Abstract: A bypass/diverter valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a source to a fluid treatment device such as a water softener. The valve includes a valve housing defining a circular chamber having a cylindrical wall into which three spaced ports open into. Two of the ports form inlet/outlet ports communicating with connecting conduits. The third port forms an intermediate port that communicates with the input to the water softener. The valve housing also defines a second intermediate port communicating with the output of the water softener and which communicates with the valve chamber through a passage arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purifying a solvent such as water, using a reverse osmosis process. The apparatus includes a reverse osmosis (R.O.) unit, a storage tank for storing permeate produced by the reverse osmosis unit, and a flushing arrangement for cleansing the concentrate side of a reverse osmosis membrane at the conclusion of a purifying cycle. A flow regulating arrangement 34, 40, 42 maintains one of two pressures at the concentrate output. A system controller controls the communication of feed water to the R.O. unit and the concentrate pressure. A flushing accumulator receives permeate during a purifying cycle. When the cycle is terminated, the permeate stored in the accumulator is transferred to the input side of the R.O. unit and flushes the membrane. The permeate is driven from the accumulator by a feed water generated force exerted on the permeate by an isolated pressurization chamber forming part of the accumulator. According to a feature of this embodiment, the R.O.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purifying a solvent such as water, using a reverse osmosis process. The apparatus includes a reverse osmosis (R.O.) unit 10, a storage tank 24 for storing permeate produced by the reverse osmosis unit, and a flushing arrangement for cleansing the concentrate side of a reverse osmosis membrane at the conclusion of a purifying cycle. In one embodiment, the storage tank 24 communicates with the input to the R.O. unit through a check valve 26 which allows permeate flow from the tank into the R.O. unit but prevents reverse flow. A flow regulating arrangement 34, 40, 42 maintains one of two pressures at the concentrate output. A system controller 50 controls the communication of feed water to the R.O. unit and the concentrate pressure. At the conclusion of a purifying cycle, the system controller terminates the flow of feed water and reduces the concentrate output pressure resulting in the flow of a quantity of permeate from the storage tank into the R.O.

Abstract: The improved tank construction includes two injection molded thermoplastic sections having overlapping male and female circumferential wall portions. The male wall portion includes a crowned bonding surface that diverges inwardly towards the central axis of the tank. The bonding surface extends from an external surface of the male tank section and terminates at a radial face that defines the innermost edge of the tank section. The female wall portion defined by the female tank section includes a uniform diameter segment which cooperates with the external surface of the male tank section to facilitate alignment during the spin welding process. A complementally shaped bonding surface forms part of the female wall portion which coacts with the crowned bonding surface of the male wall portion. Contact between the bonding surfaces at the commencement of the spin welding process occurs at a narrow intermediate region.