AU2001258070B2 - Liquid ionising device - Google Patents

Description

1004027751 4027751 PCT/AU01/00598 Received 5 April 2002 -2- According to the invention there is provided a liquid ioniser comprising: a canister housing at least one tubular member, said at least one tubular member containing an electrically conductive liquid; a longitudinally extending probe member insertable into each said tubular member; a first end of the longitudinally extending member being mounted to a first end of the tubular member so that the longitudinally extending member is concentric with the tubular member, and, an inlet and an outlet port respectively for ingress and egress of said liquid into and out from said canister; wherein upon establishment of an electric current flow between said probe member and said tubular member, said probe member is caused to deposit ions in said liquid contained in said tubular member.

In such an ioniser, the tubular member is self cleaning. The accumulation of deposits on the interior surface of the tubular member is avoided and the electric current flow is maintained. Moreover, the tubular member provides for an even erosion of the probe member around its entire surface.

In a preferred form of the invention the liquid ioniser is a water ioniser.

The canister includes at least one aperture that is aligned with each said tubular member for receiving each respective probe member. Each probe maybe attached or secured to the canister.

Each tubular member maybe a hollow cylinder. The tubular member preferably has an aperture on a side thereof to allow ionised liquid to flow out therefrom into said canister. The tubular member forms a cathode during electrolysis.

The probe member can be inserted through at least one aperture. The probe forms an anode during electrolysis. It may be at least partially formed from any metal that is required for ionising into the liquid.

AMENDED

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PCT/AU01/00598 Received 5 April 2002 -2a- The inlet port preferably allows the liquid to flow directly through the tubular member. The outlet port preferably allows the ionised liquid to exit the canister. The inlet port may comprise a guided channel, in a base member of the canister, to distribute the liquid to each said tubular member.

The following description refers in more detail to the various features of the liquid ioniser of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the MEN UdEr

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WO 01/90002 PCT/AU01/00598 3 invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the liquid ioniser is illustrated in a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the ioniser of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a water filtration and ionisation system; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a liquid ioniser in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lid section of the ioniser; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a base section of the ioniser; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a flow proportioning device forming part of the ioniser of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of liquid through one embodiment of the ioniser of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of liquid through another embodiment of the ioniser of Figure 1; and Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a liquid ioniser in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to figure 1, there is shown a block diagram of a water filtration and ionisation system. In operation, the water from a mains supply 1 or other source passes through a pressure limiting valve 2. It then enters a first filter canister 3 for the removal of solid particles in the water. The water then passes through a second filter canister 4 containing a carbon cartridge to remove chemical contaminants. Some of the water may be diverted through a flow proportioning device (shown in Figure 5) whilst the remaining water goes through the water ioniser 5 to be ionised. The water, when either entering or leaving the system, may flow through a flow sensing device.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of the water ioniser 5 of the present invention. The ioniser 5 comprises a base 6 with an annular member 7 lying flush thereon. Tubular members 8 rest flush on the annular member 7. A lid section 9 adapted to receive probe members 10 and a canister cover 11 completes WO 01/90002 PCT/AU01/00598 4 the general layout of the ioniser 5. In this embodiment three tubular members 8 are shown and conversely three probe members 10. Other variations are possible, for example using just one tubular member.

Figure 4 shows the layout and cross section and layout of the base 6. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the base 6 comprises an inlet port 12 and outlet port 13.

On a raised section on the base 6, an inlet aperture 14 with guided channel is formed thereon. An outflow aperture 15 is provided on an opposed end, as shown in figure 2. The annular member 7 has cooperating apertures 16 that are substantially aligned with inlet aperture 14 and the guided channel. Another outflow aperture 17, provided on the annular member 7, is substantially aligned with the outflow aperture 15 of the base 6.

The tubular members 8 are substantially aligned with the apertures 16 of the annular member 7. Outflow apertures 18 are provided at a side of the tubular members 8. A securement member 19 which secures the entire ioniser 5, forms the central axis to which the tubular members 8 are secured to. The securement member may be in the form of a threaded bolt or other appropriate means. The tubular members form the cathodes during electrolysis. They are designed in such a manner as to be self cleaning. In other words, they have such curved surfaces so as not to allow deposits to accumulate thereon. The material comprising the tubular members, maybe any metallic material which acts as a cathode in an electrolytic cell. The tubular shape of the cathode thus provides for an even erosion of an anode member.

The lid 9 comprises apertures 20 for receiving probe members 10. Figure 3 shows the cross-sectional layout of the lid 9. The apertures 20 are substantially aligned with the tubular members 8. However, they are smaller in diameter to the tubular members 8, with a larger recessed area to accommodate the tubular members to be snug fit. The apertures 20 may be threaded to receive and secure the probe members 10 therein. Other suitable securing means may be employed.

An aperture 21 is provided to receive the securement member 19. The securement member 19, at one end is firstly, threadably secured in the aperture 23 004027751 PCT/AU01/00598 Received 5 April 2002 of the base 6. It then passes through aperture 24 on the annular member 7. At a second end it is received through aperture 21 on the lid 9 and secured by nut 22.

As shown in Figure 2, a first end of each probe member is mounted to a first end of a respective tubular member (via the lid Moreover, each probe member is concentric with a respective tubular member Probe members 10 form the anodes in the ioniser 5. They are inserted through the apertures 20-in the lid 9 and secured therein. In this embodiment they are threadably secured. Such an arrangement allows the probes to be easily replaced, without having to completely dismantle the ioniser 5. Other securing techniques can equally be employed. In an alternative form, the probe members may be completely contained within the ioniser 5 and sealed by the lid 9.

The probe members 10 extend longitudinally into the tubular members 8. In this embodiment they extend substantially the length of the tubular members 8.

The probe members 10 are solid cylindrical rods, which provide the maximum surface area on the probes for ionisation. The probe members 10 may be formed from any suitable metal that is required for the ionisation process.

These may include silver as in the application with a SIDU or copper. In this embodiment, three probes may be inserted and therefore, a combination of metals is possible, for example, silver, copper and magnesium.

The probe members 10 are electrically charged by a suitable power source (not shown). The type of power source, amperage requirement, etc is well known in ionisation processes and will not be discussed further.

A variant of the water ioniser shown in Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 8.

In this example, a water ioniser 50 is illustrated including a rectangular base 51 with a corresponding rectangular member 52 lying flush thereon. Tubular members 53 rest flush on the rectangular member 52. The base 51 comprises an inlet port 54 terminating in a rectangular channel 55 formed in the base 51. The rectangular member 52 has cooperating apertures 56 that are substantially aligned with the guide channel 55. The tubular members 53 are substantially aligned with the apertures 56 of the rectangular member 52. Outflow apertures AMENDSD SHEET

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.004027751 PCT/AU01/00598 Received 5 April 2002 57 are provided on opposing sides of each tubular member 53. A securement member 58 secures the tubular members 53 in fixed interrelation. In this figure, the canister cover, lid section, probe members and outlet port are not shown.

However, the operation of AMENDW

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~Pk-AIAU WO 01/90002 PCT/AU01/00598 6 the ioniser 50 is in all other aspects identical to that of the ioniser 5 shown in Figure 2.

The operation of the ioniser 5 will now be described with reference to figures 2, 3 and 4. The water to be ionised firstly enters the inlet port 12 of the base 6 and is thus guided through inlet aperture 14 and along the guided channel. The inlet aperture 14 and guided channel allows the water to be distributed evenly for each of the apertures 16 on the annular member 7. The water thus flows through-the apertures 16 and up through the tubular members 8. The probe members 10 are electrically charged and electrolytic cells are thus created. The water accumulates ions as it flows upwards along the probe members 10 and tubular members 8.

Outflow apertures 18 allow the ionised water to flow down the outside of the tubular members 8 and out through the outflow aperture 17 on the annular member 7 and 15 on the base. The ion containing water exits the base via outlet port 13 and may be directed to a drinking tap or other facilities, as the requirement maybe.

The ioniser 5 may also be used in conditions in which liquid or other water is not always supplied at a constant rate. When this occurs, the amount of ions deposited into the water in the canister decreases as the water flow increases. This phenomena is due to the fact that the ionisation rate remains constant or can even decrease as water flows through the canister decreases.

In these circumstances, the ioniser 5 may further comprise a flow proportioning device 30 inserted at the junction of the inlet port 12 and a liquid bypass path 31 interconnecting the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 13. As seen in Figures 5 and 6, the flow proportioning device 30 acts to maintain a constant liquid flow through the canister, whilst diverting excess liquid flow through the liquid bypass path 31. The flow proportioning device 30 may include a principle flow channel 32, between an inlet opening 33 and an ioniser outlet opening 34. Located between the two openings 33 and 34 is a by-pass opening 35 for diverting liquid flowing through the liquid flow passage 32 into the by-pass path 31. Located between the liquid by-pass opening 35 and the outlet opening 34 is a liquid flow restriction device 36 fitting snuggly within the circumference of the flow passage 32 and having a restricted flow passage 37 through which a constant liquid flow to the WO 01/90002 PCT/AU01/00598 7 ioniser 5 is maintained. A resilient device, such as a spring, 38 located between the outlet opening 34 and the flow restriction device 37 acts to vary the position of the flow restriction device 37 within the flow passage 32 according to the liquid flow opening 33. By maintaining a constant flow of liquid through the canister, it is possible to maintain a constant rate of mineral iron deposition into a liquid moving through the canister, regardless of the overall flow rate of that liquid.

It is also possible to control the rate of mineral ionisation into the liquid by means of electronic circuitry 40, as seen in Figure 7, that supplies current to the probe members 10 in the canister. A liquid flow sensor 41 is located in the inlet path of the water ioniser, and provides a variably AC signal to the electronic circuitry 40 indicative of the liquid flow through the ioniser 5. The electronic circuitry 40 includes a rectifier 42 and filter 43 connected in series for providing a variable DC signal to the inlet of a Voltage Control Current Supply (VCCS) 44.

The output current generated by the variable power supply 44 is proportional to the voltage input signal supplied by the rectifier 42 and filter 43. Accordingly, the sensor 41 detects the volume of liquid travelling through the inlet of the canister and adjusts the current supplied to the probes 10 proportionally. As the liquid flow increases, the electronic circuitry 40 acts to proportionally increase the current supplied to the probes 10. The deposition rate of mineral ions into the liquid in the ioniser 5 is accordingly increased. As the flow rate of liquid in the inlet decreases, the reverse occurs.

Since modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may be readily effected by persons skilled in the art, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described, by way of example hereinabove.

Claims (16)

1. A liquid ioniser comprising: a canister housing at least one tubular member, said at least one tubular member containing an electrically conductive liquid; a longitudinally extending probe member insertable into each said tubular member, and, a first end of the longitudinally extending probe member being mounted to a first end of the tubular member so that the longitudinally extending probe member is concentric with the tubular member, an inlet and an outlet port respectively for ingress and egress of the liquid into and out from said canister; wherein upon establishment of an electric current flow between said probe member and said tubular member, said probe member is caused to deposit ions in said liquid contained in said tubular member.

2. A liquid ioniser according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ioniser is a water ioniser.

3. A liquid ioniser according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the canister includes at least one aperture that is aligned with each said tubular member for receiving each respective probe member.

4. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each probe is attached or secured to the canister. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tubular member is a hollow cylinder. AMENDED HEEr PENAU rOO4027751 PCT/AU01/00598 Received

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6. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tubular member has an aperture in a side thereof to allow ionised liquid to flow out therefrom into said canister.

7. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tubular member forms a cathode during electrolysis. AMENDD ISHEET IKWAV~~g I 9 r,, O

8. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each probe member can be inserted through the at least one aperture. S 5

9. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each oo probe forms an anode during electrolysis.

010. A liquid ioniser according to claim 9, wherein each probe is at least partially C, formed from a metal that is required for ionising into the liquid.

11. A liquid loniser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet port allows the liquid to flow directly through the tubular member.

12. A liquid loniser according to claim 11, wherein the outlet port enables the ionised liquid to exit the canister.

13. A liquid ioniser according to either one of the claims 11 or 12, wherein the inlet port comprises a guide channel in a base member of the canister to distribute the liquid to each said tubular member.

14. A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising: a variable power supply for supplying an output current to the probe members, and a liquid flow detector for supplying a signal indicative of liquid flow through the canister to an input of the variable power supply, wherein output current generated by the variable power supply is proportional to the detected liquid flow.

A liquid ioniser according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising: a liquid bypass path interconnecting the inlet and outlet ports, and 004553138 O a flow-proportioning device for maintaining a constant liquid flow rate through the canister and diverting excess liquid flow through the liquid bypass path.

16. A liquid ioniser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 5 accompanying drawings. 00 C, CC Technologies Pty Ltd By Freehills Carter Smith Beadle Registered Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 5 October 2004