Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Utilizing electrical or wave energy directly applied to...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-03
2001-12-04
Hruskoci, Peter A. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Utilizing electrical or wave energy directly applied to...
C205S743000, C205S745000, C210S746000, C210S764000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325944
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a liquid purification device which electronically introduces copper and/or silver ions into liquids to be purified. The invention is well suited for on demand domestic water systems, recreational water facilities, animal habitats, food processing and various industrial applications.
BACKGROUND
The eradication or controlling of microorganisms in liquids is typically accomplished by conventional heavy chemical dosing or other lesser-used methods of control. It has long been established that certain metal ions have purifying ability when present in many liquids and the efficacy of copper and silver ions for purification is well documented. The emissions of an ionization process are cationic, surface-active and provide a potent biocide. These ions eradicate or minimize various microorganisms in liquids, including but not necessarily limited to: Legionella,
E. coli
, Salmonella,
M avium
, listeria, Staphylococcus and
Pseudomonas aeriginosa.
The disinfection action is attributable to the positively charged copper and silver ions which form electrostatic bonds with negatively charged sites on microorganism cell walls. These electrostatic bonds create stresses which lead to distorted cell wall permeability, reducing the normal intake of life-sustaining nutrients. This action, coupled with protein denaturation, leads to cell lysis and death. Bacteria are killed rather than merely suppressed as in the case with alternative control methods.
Electronic ionization process is an effective method of controlling microorganisms in many liquids. However, a need exists for a system for automating the ionization process while maintaining a constant current across electrodes immersed in the liquid being ionized. A recurring problem is maintaining a constant current across the electrodes. In the past, this has been accomplished by manually adjusting the current. Unfortunately, the manual adjustment of current is affected by other factors such as electrode wear, build up of scale on the electrodes, and the properties of the liquid being purified. Automating a system so that a constant current can be maintained is desired to achieve an efficient system, reduce operator workloads and the potential for errors. Maintaining a constant current will produce precise ion levels providing for residual protection and prevention of recontamination.
SUMMARY
A liquid purification system comprises a flow cell housing electrodes capable of introducing ions into a liquid passing through the flow cell when a current supplied by a controller is applied across the electrodes. The controller is capable of supplying current between zero and ten amps, and at zero to one hundred volts direct current (DC) across the electrodes. The liquid purification system is easily plumbed into the pipework carrying the liquid to be purified. A by pass line is typically installed around the liquid purification system for easing of operation and maintenance. Upstream and downstream adapters are installed on the pipe and separated by a distance approximating the length of the flow cell. The flow cell is positioned between the two adapters and quick connect clamps are used to maintain a seal between the adapters and the flow cell. Removal of the flow cell can occur by stopping the liquid flow on the upstream end of the pipe or opening the by pass line around the flow cell. The quick connect clamps can be removed and the flow cell repositioned for access to the electrodes.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4127467 (1978-11-01), Smith
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patent: 5543040 (1996-08-01), Fite et al.
patent: 5744028 (1998-04-01), Goto et al.
patent: 5833842 (1998-11-01), Fields
patent: 6126820 (2000-10-01), DeSanto
Hruskoci Peter A.
LiquiTech, Inc.
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