GB2468183A - Portable and transportable water purification unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for treating and purifying contaminated water utilises a portable and transportable vessel powered by a rechargeable battery that can be recharged using solar power. The method comprises the use of a free radical generating electrolytic cell to generate drinkable water. The free radicals, which are generated, may be free oxygen, hydroxyl, perhydroxyl and chlorine radicals. The electrolytic cell may possess electrodes composed of a core of electrically conductive material coated with a composition of precious metal mixed oxides. Preferably, the core comprises titanium. Typically, a flexible solar panel is used. The contaminated water may contain both chemical and biological contaminants. The contaminated water can be seawater or brackish water.

Description

Portable and Transjortable Water Purification Unit TWP & PWP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The desire to benefit humanity in as many ways as possible, the scope for FR (Free Radicals) TWP (Transportable Water Purification unit) & PWP (Portable Water Purification unit) units are to provide purified, drinkable water in line with the WHO (World Health Organization) standards in arid, war torn, disaster areas etc was identified as a worthwhile and achievable goal. In order to achieve portability, energy efficiency became a key factor as a measure of success. As a result of this, the new portable vessels have been designed using the minimum amount of electricity possible, and with no need for any chemicals' This new TWP & PWP have been designed to be a great piece of survival equipment that could save many lives in the developing world, in disaster relief zones, refugee camps, missionary and medical teams, camping-hunting-fishing trips, remote water treatment, remote villages, remote work camps, feeding programs, military and displaced persons emergency and for armies wherever they may be stationed Both TWP& PWP requires low energy, which gives the scope for the rechargeable battery for the unit to be powered by solar energy, purifies water to a greater extent and faster than current technologies in use.

This invention relates to a transportable and portable unit that can purifr any stagnant, dirty and contaminated undrinkable water, brackish and seawater to potable drinkable water by using a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by solar power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WATER AVAILABLE ON THE EARTH AND

PRIOR ART OF PORTABLE WATER TREATMENT

Water is a tasteless, odourless, and nearly colourless (it has as light hint of light blue) liquid in its pure form that is essential to all known forms of life and is known also as the most universal solvent. Water is an abundant substance on Earth. It exists in many places and forms. It appears mostly in the oceans and polar ice caps, but also as clouds, precipitation, rivers, aquifers and sea ice. On the planet, water is continuously moving through the cycle involving evaporation, precipitation, and runoff to the sea.

Water is an indispensable factor for life, but if the water is contaminated with bacteria, algae, any living-organic material, high concentration of salt, organic or inorganic compounds, it can be very harmful or even cause death if used as drinking water.

River, stagnant rain water, brackish water, lake water and any other water without disinfection and purification; or disinfected water left for some time in the open air, will grow harmful bacteria such as e-coli, legionella, etc. Even a crystal-clear stream or lake usually contains micro-organisms that can make you sick and endanger human lives.

Drinking water is water that is intended to be ingested by humans. Water of sufficient quality to serve as drinking water is termed potable water whether it is used as such or not. Although many sources are utilized by humans, some contain disease vectors or pathogens and cause long-term health problems if they do not meet certain water quality guidelines. Water that is not harmful for human beings is sometimes called safe water, water which is not contaminated to the extent of being unhealthy. The available supply of drinking water is an important criterion of carrying capacity, the population level that can be supported by planet Earth As of the year 2006 (and pre-existing for at least three decades), there is a substantial shortfall in the availability of potable water in lesser developed countries, primarily arising from overpopulation. As of the year 2000, 37 percent of the populations of lesser developed countries do not have access to safe drinking water. Implications for disease propagation are significant.

Ground water (usually supplied as well water) is typically a more economical choice than surface water (from rivers, lakes and streams) as a source for drinking, as it is inherently pre-filtered by the aquifer from which it is extracted. Over large areas of the world, aquifers are recharged as part of the hydrologic cycle. In more arid regions, water from an aquifer will have a limited output and can take thousands of years to recharge. Surface water is locally more abundant where subsurface formations do not function as aquifers; however, ground water is far more abundant than the more-visible surface water. Surface water is a typical raw water source used to make drinking water where it is abundant and where ground water is unavailable or of poor quality. However, it is much more exposed to human activity and its byproducts, and therefore needs to be carefully monitored for the presence of a variety of contaminants.

Sources of drinking water 1.Deep ground water The water emerging from some deep groundwaters may have fallen as rain many decades, hundreds, thousands or in some cases millions of years ago. Soil and rock layers naturally filter the ground water to a high degree of clarity before it is pumped to the treatment plant. Such water may emerge as springs, artesian springs, or may be extracted from boreholes or wells. Deep ground water is generally of very high bacteriological quality (i.e. pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter or the pathogenic protozoa Cryptosporidium and Giardia) are typically absent, but the water typically is rich in dissolved solids, especially carbonates and sulphates of calcium and magnesium. Depending on the strata through which the water has flowed, other ions may also be present including chloride and bicarbonate. There may be a requirement to reduce the iron or manganese content of this water to make it pleasant for drinking, cooking, and laundry use. Disinfection is also required. Where groundwater recharge is practised, it is equivalent to lowland surface waters for treatment purposes.

2.Shallow groundwaters Water emerging from shallow groundwaters is usually abstracted from wells or boreholes. The bacteriological quality can be variable depending on the nature of the catchment. A variety of soluble materials may be present including (rarely) potentially toxic metals such as zinc and copper. Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a serious problem in some areas, notably from shallow wells in Bangladesh and West Bengal in the Ganges Delta.

3.Upland lakes and reservoirs Typically located in the headwaters of river systems, upland reservoirs are usually sited above any human habitation and may be surrounded by a protective zone to restrict the opportunities for contamination. Bacteria and pathogen levels are usually low, but some bacteria, protozoa or algae will be present. Where uplands are forested or peaty, humic acids can colour the water. Many upland sources have low pH which require adjustment.

4.Rivers, canals and low land reservoirs Low land surface waters will have a significant bacterial load and may also contain algae, suspended solids and a variety of dissolved constituents.

5.Atmospheric water generation This is a new technology that can provide high quality drinking water by extracting water from the air by cooling the air and thus condensing water vapour.

6.Rainwater harvesting or fog collection Collecting water from the atmosphere can be used especially in areas with significant dry seasons and in areas which experience fog even when there is little rain.

Water purification: Is the process of removing contaminants from a raw water source. The goal is to produce water for a specific purpose with a treatment profile designed to limit the inclusion of specific materials. Most water is purified for human consumption. Water purification may also be designed for a variety of other purposes, including to meet the requirements of medical, pharmacology, chemical and industrial applications.

Methods include, but are not limited to: ultra violet light, filtration, water softening, reverse osomis, ultrafiltration, molecular stripping, deionization, and carbon treatment. All of these methods are expanded below.

Water purification may remove: particulate sand; suspendad particles of organic materal; parasites such as Giardia, Cryptospordium; bacteria; algae; viruses; fungi; as well as minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, etc., and toxic metals, eg lead; copper; chromium; etc. Some purification may be elective in the purification process, including smell (hydrogen sulfide remediation), taste (mineral extraction), and appearance (iron incapsulation).

Drinking water is usually subjected to one or more treatment processes aimed at improving its safety and/or its aesthetic quality. Fresh waters can be treated by one or more processes, such as: coagulation, sedimentation, granular media filtration, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane filtration, slow sand filtration, and disinfection, and sometimes softening. The conversion of high salinity waters like seawater and brackish waters to potable water by desalination is being increasingly practiced in water-short areas as demand for water increases, and the technology becomes more economically attractive. More than 6 billion gallons of desalinated water are produced daily throughout the world. Since remineralization of desalinated water is required, a logical question is: are there methodologies that could bring with them additional benefits such as by reconstituting certain important minerals? Natural waters are of widely diverse compositions depending upon their geologic and geographical origin and the treatments that they have undergone. For example, rain waters and some rain water-dominated surface waters have very low salinity and mineralization, whereas some ground waters can become highly, and sometimes excessively mineralized. If remineralization of processed water is desirable for health reasons, another logical question is whether some natural waters would also be more healthful if they also contained appropriate amounts of beneficial minerals? Types of portable water purification systems currently in the market: 1-Filters: Portable pump filters are commercially available with ceramic filters, removing contaminants down to the 0.2 -0.3 micrometer range. Some also utilize activated charcoal filtering. Most filters of this kind remove bacteria and protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia, but not viruses, so a further step of disinfection by chemicals or ultraviolet light is required after filtration. Effective chemical additives include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, iodine, and sodium hypochlorite (bleach). There have been polymer and ceramic filters on the market that incorporate iodine post-treatment in their filter elements to kill viruses, but most have disappeared due to the unpleasant taste imparted to the water, as well as possible adverse health effects when iodine is ingested over protracted periods.

The disadvantages of this type of portable water purification system are: * It is slow process (a few hours, to produce even one litre) * It cannot be used for water contaminated with algae, fungi, moulds, etc or turbid water with high suspended matters, because this type of debris would block the porosity of the ceramic filter, slowing and eventually preventing the water from passing through the filter. This would then also cause the colonization of different types of bacteria on the surface of the filter, completely negating any previous purification.

* There is no residual disinfection (i.e. the water has no inherent qualities to prevent re-infection) so immediately after filtration the water can be contaminated again.

Reverse Osmosis: Small, hand-pumped reverse osmosis filters were originally developed for the military in the late 1980s for use as survival equipment. For example, they were included with inflatable rafts on aircraft. Civilian versions are also available. Instead of using the static pressure of a water supply line to force the water through the filter, pressure is provided by a hand-operated pump, similar in function and appearance to a mechanics grease gun. These devices can generate drinkable water from seawater.

The disadvantages of the portable RO unit are: * Whilst the filtration elements may do an excellent job of removing bacteria and fungi contaminants from drinking water when new, the elements themselves can, through use, become colonization sites. The trapped organic material provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

* In recent years, some filters have been enhanced by bonding silver metal nano -particles to the ceramic element andior to the activated charcoal to suppress the growth of pathogens. Despite this improvement, still this system is not safe enough to eradicate all the bacteria and viruses in the contaminated water and cannot be used for turbid water or water contaminated with algae, fungi or moulds, * The purified water has zero residual disinfection time, i.e. it is open to re infection immediately after the purification process.

* The purification process is too slow due to the fact that the hand-operated pump cannot create sufficient pressure to speed up the reverse osmosis process, which makes it impracticable.

* RO also creates 3 to 5 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of filtered water it produces.

Chemical disinfection: Iodine is added to water as a solution, crystallised, or in tablets. The iodine kills many but not all of the most common pathogens present in natural fresh water sources. Carrying iodine for water purification is an imperfect but lightweight solution for those in need of field purification of drinking water. Kits are available in camping stores that include an iodine pill and a second pill (vitamin C or ascorbic acid) that will remove the iodine taste from the water after it has been disinfected.

Chlorine-based bleach may be used for emergency disinfection. Add 2 drops of 5% bleach per litre or quart of clear water, then let stand covered for 30 to 60 minutes.

After this it may be left open to reduce the chlorine smell and taste.

S

* Neither chlorine (e.g. bleach) nor iodine alone are considered effective against Cryptosporidiurn, and they are limited in effectiveness against Giardia.

* As a chemical process, it is not recommended & not practised.

Ultraviolet purification: Ultraviolet (UV) light destroys DNA and thereby prevents microbes from reproducing. Germicidal UV light between about 240 nm and 290 nm -acts on Thymine, one of the four base nucleotides in DNA. When a germicidal UV photon is absorbed by a thymine molecule that is adjacent to another thymine within the DNA strand, a covalent bond or dymer, between the molecules is created. This thymine dymer prevents enzymes from "reading' the DNA and copying it. Without the ability to replicate DNA, the microbe cannot reproduce and is rendered harmless.

The UV light disinfection process is not successful due to: * Any particle in the water, however miniscule, may shadow and protect any bacteria and viruses from the power of the UV disinfecton.

* The UV does kill the bacteria & viruses, but it does not deconstruct them to the original elements of carbon, oxygen, etc. Therefore, the bodies will remain and will have a pathogenic, harmful effect on human consumption. As soon as the water passes from the UV region it is open to infection again, i.e. the disinfected water has zero residual disinfection time.

Solar Water Disinfection (SODISi: In SODIS microbes are destroyed by temperature and UVA radiation provided by the sun. Water is placed in a transparent plastic bottle, which is oxygenated by shaking. It is placed for six hours in full sun, which raises the temperature and gives an extended dose of solar radiation, killing some microbes that may be present. The combination of the two provides a simple method of disinfection in tropical developing countries.

This method is not practicable because: * Most of the sun UV will absorbed by the plastic bottle's wall and the temperature generated in the sun inside the bottle is not sufficient enough to kill the bacteria and the viruses * It depends entirely on the weather conditions.

Granular Activated Charcoal: Similar to mainstream water filter appliances for home use, passing water through wet activated charcoal can remove contaminants. The major problem associated with carbon in any form is bacterial contamination.

* Wet activated carbon, richly infused with trapped organic mattei provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. High bacterial levels occur when the carbon is fully saturated and then left to stand [e.g. overnight]. As the water temperature inside the carbon cartridge rises, bacteria breeding escalates.

* Silver impregnated granular activated carbon does reduce the amount of bacterial growth that occurs, but silver can be overcome by the increased rate of growth. Granulated Carbon cannot hold onto bacteria, so when water flow is reintroduced a highly contaminated sample can be the output.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method and apparatus for use in the performance of the method, all in accordance with the invention, share characteristic features as set forth in the claims schedule hereof and, accordingly, wording corresponding to that contained in said claims and the inter-dependencies there between, are deemed to be here set forth.

The FR (Free Radicals) Transportable & Portable Water Purification Unit (TWP&PWPj provides drinking water from naturally available water, including contaminated water.

Both units are substances that are removed show during the trial process include parasites (such as Griadia or Cryptosporidium), bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals (including scale and toxic metals such as lead, copper etc.), and man-made chemical pollutants. Many contaminants can be dangerous-but depending on the quality standards, others are removed to improve the waters smell, taste, and appearance Transportable and Portable Water Purification System: Are used to treat water in remote or rural locations, or in emergency settings, to make it safe for drinking purposes. Although it is sometimes believed that water found in backcountry or wilderness areas is clean and potable, such water is often unsafe to drink.

Large rivers may be polluted with sewage effluent, surface runoff or industrial pollutants from sources far upstream. However even small streams, springs and wells may be contaminated by animal waste and pathogens. The presence of dead animals upstream is not uncommon.

In most parts of the world, water may contain bacterial or protozoa contamination originating from human and animal waste or pathogens, which use other organisms as an intermediate host. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp., both of which cause diarrhoea (see Qiardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis) are common pathogens. Less commonly in developed countries are organisms such as Vibrio Cholera which causes cholera and various strains of Salmonella which cause typhoid and para-typhoid diseases. Pathogenic viruses may also be found in water. The larvae of flukes are particularly dangerous in areas frequented by sheep, deer or cattle. If such microscopic larvae are ingested, they can form potentially life-threatening cysts in the brain or liver. This risk extends to plants grown in or near water including the commonly eaten watercress.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF A

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE TWP & PWP INVENTION: The present technology for both TWP & PWP is aimed for eradicating any contaminating micro-organisms, whether they be viruses, bacteria, protozoa as well as any organic material, inorganic chemical, metal ions, odours, bad taste etc without usin any chemicals, but by applying the highest level of Free Radicals (FR) purification technology.

The Contaminated water which can be treated by TWP & PWP may contain dissolved organic and inorganic ions and other substances. The water may also smell and look bad, and may also contain bacteria, moulds, proto2oa, viruses, algae, yeasts and other microbiological organisms at levels that threaten public health. Microbial contaminants that may be of special concern are pesticides, minerals and solvents which may cause gastrointestinal problems, skin irritations, cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and other chronic health effects.

The FR-cell with different design are used for both TWP & PWP has a solid form electrode structure comprising a core of an electrically conductive electrochemically stable material, advantageously titanium, with a cladding of precious metal oxides thereon. The coated oxides used for FR-Cell is Sn/Sb/Pt, which produce peroxides in access and reducing the hydrogen gas production.

The oxide coating is applied by any suitable means and method: painting, pyrolysis or annealing coating techniques.

Electrical current is applied to FR-Cell from 6or 12-volts battery via the control panel.

In the course of electrolysis, generation in the water to be treated of free radicals.

More particularly oxygen {O}, hydroxyl {OH}, Perhydroxyl (H02) and Chlorine radicals. These free radicals producing strong oxidants i.e. hydrogen peroxide, ozone chlorine dioxide and other organic peroxides.

Combining of free radicals, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide which reacts chemically with common taste and odour compounds, volatile organic compounds VOCs) and other micro-contaminants, will give a much higher rate of contaminant removal when compared with conventional methods.

Free radicals along with ozone and hydrogen peroxide will give a much higher rate of contaminant removal when compared with conventional methods.

Substances that are removed during the trial process include parasites (such as Griadia or Cryptosporidium), bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals (including scale and toxic metals such as lead, copper etc.), and man-made chemical pollutants. Many contaminants can be dangerous, but depending on the quality standards, others are removed to improve the waters smell, taste, and appearance.

The biomass is reduced as the oxidising action ruptures the bacterial cell membrane and the bacterial cellular content. The process, known as cell lysing, results in the cellular cytoplasm being dispersed in the water, leading to a rapid breakdown of dissolved organic matter even to the extent of destroying compounds that are difficult to degrade biologically. The result is no pathogenic matter lefi from any micro-organism destroyed in the purification process of the contaminated water.

Description of FR-Cell

TWP FR-CeHlFig.3 & PWP FR-CellIFi.5 Two different designed cells used for TWP & PWP.

TWP FR-Cell/Fig-3 consist of electrodes (anodes H-cathodes) made of titanium as substrate, coated with precious metals mixed oxides. The coated oxides used for FR-Cell is Sn/Sb/Pt, which produce peroxides in access and reducing the hydrogen gas production..

The number of the electrodes and power applied to FR-Cell is related to the volume of the water required treatment. The electrodes are separated by non-conductive material separator, within 3-5mm gap. The bottom end of FR-Cell has two threaded bolts welded to the anode and cathode terminals. For TWP FR-Cell embedded in a plastic box, normally PVC, polypropylene or polycarbonate. The plastic box has water inlet located at the lower part connected to line L7(Fig. 1), allowing the water to pass through FR-Cell toward the top, back to the tank Ti. The FR-Cell is fixed by means of two holes at the bottom of tank Ti by means of the electrodes bolts and nuts. The electrodes are connected to rechargeable battery via the control panel(CP) or direct to the solar panel. In some cases, aluminium electrodes are used in conjuction with the mixed oxides coated anodes to generate aluminium ions to treat the contaminated water.

PWP FR-Cell Fig.5, the number of the electrodes might be varied according to the volume of the water required purification.. The electrodes are welded to two threaded bolts which represent the anode and the cathode, they are fixed by water prove nuts to part 2 as it shown in Fig PWP-Fig.2 Valves: All the valves used in TWP are manual valves or solenoid valves some have one-way, two-ways and some three-ways. The solenoid valves are used is case the system required to be operated automatically, in this case extra 12 or 6 volts rechargeable battery required to be installed on the unit to operate the solenoid valves via supply control box.

As for the valves used for PWP are one way manual valves.

The water will have the following iualities after treatment: * Free from the ozone within 21 minutes * The peroxides and chlorine dioxide concentration in the water range between 5-iOppm, is harmless, which provide the purified water with residual disinfection power * The water can be stored with residual disinfection of a minimum few months which prevent proliferation of bacterial growth that could be detrimental to public health, * The water is highly oxygenated, superior to the health properties of naturally occurring pure water.

* The treated water has the international drinking water standard.

Transportable Water Purification unit(TWP): Power for the TWP water unit's is generated either via a 6 & 12 volts rechargeable batteries which are charged by integrated photovoltaic solar panel and/or wind generator, or by fuel (diesel or petrol) generator, also can be powered by main. The supplied current to FR-Cell is controlled by power control panel. Both the rechargeable battery and the power control panel embedded in one compartment..

TWP is capable to treat and purifying contaminated water from lOOlitre up to 5 cubic metre per hour. The unit also can be scaled up to produce much higher quantities of required drinking water.

The unit consists of three parts, based on castors for easy revolving and movement to direct the solar panel position toward the sun and for easy transportation.

1-Part No.1 consists of two parts, front part and rare part: The front part contains, a diaphragm pump ( fig.1) fixed on the vertical panel, or on the unit's base. The flow-rate vary according to the pump's model which range from 2-10 gpm, depending on the water's volume required to be treated.

The diaphragm pump operated via 12 volts rechargeable battery with on/off switch, fixed on the base of TWP unit, which can be recharged by the solar panel fixed on the top of TWP unit.

The activated charcoal/resin filter (Flt-b) is fixed at the rear of part No.1. This filter is receiving the activated Created water from reaction tank (T 1), for final filtration. The activated charcoal/resin filter (Fit-b) is made as cartridge and located in a small tank (T2) which receive the final stage of purification.

Two 12 volts batteries placed on the lower base of the unit to feed power to the diaphragm pump, and air compressor 12..

The air Compressor fixed on the lower base of the unit.

2-Part No.2: FRT-Ceramic filter 15 micron porosity (fit-a) fixed on the front vertical panel of the part No.2 (Fig. No.1), A small control panel (CP) placed on the small shelf fixed to the front panel of part No.2. The control panel (CP) consists of two compartments. The front compartment (a) contains the power's control which controlling the current and voltage applied to FR-cell via a 6volts battery located at the rear compartment (b) (Fig. No 1).

The 100 litre capacity reaction tank (Ti) is fixed on a shelf at the rear part of part No.2 supported by two brackets (Fig. Nol).

FR-Cell encapsulate in a plastic box is fixed by the two water prove bolts and nuts welded to the anode and the cathode, at the centre of the bottom of tank (Ti) Two cubic meter capacity tank (T3) located adjacent to the unit, placed on strong table. Tank (T3) in connected to tank(T1) via detachable pipe (L13).

Activated charcoal/resin filter (fit-c) is connected to the bottom of tank(T3).

Tank (T4), contained the filter fit. -e is placed underneath tank(T3) 3-Part No. 3 Solar panel located on rotating shelf on central axis with two terminal to recharge the rechargeable battery.

Description of the filtration system:

The purpose of the FR-filtration system Fig.! is to remove the suspended solids, debris and the agglomerated fine suspended solids. The ceramic filter is cleaned by using as little as possible water mixed with compressed air. The water is pumped to filter fit-a by the diaphragm pump Fig.!, then flowing to FR-Cell to undergo electrolysis treatment. After filling tank Ti/Fig. 1, valve V7 change its direction automatically or manually so the water will circulated through filter (fit-aFig. 1, tank Ti. During the filtration process the pressure rise in the flute fit-a due to the accumulation of the filtered material on the ceramic surface.This can be noticed on the pressure gauge Figi. Valve V2 change its direction automatically or manually from L4 to L5, valve V4 change position from L6 to line L12 & Li0, valve V3 open to line L9, and valve V2 to L3 and L5. The air compressor switched on automatically or manually. Compressed air and water, forced to the ceramic filter fit-a via opening for 30 seconds. The dirt and debris accumulated on the out-surface of the ceramic filter fit-a will be pushed out to the drainage via L9.

After the ceramic filter's surface being cleaned, the pressure will back to normal and valves will open back to its original positions manually or automatically, to continue purifring the water through filtration and disinfection by means of FR-Cell.

The best porosity of the ceramic filter used is 15-30 micron but can be changed according to the water quality required treatment.

Description of FR-Cell

FR-Cell consist of electrodes (anodes --cathodes) made of titanium as substrate, coated with precious metals mixed oxides. The coated oxides used for FR-Cell is Sn/Sb/Pt, which produce peroxides in access and reducing the hydrogen gas production.

The number of the electrodes is related to the volume and flow-rate of the water required treatment. The electrodes are separated by non-conductive material separator, within 3-5mm gap. The bottom end of FR-Cell has two threaded bolts welded to the anode and cathode terminals. FR-Cell embedded in a plastic box, normally PVC, polypropylene or polycarbonate. The plastic box has water inlet located at the lower part connected to line (L7), allowing the water to pass through FR-Cell toward the top back to the tank (Ti). The FR-Cell is fixed by means of two holes at the bottom of tank (Ti) by means of the electrodes bolts and nuts. The electrodes are connected to rechargeable battery via the control panel or direct to the solar panel.

In some cases of contaminated water treatment, aluminium electrodes are combined with the mixed coated titanium electrodes to generate aluminium ions.

Valves: All the valves used are manual valves or solenoid valves some are one-way, two-ways and some thee-ways. The solenoid valves are used is case the system required to be operated automatically, in this case extra 12 or 6 volts rechargeable battery required to be installed on the unit to operate the solenoid valves via supply control box.

Solenoid valves can be used only for TWP unit

TWP Technical and operational description:

Contaminated water is withdrawn by diaphragm pump which is powered by 1 2volts battery via line (Li) to valve(V7) passing through lines (L3 and L4) to the filter fit-a.

Valve (V2) which is opened to line (L4), valve (V3), line (L8), then to the ceramic filter (fit-a). The contaminated water is passing through the ceramic filter leaving all the suspended solids and debris on the surface of the ceramic filter. Clean filtered water leaving filter(flt-a) to FR-Cell via valve(V4) to line(L6, L7) and entering FR-Cell through inlet (01).

FR-cell is fixed in the middle of the reaction tank (Ti). FR-cell has two terminals (anode and cathode) which are fixed through two holes at the bottom of tank(T1) by means of water proof bolts, nuts and washers (Fig i). The two terminals (anode -Fcathode) are connected to the power control panel (CP) which is connected to the rechargeable battery, During the electrolysis process through FR-Cell will agglomerate any fine suspended solids into a course suspended solids for easy filtration. The activated water exit from the top of the FR-Cell back to tank(T1). The water is circulating through opening (09), L2,, valve (V7), by means of the diaphragm pump, passing through L3, valve-V2, L4, valve-V3, L8, flit-a, L12, valve-V4. L6 & 7 then back to FR-Cell through opening (01) The circulation treatment /electrolysis process will last for a period 5-10 minutes, after that the treated water need a contact time for a minimum of 30 minutes which is sufficient to clear the water for any bio-mass contamination. The treated water contains oxidants which prevent proliferation of bacterial growth that could be detrimental to public health for a period of few months.

The treated water from tank Ti can be passed to tank T2 through L14 and filter fit-b which contain a mixture of resin and activated char-coal to meet the clean, drinking water requirement recommended by the WHO, ready for consumption.

The treated water can be left in tank (Ti), or tank (T3). Experiments show that the water in tanks Ti & T3 has residual disenffection for few months. i.e. prevent proliferation of bacterial growth that could he detrimental to public health and remain useful for a period of few months. Both tanks are connected to filter at the bottom of the tank, fit-b and fit-c. Filters b and c contain a mixture of resin and activated char-coal, to remove any chlorine, organo-chiorine products, peroxides, metal ions and any other harmful material left in the water. The water in tanks Ti and T3 can be be used for any purpose. To get potable water according to international health standard, the water from tanks Ti and T3 should be filtered through filters fit-b or fit-c.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TWP DRAWINGS

Fig. No. 1 schematic diagram of the Transportable Water Purification unit (TWP) Fig. No.2 schematic diagram of the FR-Cell Portable Water Purification (PWP) unit: PWP works by using hand operated pump, which is can be connected to Reaction Vessel via non-return valve-i. Polypropylene tube is fixed at the top of Filtration Vessel-B and immersed into polluted water. By operating the manual pump, vacuum is created in Reaction vessel-A and filtration vessel-B, causing polluted water sucked and find its way to the unit. The water is pumped first through polypropylene cloth 15 micron porosity jacket, then to the 0.2 or 5 micron ceramic filter.

Power for the FR-Cell is generated by 6 volt battery which is controlled by electronic panel The battery can be charged by the integrated photovoltaic solar panel.

The supplied current is controlled by power control panel. Both the rechargeable battery and the power control panel embedded in a compartment. The solar PY designed to be simply to unfold and laid in sunlight to charge the system.

The vessel, which is made of clear polypropylene of different sizes to hold up to2, 4 or 6 litres of water and has a production capacity of 190, 380 and 576 litres per day (the vessel's volume and production capacity can be escalated according to the requirements).Tbis was designed to meet the clean, drinking water requirement recommended by the WHO.

This new FR/ PWP unit has been designed to be a great piece of survival equipment that could save many lives in the developing world, in disaster relief zones, refugee camps, missionary and medical teams, camping-hunting-fishing trips, remote water treatment. remote villages, remote work camps, feeding programs, military and displaced persons emergency and for armies wherever they may be stationed wherever they are in Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PWP DRAWINGS

a-Portable Water Purification Unit (PWP) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the complete FRI PWP unit, which consists of 6 parts. Part 1: reaction vessel, part 2: Ceramic filter candle type encapsulate in a polypropylene cloth micron filter, part 3: FR-Cell, part 4: holding polypropylene (pp) filter disc and cartridge filter-b, part 5:treated water vessel, part 6:controi panel + rechargeable battery.

Fig. 2:is the schematic diagrams showing dismantled parts of PWP separately.

Fig. 3: is the schematic diagram of dismantled part 1, showing encapsulate ceramic filter with the pp jacket filter.

Fig. 4: Hand-operated vacuum pump.

Fig. 5: is the schematic diagram for charging the battery with the solar panel.

Fig. 6: is a graph showing the peroxides production against time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF A

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The FRI PWP unit consist of seven main parts: * Part-i, Reaction vessel-A * Part 2, Filtration vessel-B.

* Part-3: contains FR-Cell * Part-4: contains pp filter disc -F filter-Fit-b * Part-5: treated water compartment.

* Part-6: Control panel and the rechargeable battery.

* Part-7: Hand operated vacuum pump.

* Part-8: Foldable solar panel Purification and treatment steps by PWP unit: 1-Water collection: The contaminated water can be collected by using the hand operated vacuum pump via non-return valve-i to create a vacuum in reaction vessel A part 1 which is connected to the top of the ceramic water filter housing B part 2 via polypropylene (p.p) tube Li. By operated the hand operated pump, vacuum will be created in vessels A and B. The contaminated water will flow from p.p tube L2 which is submersed in the contaminated water required purification to vessel B for filtration.

2-Filtration: The contaminated water which is collected in vessel B will undergo first stage of filtration by passing through the pp jacket filter/i 5 micron, Fig.3a, which removes any floating debris and suspended solids from the collected contaminated water. These debris and suspended solids might be dead insects, woods, leaves, rags, or any runoffs from storm events or snow melts. After the contaminated water has passed the first filtration stage, it will automatically be forced through the second stage filtration.

The second stage is the passage of the water through a 5 micron ceramic impregnated with silver candle type (Fig.4b). The 5 micron ceramic filter impregnated with silver candle type will hold any debris or suspended solids passed through the 15 micron p.p cloth filter.

In case the filtered water from vessel B which passed to vessel A is still turbid, due to suspended solids particles size are less than 5micron. These suspended solids will agglomerate by the action of electrolysis of FR-Cell's (Fig 5) to form large suspended solids, size over 5 micron. The water can be drained through drainage valve-b for further filtration, if required, following the same procedure.

3-Disinfection process: The water is clean and free from all the debris, suspended matter, moulds, green algae. FR-cell is powered by the rechargeable battery controlled by the control panel (Fig 2 part 6) . The disinfection process begin by pressing the switch (S) to position ON, the power required, controlled by knob (N).

The process does not need pH adjustment or the addition of any chemical. The reaction starts when the power passing from the rechargeable battery via the control panel to FR-cell.

During electrolysis process free radicals (oxygen, hydroxyl, perhydroxyl and chlorides radicals) are formed from the treated water's molecules. Oxidants i.e. Ozone Hydrogen peroxides and chlorine dioxide generated in the water as a result of the interaction between the free radicals and the water's molecules.

The free radicals and the oxidants are the strongest specious to destroy any bio-mass and organic substances in the water reducing them into carbon dioxide and water.

Period 5-10 minutes electrolysis is sufficient to generate free radicals and oxidants to agglomerate any fine suspended solids less than 5 micron, for easy filtration. At the same time reducing the bio-mass and any organic material in the water into carbon dioxide and water, leaving clear water with zero cfu bacteria. The treated water in vessel A (figs I &2) have residual disaffection of few months.

After this step, the treated water passes through valve V-c, (Figs.l, & 2) to p.p 10 micron filter cloth disc (Fig. 6), then will be filtered through mixed resin/activated char-coal cartridge filter-b (Fig 4), to separate any harmful organic, inorganic ions, chlorine and chlorine by-products, peroxide produced during the electrolysis process and any other undesirable salts from the water, passing to part 5.

The water is now healthy pure water with no bacteria, micro-organisms or harmful substances with TDS 200-400 ppm of healthy salts according to WHO standards, ready for consumption through valve V-d The rechargeable battery is placed in compartment -B/ part 6 Fig 2, the control panel placed in compartment A/ part 6 Fig 2 with terminals to connect and disconnect to the FR-cell (Fig 1 Fig. 2).

The rechargeable battery can be charged by connecting the battery to the solar panel Fig. 8.

The water will have the fo1lowin Qualities: * Free of ozone within 21 minutes * The peroxides concentration in the water ranging between 5-ioppm, is harmless.

* The treated water has residual disinfection for the period of few months.

* The last water in part 5 is highly oxygenated, superior to the health properties of naturally occurring pure water.

The figures in detail Fig. 1: schematic diagram of the complete P\VP unit.

Fi2. 2: schematic diagram of dismantled PWP unit showing: Part-i: vessel A, insideilO X 210 mm (dia. X height). Vessel A is detached to filtration vessel. Vessel A has valve-a located at the top to vent the gases during electrolysis, valve-b at the bottom side for drainage purpose and valve-i is a non-return for the hand operated vacuum pump to suck the water to vessel B to filter it before collection in vessel A. The bottom of part-i has water tide female thread that can be fixed to part-3 Part 2: vessel B filter's housing, inside dimension: 50 X 250mm (diameter X height).

Consist of jacket pp cloth filter 15 micron porosity encapsulate a ceramic filter S micron (candle type).

Part3-: consist of two sections, section-a contains FR-Cell with two leads connection run out of the bottom of vessel A section-a for connection with the control panel's leads Valve V-c positioned at the middle of vessel A and section-a's bottom which allow the treated water to flow from vessel A to part 3 section -a to section-b. Both sections a & b have male thread for connection with the vessel A, female thread, part-I drawing bottom and the female thread of part -3's top.

Part-4: contains p.p filter cloth disc to filter the treated water flowing from vessel A of part-i via valve V-d to part 4. Detachable cartridge filter-b located at the middle of part-4, Part-4 has female thread at the top to fix it to part-3 and at the bottom 0-ring to slide through part-5.

Part-5: Diameter X height 110 X 120 mm to collect the treated water afler filtered by filter-b It has drainage valve-c at the bottom and non-return valve-f at its top.

Fig. 3: schematic diagram of part 2, showing: a-pp.15 micron filter jacket cloth, b-S micron ceramic filter candle type, c-p.p jacket filter embodied the ceramic filter and Fig. 4: schematic diagram of the manual hand operated vacuum pump.

Fig. 5: schematic diagram of the solar panel.

Fig. 6: A graph showing the rates of peroxides produced during the trial over time.

Trial's results: * Contaminated water volume treated: 2.00 litres * Volts & Amps applied through the rechargeable battery: V=2volts, A=2.4amps * FR cell:three mesh electrodes: one anode and two cathodes 120 X 60mm Time/minutes Peroxides/ppm 1. 0.00 0.00 2. 2.00 1.00 3. 4.00 3.00 4. 6.00 5.00 5. 8.00 7.00 6. 10.00 8.00 7. 12.00 10.00 8. 16.00 13.00 Below Explanations are for Below Explanations is for Fig 1 PWP Unit 118 Fig. I Transpodable Water PurificatIon UnIt 7/8 Fig. 2 Dismantled PWP Unit 2/8 o Inlet (01, 03, 07) r Va Valve a OUtlet (02, 04, 05, 08 O, 010) V Nonreturn Valve c Une (Li, L2. [3, L4, Ls, [6, Li, LB, [6L1o. Lii, L12, L1$, L14) o Pi part I Valve (Vi, V2, V3, V4, Vs, Vs, V7, V9) A Vessel A Filter (Flta, Fltb, Fltc) B Vessel B C.P: Control Panel P Part 2 a: Front compartment of C.P.

Fi RP. Filter Jacket b: Rechargeable Baftery F Ceramic Filter Candle Type F P.R Filter Cloth Disc P\ Part 3 Vb Drainage Valve b L FRcell Lid FR FRcell Vd Valve d P4 Part 4 W Nonreturn Valve f F$ Cartridge Filter PPart5 Ve Drainage Valve e C.P Control Panel + Rechargeable Battery (R.B) Compartment