Liquid purification or separation – With means to add treating material
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-28
2001-12-25
Lithgow, Thomas M. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
With means to add treating material
C210S748080, C210S167150, C422S024000, C422S186300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332981
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for purifying a fluid, more specifically the use of multiple directions of flow of said fluid across the same UV light source(s).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ultra Violet (UV) wavelengths are known to disinfect effluent when the subject fluid is exposed to the UV, with one example being water. The common wavelengths used for purification are 185 nano-meters (nm) and 254 nm. Alternatively an ozone producing source may be used. A collimate UV light source is located within a protective quartz tube sometimes referred to as a sleeve and the fluid is passed through a second, outer chamber located about the quartz sleeve. The UV light source comprises a pair of filaments, a power source, and a translucent housing.
The general equation used for determining UV dose is:
D=I*t
D=UV Dosage (mW*s/cm
2
)
I=Intensity (UV Intensity mW/cm
2
)
t=contact time (seconds)
One skilled in the art recognizes that each design is determined by either of the two variables: time of exposure and intensity.
The present known method for increasing the time of exposure is to increase the length of the associated UV light source (or increase the number of UV lights and quartz sleeves) and the flow chamber. For high volume or high flow rate requirements, the resulting design may be lengthy (generally between 13 and 96 inches). The longer the design, the higher the cost of the UV light source and respective quartz sleeve and outer chamber.
The present known method for increasing dosage is to increase the intensity of each UV light source, increasing the number of UV light sources, or both. The intensity is proportional to the power draw; therefore the greater the intensity, the greater the power consumption.
The use of a swirling motion is currently used in some commercially available UV purification devices.
What is desired is an apparatus to purify various fluids, such as water, whereby the apparatus maintains a reduced footprint, lower manufacturing cost, and power consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior art by utilizing a fluid path which exposes the said fluid to the ultra violet (UV) wavelengths.
One aspect of the present invention is the use of an Ultra Violet light source to provide a means to purify various fluids.
A second aspect of the present invention is a means to provide a fluid path, whereby the fluid path exposes the fluid to the same UV light source more than once.
A third aspect of the present invention is a means to transfer the fluid from the first fluid path to the second fluid path.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is a second means to provide a second fluid path, whereby the second fluid path exposes the effluent to the same UV light source. For clarity, the Applicant would like to identify the second fluid path as a change in direction from the first fluid path.
An fifth aspect of the present invention is a means to enclose the UV light source, whereby the means to enclose the UV light source allows the UV light source to purify fluid when the fluid passes proximate to the enclosure and on a second side of the UV light source.
A sixth aspect of the present invention utilizes the means to provide a fluid path, further comprising a means to provide a swirling motion.
A seventh aspect of the present invention further utilizes the swirling action to apply a centrifugal force to said effluent, whereby the centrifugal force places the particles in the effluent proximate the UV light source.
A eighth aspect of the present invention is the use of UV light source(s) which produce Ozone.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is the use of at least one of the fluid paths as a means to cool the UV light source.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to monitor, provide for, and control the fluid flow rates through the apparatus.
A eleventh aspect of the present invention is a mechanism to monitor the temperature of the fluid, chamber, light sources, and/or other components of the apparatus.
An twelfth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion a pressure relief mechanism.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of an automatic power control shutdown for the UV light source.
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion an automated means to monitor the system, including intensity, fluid flow rates, temperature, or other control means.
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to interconnect multiple units or stages to provide adequate purification needs to support a specified volume flow rate of effluent.
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