish connection between the measuring unit 30 and one of the available wireless local area networks for connecting to the Internet. After the first such connection, the measuring unit 30 establishes communication to the online storage 47, which automatically creates an AccountID for the measuring unit 30 in the cloud storage 47. The measuring unit 30 has a unique identification number DevicelD. The external computer module 46, providing communication to the measuring unit 30 and its management, has a unique identification number in accordance with UUID standard. As a result of the first connection described above, the identifiers DevicelD and UUID are linked to the created AccountID, and each of the sensors 35-37, 42-44 is assigned its own identification number SensorlD.

Thus, the measuring device 30, the sensors 35-37, 42-44 and the external computer module 46 are linked to the account in the online storage 47. Multiple external computer modules 46 with different UUIDs can be linked to single AccountID. The same computer module 46 (with its unique UUID) can be linked to multiple AccountIDs for controlling several measuring units 30 and sensors connected thereto, wherein each sensor has its own SensorlD. This allows controlling, via single external computer module 46, multiple filtration systems, equipped with corresponding measuring units 30, as well as controlling the single filtration system, equipped with the measuring unit 30, via multiple external computer modules 46 with different UUID identifiers.

After the system is configured and wireless communication between all the components is established, one should open the inlet pipeline 3 and provide water supply to the inlet of the pump 20 under the pressure from 0.05 MPa to 0.45 MPa.

The filtration system and the pump unit work as follows.

The sensors 35-37 of the measuring unit 30 receive data on the parameters of water prior to its purification by the membrane 16, and the sensors 43, 44 receive these data after water purification by the membrane 16 is completed, and transfer the data obtained to the online storage 47. Here, in the online storage 47, the obtained data are processing by the software, and various computed and integral parameters are calculating: the volume of water passed through the system during different periods (both the total volume of water and the volume of water that has passed the membrane separation (permeate)), calculating the required service maintenance date, cartridges replacement date, the permeate recovery coefficient, the dissolved solids rejection degree, the volume of drainage water. The presence of external sensors 42-44 enlarges the number of controlled parameters. These parameters characterize both the quality of purification and the system performance, and allow, for example, precise determining the remaining lifetime of cartridges, membrane and other components.

The obtained data, as well as the calculated parameters, are transferred from the online storage 47 to the module 46 for display. Upon the receipt of this data, the user is able to control the state of the system and respond to various emergencies. For example, the temperature sensor 35 and the manometer 42 provide data on emergencies (the system is supplied with hot water instead of cold one, the pump 20 failure, leakage, etc.). Having received the relevant information, the user can remotely command to shut off the water supply to the system by closing the electromagnetic valve 45. For the user’s convenience, the information, transferred from the online storage 47, can be color- differentiated and presented in various application windows. So, for example, information on the regular operating mode of the system will be displayed green, warnings about possible malfunctions - orange or red. The external computer module 46 may have various widgets for presenting the information received in a form, the most convenient for the user.

In turn, the first pressure switch 21 detects water pressure at the inlet of the pump 20 and transfers the data to the controller 26. The controller 26 provides voltage supply from the mains to the pump 20 and opens the electromagnetic valve 24. The pump 20 supplies water to the pipeline 4 at the inlet of the membrane 16 and provides pressure at the inlet of the membrane 16 not less than 0.6 MPa.

Permeate from the outlet of the membrane 16 is supplied to the user through the pipeline 1 1 and a supply means 12. Under the filtration mode, the adjustable valve 23 is semi-open and serves as a flow restrictor for the concentrate. The concentrate, according to the filtration mode, is draining into the drainage pipeline 7 at a flow rate from 240ml/min to 450ml/min. On the housing 18 of the pump unit 1 the corresponding indicator light is turned on. If the user stops consuming water (a means 12 for supplying is closed), the pressure in the permeate pipeline 5 rises. The second pressure switch 22 detects the pressure in the pipeline 5 and transfers the data to the controller 26. If the permeate pressure reaches the maximum allowable value, the controller 26 turns on the washing cycle (flush) of the membrane 16 by switching the adjustable valve 23 from the concentrate flow restriction mode to the flush mode of the membrane 16, then turns the pump 20 off, closes the electromagnetic valve 24, returns the adjustable valve 23 from the flush mode of the membrane 16 to the concentrate flow restriction mode, and turns on the corresponding light indicator. This prevents breakdown of the pump unit 1 mechanisms.

At the end of each operating cycle of the pump 20, the flush mode of the membrane is automatically activated. For this purpose, the controller 26 completely opens the adjustable valve 23 for 15-25 seconds and provides draining concentrate flow to the drainage pipeline 7 at a flow rate up to 2.2 l/min. On the housing 18 of the pump unit 1 a corresponding indicator light turns on. The flush mode can be switched on before each operating cycle of the pump 20

In accordance with the present invention, the measuring unit can be used in reverse-osmosis filtration systems of various types. The use of the pump unit 1 for the measuring unit 30 operation is not necessary.

Due to analysis of data obtained by the measuring unit 30, such as a flow velocity before and after the membrane 16, switch on/switch off time of these flows, their duration and shift in time relatively to each other, and accumulation of this data obtained from sensors 35-37 and 42-44, it becomes possible to identify the type of the filtration system (the presence of a tank and its volume, the presence of an auto-flush mode, the type of pump) and develop reliable recommendations for its modernization in terms of resource and cost saving. By way of example, the use of the present invention makes it possible to evaluate the expediency of increasing the size of the storage tank (if any), if it becomes empty too often (this can be determined by the minimum, average and maximum duration of the tank refilling upon readings, collected by the sensor 43, and the number of corresponding events), although normally it should be almost full nearly always (the maximum number of events for the tank refilling should be short in time, the events with a long time for the tank filing should occur rarely). The user receives appropriate recommendations on the system modernization via the external computer module 46.

The present invention opens new opportunities for service providers and developers of water purification systems. Figure 12 shows a scheme of information transfer from multiple filtration systems, installed in various buildings and equipped with measuring units 30, to a shared service center 48. The present invention allows providing automation and optimization of service and maintenance process based upon objective data obtained in real time.

The data obtained in accordance with the present invention will allow the developers to determine parameters and operating methods for water purification systems, created by them, and to improve their design in a proper manner.