DE102008044294A1 - Mercury vapor lamp, process for sterilizing liquids and liquid sterilization device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mercury vapor lamp (1) having at least one gas discharge tube (3, 4), which has electrodes (6, 7) required for the gas discharge, in which, in addition to the electrodes (6, 7), means (20) for heating the Gas discharge tube (3, 4) are provided. A process for sterilizing liquids is also described, in which the mercury vapor lamp is additionally heated before or after switching on by means for heating provided in addition to the electrodes. In addition, a liquid sterilization device (70) will be described.

Description

The The invention relates to a mercury vapor lamp, a method for Sterilizing liquid and a liquid germinator.

Mercury vapor lamps need a certain amount of time after switching on, until the optimal radiant power is achieved because of the radiant power a minimum temperature of the gas discharge tube necessary is. For certain applications, this period of time may be may take too long, so the need is to create a mercury vapor lamp, their deployment time is shortened.

Mercury vapor lamps that emit UV radiation are used in particular in water sterilization devices. In order for the desired sterilization of the water to take place, the mercury vapor lamp has to achieve a certain emission power which is equal to or above the threshold power P _S necessary for the desired disinfection efficiency.

The germicidal effective UV emission power P _{eff of} a UV lamp is defined as follows:
P _eff is the germination relevant absolute radiation power (in watts) of the lamp in the spectral range between 170 and 350 nm, weighted with the relative spectral disinfection efficiency, based on the efficiency at 254 nm. The spectral disinfection efficiency is based on the absorption curve of the DNA, as z. In Brock, Microbiology, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1st edition, p. 191 , is specified.

For Low-pressure mercury vapor lamps corresponds to the simplified the absolute radiant power in the range between 250 and 260 nm.

The threshold power P _S is defined as follows:
P _S is the minimum power P _{eff of} the UV lamp in the water sanitizer, beyond which the disinfectant effectiveness stated by the manufacturer of the water sanitizer is safely achieved for all permissible operating conditions. The disinfecting efficacy may be given, for example, in percentage reduction of certain microorganisms / viruses, or else in an irradiation dose (unit: J / m ² ) which the microorganisms receive in the device. If no disinfectant efficacy is specified by the manufacturer of the device, the disinfecting effectiveness of the water disinfection device, as described below, shall apply DVGW standard W294 (2006) is determined.

It it is desirable that immediately with the beginning of the water extraction, d. H. with opening the shut-off device of the dispensing device and thus switching on the water sterilizing the sterilization takes place and the treated water for the consumer is available. This means that when triggered the tapping process the UV lamp immediately for safe disinfection should provide the necessary threshold power.

The use of oversized UV lamps, which reach the required threshold power P _S shortly after switching on, however, have the disadvantage that they require a much larger installation space because of the larger gas space. Another disadvantage is the increased energy consumption because the emission power in the warm state is significantly above the required threshold power P _S and this excess power, which is associated with increased cost and operating costs, but ultimately is not needed.

To remedy this situation, is in the EP 1 048 620 A1 proposed a water sterilization device comprising a UVC mercury vapor lamp, which is excited by high frequency. The electrodes of the lamps are therefore outside the discharge space. Instead of mercury, such lamps are typically provided with a gas filling containing xenon. The apparatus comprises a mercury vapor lamp having a discharge vessel with walls made of a dielectric material and provided on its outer surface at least with a first and a second electrode and with a gas filling containing xenon. In order to achieve a good spectral composition of the radiation for the sterilization of water, the walls are provided at least on a part of their inner surface with a coating which contains a luminescent substance emitting in the UVC range.

These Device for sterilizing water is within milliseconds 100% ready for use and has a spectral composition of the UV radiation, the only in the for the disinfection effect relevant range is between 230 and 300 nm.

Even though this water sanitizer immediately after switching is operational, this device has the disadvantage that the production costs, especially because of the high frequency excitation, compared to low pressure mercury lamps very high.

Another approach is found in the US 2004/0182761 A1 in which a water sterilization device with a UV lamp is described. In the middle of the UV lamp, a condensing element is provided, which between the electric which is arranged and cooled. The mercury contained in the UV lamp can condense there and when starting the lamp, this condensed mercury is evaporated faster, which, however, only a very small amount of time is achieved.

The US 5,738,780 describes a water sterilization device in which the lamp is operated even when no water flows through the reaction space. This increases the total power consumption and shortens the life of the lamp. When water is removed, the emission power of the lamp is raised accordingly and adapted to the water flow. A disadvantage of this device is that in the permanent-operated lamps, a large heat development occurs, which precludes an application for the production of sterilized and cooled water.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a mercury vapor lamp which provides a predetermined threshold power P _S after switching on within a short time. It is also an object of the invention to provide a liquid sterilization device and a method for sterilizing liquids, wherein sterilized liquid should be available as soon as possible after switching.

These Task is with a mercury vapor lamp with at least one Gas discharge tube required for the gas discharge Has electrodes dissolved, in addition to to the electrodes provided means for heating the gas discharge tube are.

These Means are in addition to the electrodes of the gas discharge tube, especially in warm-cathode lamps in addition to the Heating elements of the electrodes, provided.

It has been shown that the desired emission performance after switching on the mercury vapor lamp, d. H. after the ignition the gas discharge is achieved significantly faster, if already before switching on the gas discharge tube is heated or when switching on not only ignited the gas discharge but at the same time the gas discharge tube in addition to the heat generated by the gas discharge process, is heated. The additionally registered heat energy accelerates the startup of the mercury vapor lamp. Especially in UV-emitting mercury vapor lamps, preferably can be used in sterilizing devices, so that the time span to achieve the desired threshold power PS clearly be reduced.

Preferably these means are to a uniform heating the gas discharge tube is formed. Especially with UV-emitting mercury vapor lamps is the current emission power by the coldest Point of the gas discharge tube determined. With a uniform Heating the gas discharge tube will be cold sinking avoided and shortened the start-up phase.

Should the gas discharge tube by design cooler Have sections, so are the means for heating the gas discharge tube designed so that in these places a larger Heat energy is registered as elsewhere.

When Means for heating the gas discharge tube are different according to the invention Embodiments possible.

According to one first embodiment, it is provided that the means for heating the gas discharge tube at least one heating element include.

One such heating element is preferably to its own power supply connected and preferably with the switching on of the gas discharge tube switched on simultaneously. The heating element (s) may / may inside the gas discharge tube, in at least one Wall of the gas discharge tube or outside be arranged on the wall of the gas discharge tube.

in this connection Care must be taken that the heating element is the radiation to be emitted as little handicapped as possible. It is therefore preferred that the heating element comprises at least one heating wire.

Prefers the heating element is a heating coil.

A such heating coil can be wound around the gas discharge tube or as a helix within the gas discharge tube or disposed within the wall of the gas discharge tube be.

A second embodiment provides that the heating element by an electrically conductive coating on the interior and / or on the outer surface of the gas discharge tube is formed. As an electrically conductive coating can, for. Legs Aluminum layer are provided. This electrically conductive coating can, for example, strip on the surfaces mentioned be upset.

A Third embodiment provides that the gas discharge tube by means of a heated fluid, d. H. by means of a heated Heated liquid or a heated gas is.

For this embodiment preferably comprises the means at least one channel, which flows through a heated fluid becomes. Such a channel can, for example, in the wall of the gas discharge tube be introduced.

The Means for heating the gas discharge tube can also at least one of a heated fluid flowed through Include element. Such an element may be in the gas discharge tube or also be arranged around the gas discharge tube around. Suitable For this example, a waveguide, such as a hose or a tube. The material of the waveguide consists preferably from a UV-transparent material to to keep the absorption as low as possible.

A Another embodiment provides that the means for heating the gas discharge tube, a blower for flowing around the gas discharge tube with a heated gas include.

When heated gas can, for example, the waste heat another component of a device are used in the the gas discharge tube is installed. When the mercury vapor lamps for example, as part of a water sanitizer installed in a cooling unit, the waste heat for example, a capacitor of such a compression refrigerator be used.

Instead of To use the waste heat can be a means of heating the Gas discharge tube also a heater for heating of air.

It is advantageous if the gas discharge tube of is surrounded by a channel-forming element. Preferably, this is channel-forming element arranged so that between the gas discharge tube and the channel-forming element is provided with a gap, through which the heated gas can be passed. At the end the channel-forming element, the introduced gas can be discharged or even be returned to the still warm Gas to heat to the original temperature and again to use. The channel-forming element may, for example, a in cross-section be round, oval or square pipe.

The Mercury vapor lamp can be a cold cathode lamp or a hot cathode lamp, in particular a low pressure lamp or a UVC lamp.

The object is procedurally achieved by irradiating in the process for sterilizing liquids, in particular water, in which liquid flowing through at least one reaction chamber is irradiated by at least one mercury vapor lamp having a UV emission output which is above a predetermined threshold power P _S , the mercury vapor lamp is heated additionally before or with the switching by means provided in addition to the electrodes means for heating.

The Heating the mercury vapor lamp can also be done before switching it on be performed. In this case, the heating is preferably until switching on and particularly preferably over the Warm-up time of the mercury vapor lamp heated. To the switching is so far an additional Heat up as the gas discharge tube by the gas discharge also generates heat itself.

has the mercury vapor lamp z. B. electrodes with heating coils, so it is then also an additional heating, when the heating coils of the electrodes are also in operation.

Preferably, the mercury vapor lamp is additionally heated at least until the threshold power P _{S is} reached.

It is according to another embodiment beneficial, the mercury vapor lamp at least as long as additional to heat until the optimum lamp temperature is reached. The optimum lamp temperature is reached when the emitted Emission power of the mercury vapor lamp essentially her Maximum reached.

It It is further preferred that the temperature of the mercury vapor lamp is within a bandwidth around the optimum temperature in on or off not switch on when the lamp is at its optimum Temperature can not reach itself. This can be, for example then become necessary when the UV lamp is in a very cold Environment is located so that even when the UV lamp is in operation is, the lamp temperature drops further. By means of a Additional heating can be difficult under these conditions Nevertheless, the optimal lamp temperature can be maintained.

According to one Another alternative is to make a heating even if the UV lamp is not in operation. The additional funds for heating in this case the only means for heating the gas discharge tube.

in this connection the temperature of the mercury vapor lamp is controlled and in a predetermined bandwidth held.

The means for heating the gas discharge tube are preferably always on and switched off when the lamp temperature exceeds or falls below the specified bandwidth of the lamp temperature. The heating can be controlled or kept constant so that the lamp temperature is constantly in the bandwidth. Instead of a constant heating, an intermittent heating can be made.

The Fluid sterilization device with at least one liquid-flowable vessel, having at least one reaction chamber, and at least a mercury vapor lamp with at least one gas discharge tube, is characterized in that in addition to the electrodes Means are provided for heating the gas discharge tube.

A Such device may have a switching and / or regulating device, which switches and / or regulates the means for heating.

The Device can be connected to at least one temperature sensor for Detecting the lamp temperature, and / or at least one UV sensor and / or be connected at least one motion sensor.

Of the UV sensor comes during operation of the mercury vapor lamp used and measures the radiated UV power. Should this fall below a predetermined value, the means for heating the gas discharge tube switched on.

optional also the lamp can be switched on prematurely, d. H. before the means for heating are turned on.

Of the Motion sensor is through which the liquid sterilization device approaching person raised so before the Reaching the liquid sterilization device the mercury vapor lamp and / or the means for heating the gas discharge tube can be turned on.

A Liquid germicidal device is preferably one Wasserentkeimungsvorrichtung. Water sterilization devices are preferably in a refrigerator, for. B. a refrigerator or in connection with a device for dispensing cooled Liquid, especially chilled water used.

exemplary Embodiments of the invention are described below explained in more detail in the drawings.

It demonstrate:

1 a diagram of the start-up behavior of a mercury vapor lamp with and without additional heating;

2 - 11 Mercury vapor lamps according to various embodiments,

12 a schematic representation of a liquid sterilization device, and

13 a schematic diagram of a liquid sterilization device

In the 1 is the start-up behavior of a shown with and without additional heating. At time t ₀ , the mercury vapor lamp is switched on without additional heating. The emission power jumps to a value of approx. 7.5 within 1 second and then rises slowly (curve I). If the threshold power P _S required for a sterilization is at a value of 12, this mercury vapor lamp requires about 34 seconds from the time t ₀ .

In comparison, the startup behavior of a mercury vapor lamp with an additional heater (curve II) is shown. At time t ₀ not only the mercury vapor lamp is ignited, but also the additional heating is switched on. As a result, the emission power of the mercury vapor lamp very quickly (after about 3 seconds) exceeds the threshold power P _s . At time t _S , which in this example is about 10 seconds after the switch-on time t ₀ , the additional heater is switched off, which leads to the fact that the emission power initially drops. The curve II passes through a minimum and then rises again, with the emission performance substantially stabilized from about 70 seconds.

It can be seen that the threshold power at a mercury vapor lamp is achieved much faster with an additional heating.

In the 2 is a first embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown. The lamp essentially comprises a lamp cap 2 and a gas discharge tube serving as a double tube 3 . 4 is executed. The two discharge tubes 3 . 4 are over a bridge 5 connected with each other. In each gas discharge tube 3 . 4 there is an electrode 6 . 7 , each via the connectors 8th . 9 led out on the lamp base. Around the gas discharge tubes 3 . 4 is a means 20 for additional heating of the mercury vapor lamp 1 in the form of two interconnected heating coils 30 shown. These heating coils are over the connections 32 . 34 led to the outside.

To the connections 8th . 9 is a tension care 10 for the electrodes 6 . 7 connected. The heating coil 30 has its own power supply 36 which may also include a switching device.

In the 3 is on average another embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown. The two electrodes 6 . 7 are in the only gas discharge tube 3 each at the end of the two sockets 2 arranged. Inside the gas discharge tube 3 is as a means 20 for heating the gas discharge tube a coil 30 , which is also connected at the ends of the gas discharge tube.

In the 4 is another embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown. Instead of inside the gas discharge tube 3 arranged heating coil are two heating wires 38a , b provided, which has connections 39a , Federation 40a , b can be connected to a respective voltage supply device.

In the 5 is an embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown in which the heating coil 30 into the wall of the gas discharge tube 3 is integrated.

In the 6 is an embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown in the heating wires 38a in the longitudinal direction on the outside of the gas discharge tube 3 are arranged.

In the 7 is a mercury vapor lamp 1 shown in which both the inner and the outer surfaces are provided with an electrically conductive coating, the means 20 for heating the mercury vapor lamp 1 form. The electrodes are in the 7 ff not shown for reasons of clarity.

As in the sectional view of 8th can be seen, the vapor-deposited metallic strips are located both on the inside and on the outside of the gas discharge tube 3 , The connections are not shown in the two drawings.

In the 9 is another embodiment of a mercury vapor lamp 1 to see, which is heated by means of a fluid. These are in the wall of the gas discharge tube 3 as a means 20 for heating the mercury vapor ducts 50 provided, which are flowed through by a heated fluid. The supply takes place according to the embodiment shown here via corresponding channels in the lamp base 2 ,

In the 10a is shown a further embodiment, wherein the means for heating the mercury vapor lamp 1 through a waveguide in the form of a hose coil 52 is formed, which - like the enlarged sectional view in the 10b shows - can be traversed by a fluid. The waveguide can also be realized in the form of a tube or another fluid-carrying structure. The material of the waveguide consists in a preferred embodiment of a UV-transparent material.

In the 11 a further embodiment is shown, wherein the means 20 for heating the lamp by a blower 60 and a heater 62 be formed. fan 60 and heating device 62 are at the bottom of the mercury vapor lamp 1 arranged so that the heated air from the fan in the longitudinal direction towards the base 2 is blown. The heated gas, in particular heated air flows through the gas discharge tube 3 and is derived in the area of the base or also returned again (not shown). To facilitate the air flow, there is the mercury vapor lamp 1 in a protective tube 58 , Between the gas discharge tube 3 and the protective tube 58 there is a corresponding gap, so that through this the heated air can be passed.

In the 12 is a water sanitizer 70 representing a vessel 72 with inlet 76 and spout 78 and a reaction chamber 74 includes. Inside the vessel is a mercury vapor lamp 1 with an outside around the gas discharge tube 3 wound heating coil 30 , The heating coil 30 is to a facility 36 connected, which includes the power supply and a switching and / or regulating device. The electrodes are connected to a power supply and switching device 90 connected. On the outside of the gas discharge tube 3 there is a temperature sensor 80 who also with the decor 36 connected is. Depending on the measured lamp temperature, the switching on and off or regulation of the means takes place 20 for heating the gas discharge tube 3 ,

Additionally or alternatively, a UV sensor 82 between the gas discharge tube 3 and the vessel 72 as well as a motion sensor 84 be provided, which also to the institution 36 are connected.

In the 13 is a schematic diagram of a liquid sterilization device shown via a port 100 connected to a water pipe. About a valve 102 enters the supplied and to be sterilized water in the reaction chamber 74 and leaves as sterilized water over the outlet 104 the liquid germinator.

The UV lamp 1 is to a switching and / or control device 36 connected with a motion sensor 84 , a temperature sensor 80 and a UV sensor 82 connected is. It is not necessary that all three sensors are connected to the switching and / or regulating device. Depending on the application, it may be sufficient to provide only one or two of the sensors mentioned.

In addition, the switching and / or regulating device 36 at the valve 102 and the outlet 104 connected, which are components of the dispensing device. The operator can initiate the tapping process via a push-button provided at the outlet. In this case, via the switching and / or regulating device 36 the valve 102 opened and the tapping process started.

With the triggering of the tapping process, the UV lamp or the additional means for heating the UV lamp 1 be turned on.

If a motion sensor 84 is provided, if necessary, the UV lamp and / or the additional heating means is switched on prematurely via the switching and / or regulating device. In this case, only when a button is pressed in the area of the outlet 104 via the switching and / or regulating device the valve 102 opened and the tapping process initiated.

1

Mercury vapor lamp

2

lamp base

3

Gas discharge tube

4

Gas discharge tube

5

bridge

6

electrode

7

electrode

8th

connection

9

connection

10

Power supply means

20

medium for heating the gas discharge tube

30

heating coil

32

connection

34

connection

36

switching and / or control device

38a, b

heating wire

39a, b

connection

40a, b

connection

44

coating

50

channel

52

tube

58

pipe

60

fan

62

heater

70

Wasserentkeimungsvorrichtung

72

vessel

74

reaction chamber

76

enema

78

outlet

80

temperature sensor

82

UV sensor

84

motion sensor

90

Power Supply and switching device

100

connection to water pipe

102

Valve

104

outlet

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1048620 A1 [0009]
• US 2004/0182761 A1 [0012]
• US 5738780 [0013]

Cited non-patent literature

• - Brock, Microbiology, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1st edition, p. 191 [0004]
• - DVGW standard W294 (2006) [0006]

Claims (26)

Mercury vapor lamp ( 1 ) with at least one gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ), the electrodes required for the gas discharge ( 6 . 7 ), characterized in that in addition to the electrodes ( 6 . 7 ) Medium ( 20 ) for heating the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) are provided. Lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) to a uniform heating of the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) are formed. Lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) for heating the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) comprise at least one heating element. Lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating element inside the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) is arranged. Lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating element in at least one wall of the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) is arranged. Lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating element outside the wall of the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) is arranged. Lamp according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the heating element at least one heating wire ( 38a , b). Lamp according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the heating element is a heating coil ( 30 ). Lamp according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating element is an electrically conductive coating ( 44 ) on the inner and / or on the outer surface of the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ). Lamp according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) is heatable by means of a fluid. Lamp according to claim 10, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) for heating at least one channel ( 50 ), which is flowed through by a heated fluid. Lamp according to claim 10, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) comprise for heating at least one element through which a heated fluid flows. Lamp according to claim 12, characterized in that the flow-through element is a waveguide. Lamp according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) for heating the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) a blower ( 60 ) for inflating the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) with a heated gas. Lamp according to claim 13, characterized in that the means ( 20 ) for heating a heating device ( 62 ) for heating air. Lamp according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) from a channel-forming element ( 58 ) is surrounded. Lamp according to claim 16, characterized in that between the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) and the channel-forming element ( 58 ) A space is provided. Method for sterilizing liquids, in which liquid flowing through at least one reaction chamber is irradiated by at least one mercury vapor lamp which has a UV emission output which is above a predefined threshold power P _S , characterized in that the mercury vapor lamp is switched on or off by means of an additional to the electrodes provided means for heating is additionally heated. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the mercury vapor lamp is additionally heated at least until the threshold power P _{S is} reached. Method according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the mercury vapor lamp at least as long as it is additionally heated until the optimum lamp temperature is reached. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the temperature of the mercury vapor lamp is controlled within a range around the optimum temperature. Method for sterilizing liquids, in which liquid flowing through at least one reaction chamber is irradiated by at least one mercury vapor lamp which has a UV emission power exceeding a predetermined threshold power P _S , characterized in that by means of the additional heating means in the non-activated state Lamp the temperature of the mercury vapor lamp is controlled and kept in a designated range. Liquid germinating device ( 70 ) with at least one vessel through which liquid can flow ( 72 ), the at least one reaction chamber ( 74 ), and with at least one mercury vapor lamp ( 1 ), the electrodes required for the gas discharge ( 6 . 7 ), with at least one gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ), characterized in that in addition to the electrodes ( 6 . 7 ) Means for heating the gas discharge tube ( 3 . 4 ) are provided. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that a switching and / or regulating device ( 36 ) is provided, which switches the means for heating and / or regulated. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the switching and control device ( 36 ) to at least one temperature sensor ( 90 ) for detecting the lamp temperature and / or at least one UV sensor and / or at least one motion sensor is connected. Use of the liquid germicidal device according to claim 22, on or in a cooling device and / or in conjunction with a device for dispensing chilled Water.