13 Jun. 24: In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing water crisis in Delhi, Dr. Anis Ahmed Ansari, a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Section at Aligarh Muslim University Polytechnic, has secured a patent for his pioneering research. His invention, a system designed for reverse osmosis (RO) water and energy conservation, holds the potential to significantly mitigate water scarcity issues in Delhi and beyond.
Reverse osmosis-based water purifiers have become indispensable in households, offices, and public places. However, these systems generate a considerable amount of non-potable water as a byproduct, which is typically discarded. Dr. Ansari highlights that this water, despite being clean and free from suspended particles, is wasted, exacerbating the water crisis.
“The present invention, ‘A system for water and energy conservation in a reverse osmosis-based water purifier,’ offers a practical solution,” Dr. Ansari explained. “It includes a mechanism for collecting the clean non-potable water generated during the RO process. By utilizing the discharge hydraulic pressure from the RO system, this water is stored in an additional compartment. A flow control valve regulates the release of the accumulated water for various uses.”
Dr. Ansari enumerated the potential applications for this otherwise wasted water, which include hand washing, utensil cleaning, floor mopping, irrigation, room cooling, toilet flushing, construction activities, vehicle washing, and firefighting. “By repurposing this water, we can conserve substantial amounts of clean water and reduce the electrical energy needed to pump additional groundwater,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Dr. Ansari envisions the creation of a network for collecting and distributing clean RO wastewater from residential, commercial, and public spaces to areas in need. This initiative could not only address water scarcity but also create new business opportunities if managed effectively.
“The invention’s capacity to save both water and energy makes it a viable solution to the pressing water and energy issues,” Dr. Ansari concluded. “I urge everyone to adopt this innovative approach to conserve resources and save money.”
As Delhi grapples with water shortages, Dr. Ansari’s research offers a glimmer of hope. If widely implemented, this system could play a crucial role in alleviating the water crisis and promoting sustainable water and energy use.
