GB2583952A - Filtering system, installation and method for treating water - Google Patents

Filtering system, installation and method for treating water Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2583952A
GB2583952A GB1906853.5A GB201906853A GB2583952A GB 2583952 A GB2583952 A GB 2583952A GB 201906853 A GB201906853 A GB 201906853A GB 2583952 A GB2583952 A GB 2583952A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
water
filter
filtering system
installation
filters
Prior art date
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GB1906853.5A
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GB201906853D0 (en
Inventor
Por Olafsson Hlodver
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Geyser Thermal Energy Ltd
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Geyser Thermal Energy Ltd
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Priority to GB1906853.5A priority Critical patent/GB2583952A/en
Publication of GB201906853D0 publication Critical patent/GB201906853D0/en
Publication of GB2583952A publication Critical patent/GB2583952A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
    • B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
    • B01D39/20—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of inorganic material, e.g. asbestos paper, metallic filtering material of non-woven wires
    • B01D39/2055—Carbonaceous material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
    • B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
    • B01D39/16—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/50—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition or application of a germicide or by oligodynamic treatment
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
    • E04H4/1209—Treatment of water for swimming pools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
    • B01D2239/04—Additives and treatments of the filtering material
    • B01D2239/0442—Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal additives
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
    • C02F1/283—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/42—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/03—Pressure
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
    • C02F2301/04—Flow arrangements
    • C02F2301/043—Treatment of partial or bypass streams
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)
  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

A filtering system 2 for treating water in a water container 16 e.g. a hot tub, spa or pool comprises a pump 4, one or more optional filters for particle removal 6, 10, e.g. sand or mesh filter, removing particles over 5 microns, one or more filters containing carbon 8, preferably activated carbon, one or more disinfecting filters 12, which may contain a surface having electron discharge areas, e.g. using a laminated semiconductor structure with an active surface layer supported by an electron acceptor layer, and a system of pipes 14 interconnecting the pump and filters. At least one pressure sensor (36, fig 2) may communicate with a controller (38, fig 2) and an isolating valve (26, fig 2) may be included. A by-pass pipe system 24 by-passing the filtering system may be included with a pump 22. A pre-filter 20 may be included. Means for heating/cooling the water may be included. The invention is designed to avoid using chemical disinfection and ultra-violet radiation which could cause bacterial mutation.

Description

Filtering System, Installation and Method for Treating Water The present invention relates to a filtering system, an installation and a method for treating water used in an installation comprising a water container such as a hot tub, spa or pool.
Hot tub, spa and pool installations generally include a filter to remove dirt and debris from the water: suction type filters or pressure filters with water-level skimmers are commonly used. The installations generally include a pump to circulate water through the filter and optionally means for maintaining a desired temperature of the water by heating or cooling.
Hot tubs generally contain water at a temperature of 38 to 40 °C. Algae, bacteria and other organisms flourish in such warm water environments. Chemical products, particularly those containing chlorine or bromine, are commonly used to disinfect the water and the accompanying pipework, filters and water container.
Disadvantages of using these chemical products are that they are not environmentally-friendly and that they irritate the skin and eyes of a bather.
Disinfection systems are also known that use ultra violet radiation to provide water treatment for a variety of applications including drinking, cooking and bathing. The ultraviolet radiation controls bacteria, algae and slime formation in swimming pools, for example, such that the amount of chemicals required for water treatment is reduced. A disadvantage of using ultra violet radiation is that it can cause bacteria to mutate.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved filtering system, installation and method for treating water used in an installation comprising a water container such as a hot tub, spa or pool, such that there is a minimal requirement for chemical disinfection of the water, and preferably no requirement for chemical disinfection of the water.
The present invention is therefore good for the environment and also for bathers.
According to the present invention there is provided a filtering system for treating water, the system comprising: at least one pump for pumping water through the filtering system; at least one filter containing carbon; at least one disinfecting filter; and a system of pipes interconnecting the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet.
Preferably the filter(s) containing carbon are located upstream of the disinfecting filter(s) The filtering system may also comprise at least one filter for particle removal This particle filter (or particle filters) may be used to ensure that no contaminants, debris, particles and/or carbon enter the disinfecting filter. However a particle filter is not a requirement for the system to operate efficiently. If present, the particle filter(s) are preferably located upstream of the disinfecting filter. The particle filter(s) may be positioned upstream and/or downstream of the filter(s) containing zo carbon.
The filters for particle removal may be filter(s) containing sand and/or mesh filter(s). These filters may remove particles having a size of greater than 5 microns in at least one dimension.
In one embodiment, between the water inlet and the water outlet, the filters of the filtering system are positioned in order of filter(s) for particle removal, filter(s) containing carbon and disinfecting filter(s): other filters such as further filter(s) for particle removal may be positioned before or in between these filters.
In another embodiment, between the water inlet and the water outlet, the filters of the filtering system are positioned in order of filter(s) containing carbon, filter(s) for particle removal and disinfecting filter(s): other filters such as further filter(s) for particle removal may be positioned before or in between these filters.
In a further embodiment, between the water inlet and the water outlet, the filters of the filtering system are positioned in order of filter(s) for particle removal, filter(s) containing carbon, filter(s) for particle removal and disinfecting filter(s).
In these embodiments, at least one filter for particle removal positioned upstream of the filter(s) containing carbon is preferably a filter containing sand.
The filtering system may comprise at least one pressure sensor.
The filtering system may comprise a controller in communication with the pressure sensor or pressure sensors.
The filtering system may comprise at least one isolating valve.
The filtering system may be retrofitted to existing installations or fitted in a new installation.
According to the present invention there is also provided an installation having a water treatment system, the installation comprising: a water container; and the filtering system for treating water; wherein the water inlet and the water outlet of the filtering system are directly or indirectly connected to the water container.
Optionally a pre-filter is provided in the installation to clean water by removing particles from it. The pre-filter may remove particles having a size of greater than 20 microns in at least one dimension.
The installation may further comprise means for heating and/or cooling water.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an installation having a water treatment system, the installation comprising: a water container; a pre-filter for cleaning water; the filtering system for treating water; a system of pipes which by-pass the filtering system; and a pump for circulating water through the by-pass system of pipes.
113 The present invention further provides a method for treating water in an installation comprising a water container, the method comprising the following steps: housing water within a water container; pumping water from the water container through at least one system of pipes; removing any particles from water extracted from the water container; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing carbon; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one disinfecting filter after any particles have been removed from the water; wherein the system of pipes interconnect the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet which are connected directly or indirectly to the water container.
Preferably the filter(s) containing carbon are located upstream of the disinfecting filter(s).
The particle removal occurs upstream of the disinfecting filter(s) and optionally downstream and/or upstream of the filter(s) containing carbon. The particle removal may be achieved using filter(s) for particle removal, which filters may be one or more selected from the group consisting of the pre-filter, the filter(s) containing sand and the mesh filter(s).
In one embodiment, the method for treating water in an installation comprises the following steps: housing water within a water container; pumping water from the water container through at least one system of pipes; passing water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing sand; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing carbon either before or after the water is passed through the filter containing sand; 113 passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one disinfecting filter after the water has passed through the filter containing sand and the filter containing carbon; wherein the system of pipes interconnect the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet which are connected directly or indirectly to the water 15 container.
In a further embodiment, the method for treating water in an installation comprises the following steps: housing water within a water container; pumping water from the water container through at least one system of pipes; passing water extracted from the water container through at least one pre-filter; passing water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing sand, preferably after the water has passed through the pre-filter; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing carbon either before or after the water is passed through the filter containing sand; optionally passing water extracted from the water container through at least one filter for particle removal after the water has preferably passed through the prefilter(s), the filter(s) containing sand and/or the filter(s) containing carbon; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one disinfecting filter after the water has passed through the other filters; wherein the system of pipes interconnect the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet which are connected directly or indirectly to the water container.
In these embodiments, preferably the water extracted from the water container is passed through at least one filter containing carbon after the water has passed through the filter(s) containing sand.
The water container may be a hot tub, a spa or a pool (such as a birthing pool or a swimming pool) and may be located indoors or outdoors. It is therefore sized for at least one bather. It preferably has the following minimum dimensions: 1 m wide, 1 m long and 0.5 m high.
The filter for particle removal, such as a filter containing sand or a mesh filter, is adapted to remove particles which preferably have a particle size of greater than or equal to 5 microns. This filter is preferably located downstream of the pump for pumping water through the filtering system and/or upstream of the filter containing carbon.
The filter containing carbon preferably contains activated carbon. It is adapted to remove at least one of the following: chlorine, volatile organic compounds, bad odours and organics which may be present in the water (from urine, for example). The filter containing carbon is preferably located downstream of the filter for particle removal and/or upstream of the disinfecting filter.
The disinfecting filter is adapted to kill any bacteria present in the water.
In one embodiment the disinfecting filter contains a surface having electron discharge areas which can destroy microorganisms.
A surface having electron discharge areas may be achieved by a laminated structure having an active surface layer supported by an acceptor support layer which is supported by a ceramic support layer.
The acceptor support layer attracts and discharges electrons from the active surface layer which lacks electrons and becomes positively charged. This positively charged surface attracts and removes electrons from microorganisms which come into contact with it. Such electrons are stored in the laminated structure, for example in the acceptor support layer, and, once sufficiently charged, are released to form very small electric currents. The discharge of these electric currents renews the electron attraction of the active surface layer ensuring its continuous activation. This method utilises semi-conductor principles of electron movement to created positively charged sites on the active surface layer.
Using this method, water is passed over the active surface layer and electrons are irretrievably lost from microorganisms resulting in their destruction.
This method does not require the application of external excitation (eg from UV light, heat or electricity), such that disinfection can be achieved with no external 20 power source, no added chemicals and no maintenance (beyond cartridge replacement).
According to British Standard BS EN 1276: 2009 'Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics', use of this cationic surface state method is a disinfecting method since it is capable of reducing by 10E+5 (5 log) the number of viable bacterial cells belonging to reference strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureau and Enterococcus hirae.
Claire Technologies LLC, USA, is the manufacturer of disinfecting devices which 30 are stated to remove more than 99% of bacteria from water using electron movement to create catalytic active surfaces in the manner mentioned above.
These devices are sold under the trade marks CLARIFY, X1 and Quantum Disinfection, for example.
The system of pipes interconnecting the pump and the filters of the filtering system has a water inlet which is upstream of the filters and the pump and has a water outlet which is downstream of the filters and the pump.
The filtering system may comprise at least one pressure sensor. Such sensors are optionally provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of 113 one or more of the filters in the filtering system. The filtering system may comprise a controller which is in communication with the pressure sensor or pressure sensors to collect data from the sensors. The controller may also be in communication with one or more pumps in the filtering system.
A pressure sensor or sensors may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of the filter(s).
A pressure sensor or sensors may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of the filter(s) containing carbon.
A pressure sensor or sensors may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of the disinfecting filter(s).
A pressure sensor or sensors may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of the optional filter(s) for particle removal, for example filter(s) containing sand and/or mesh filters A pressure sensor or sensors may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system downstream of the pump for pumping water through the filtering 30 system.
The filtering system may comprise at least one isolating valve provided in the system of pipes interconnecting the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet.
In one embodiment, at least one isolating valve is provided in the pipe system upstream of the filters. Such an isolating valve may be provided downstream of the pump for pumping water through the filtering system. If a pressure sensor is present, this sensor may be provided to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system upstream of the isolating valve and downstream of the pump.
In the same or a different embodiment, at least one isolating valve is provided in the pipe system downstream of the filters or at least downstream of the disinfecting filter.
An installation for a hot tub, spa or pool, for example, comprises a water container sized for the corresponding purpose of the installation. The filtering system is connected to the water container either directly or indirectly to treat the water in the water container thereby cleaning and disinfecting the water.
In such an installation having a water treatment system comprising a water container and the filter system, a pre-filter may be provided which is adapted to clean water by, for example, filtering out contaminants such as hair, leaves and insects. The pre-filter may remove contaminants having a size of greater than 20 microns. It may be a woven, mesh or pleat filter. Such filters are common in hot tub, spa and pool installations.
In one embodiment, the water container has a water outlet such that water passes through the pre filter for cleaning the water of debris. The pre filter is therefore located downstream of the water container. The pre filter is normally provided separately to the filtering system in which case it is located upstream of the filtering system. However, the pre filter may instead form part of the filtering system in which case it is located upstream of at least the filters and preferably it is also located upstream of the pump for pumping water through the filtering system.
The installation may comprise means for heating and/or cooling water, as required. 5 A heat exchanger may be provided. The means for heating and/or cooling is preferably located upstream of the water container such that the water is heated or cooled to a desired temperature before entering the water container.
Preferably the water circulated through the installation is a closed system meaning 113 that the water treatment system is sealed against ingress of external microorganisms other than from the water container as a result of its exposure to the external environment, whether that be indoors or outdoors.
The installation may further comprise a system of pipes which by-pass the filtering system and a pump for circulating water through this by-pass system of pipes. The by-pass system of pipes and pump may be adapted to pump water at high pressure into the water container to obtain a jet effect. In this case, the by-pass system of pipes may be connected to water inlet nozzles located in a wall, walls or floor of the water container.
The by-pass system of pipes has a water inlet upstream of the filtering system and has a water outlet downstream of the filtering system. Water is thereby diverted from the pipework of the installation into the by-pass system of pipes prior to entering the pipe system of the filtering system: the water in the by-pass system of pipes re-enters the pipework of the installation downstream of the filtering system.
In one embodiment, the pump for circulating water through the by-pass system of pipes is located upstream of the filtering system and/or downstream of the pre filter (if present).
Optionally water pumped through the by-pass system is heated or cooled via the heating and/or cooling means prior to entering the water container.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an installation, and Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of the installation of Figure 1 with a controller system.
113 Referring to Figure 1, an installation having a water treatment system is provided.
The installation may comprise a hot tub, a spa or a swimming pool, these being water containers for housing water which is usually maintained at an appropriate temperature for bathers or swimmers.
The installation in this example includes a filtering system 2 comprising a pump 4 for pumping water through the filtering system, a filter 6 containing sand for particle removal, a filter 8 containing carbon, a mesh filter 10 for particle removal and two disinfecting filters 12. The filters 6 and 10 for particle removal are optional.
One or more of each type of filter may be provided, the number depending on the capacity of each filter, the volume of water requiring treatment and the degree of contamination of the water, for example.
The pump and the filters are interconnected using a system of pipes 14.
As shown in Figure 1, with the exception of the disinfecting filters which are connected in parallel to each other, the filters are connected in series to the pump. Pump 4 is set for constant flow during operation of the installation, circulating the water through the filters of the filtering system.
If additional filters containing sand and/or filters containing carbon and/or disinfecting filters and/or filters for particle removal are provided in the filtering system, these may be connected in parallel to a filter of the same type, thereby increasing the filtering capacity of the system.
The disinfecting filter in one example is available from Claire Technologies LLC, 5 USA and may be the Quantum Disinfection 12 model.
A cartridge in the device contains alumina based ceramic material containing aluminium oxide, titanium dioxide and silver. The ceramic material may be in the form of spheres having a diameter of 1 to 3 mm, an average particle size of 1.9 mm and an apparent density of 0.75 g/cm3. Alternatively the ceramic material may be more elongate in form, having a length of 3 to 6 mm and a diameter of 1.1 mm, for example, with an apparent density of 0.53 gicm3.
The filtering system is installed or retrofitted to an installation comprising a water container 16. Water entering the water container is heated or cooled. The means for heating and/or cooling water is preferably located upstream of the water container such that water heated or cooled immediately enters the water container via a water inlet. The means for heating and/or cooling water is a heat exchanger 18 in the present embodiment.
A pre filter 20 is located downstream of the water container to remove relatively large particulate matter from the water exiting the water container through a water outlet before the water enters the filtering system. The pre filter may comprise or consist of a skimmer which is generally installed at a desired water level in the water container.
In use of the installation, water is continuously extracted from the water container, pumped through the pipe system to be treated by the filtering system and returned to the water container via the heat exchanger. A pump is used to circulate the water through the installation in this manner.
In an installation of the type shown in figure 1, in the absence of a filtering system of the present invention (for example when the filtering system is to be retrofitted to an existing installation), pump 22 fulfils the function of circulating water through the installation.
However, in the installation of figure 1, filtering system 2 is present and pump 22 is used to circulate water through a by-pass system of pipes 24 and not through the filtering system 2.
Water is pumped through the by-pass system of pipes under high pressure, usually on demand (for example in a boost mode). The water is returned to the water container at high pressure to form jets of water as are commonly provided in hot tubs and spas. This bypass system of pipes is optional and would not commonly be used in a swimming pool for example.
Optionally, at least one isolating valve is provided in the filtering system. Figure 2 shows isolating valve 26 in the filtering system. The isolating valve in this embodiment is located downstream of pump 4 and upstream of the filter 6 containing sand.
Another isolating valve 28 is optionally installed downstream of the disinfecting filters 12, as shown in figure 2.
A further isolating valve 30 is optionally provided in the bypass system of pipes 24, as shown in figure 2.
Such isolating valves are useful for maintenance of the installation and may be located at any sensible location in the pipe work of the installation, whether that be in the pipe system of the filtering system or in the by-pass system of pipes.
The filtering system may comprise at least one pressure sensor to monitor the water pressure in the pipe system of the filtering system. One or more flow meters may also be provided.
In the present embodiment, pressure sensor 32 is provided downstream of pump 4 and upstream of the filter 6 containing sand; pressure sensor 34 is provided downstream of the filter 6 for containing sand and upstream of the filter 8 containing carbon; pressure sensor 36 is provided downstream of the filter 8 containing carbon and upstream of the particle filter 10. This particle filter is 113 optional so pressure sensor 36 may instead be located immediately upstream of the disinfecting filters 12.
A controller 38 is in electronic communication with the pressure sensors 32, 34 and 36 as shown in Figure 2. The controller 38 is also in electronic communication with pump 4 of the filtering system and pump 22 of the by-pass pipe system.
The pressure sensor(s) and/or the flow meter(s) are programmed to send alarm signals to the controller, and can thereby alert an operator if the pressure in the filtering system drops below a required level. Such a pressure drop may be indicative of filter saturation. The presence of pressure sensor(s) and/or flow meter(s) act as an early warning system so that the filters can be replaced in the filtering system before they become saturated and therefore unable to fulfil their filtering function.
If there is a sudden drop in pressure in the filtering system, this may be an indicator of heavily contaminated water. The installation is designed to stop the operation of pump 22 in these circumstances to prevent contaminated water pumping through the by-pass system to the jets of the water container.
Although three pressure sensors are shown in the accompanying figures, it is sufficient for a single pressure sensor to be present in order to monitor the performance of the filtering system. A flow meter is optionally present.
In operation of the installation, the flow of water through the pipe system 14 of the filtering system may be up to 80 litres per minute for pipes having a diameter of 11/4 inches (31.75 mm). The flow of water through the by-pass pipe system 24 may be up to 640 litres per minute for pipes having a diameter of 2 inches (50.80 mm).
Thus the total flow through the pipework of the installation may be up to 720 litres per minute, taking into account the water flowing through the by-pass system simultaneously with the water flowing through the filtering system.
When the installation is operational, water flows continuously to prevent bacterial growth in the water and to clean the water by particulate removal and disinfection. Using the present invention the inventor has achieved negligible bacteria growth in a hot tub system running continuously for four months.
The filtering system of the present invention is superior to water treatment by chlorine or bromine since these chemical treatments are only efficient when many water conditions are met, including pH and chemical concentration.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A filtering system for treating water, the system comprising: at least one pump for pumping water through the filtering system; at least one filter containing carbon; at least one disinfecting filter; and a system of pipes interconnecting the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet.
  2. 113 2. A filtering system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one filter for particle removal.
  3. 3. A filtering system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, between the water inlet and the water outlet, the filters of the filtering system are positioned in order of optional filter(s) for particle removal, filter(s) containing carbon, optional filter(s) for particle removal and disinfecting filter(s).
  4. 4. A filtering system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one pressure sensor.
  5. 5. A filtering system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a controller in communication with the pressure sensor or pressure sensors.
  6. 6. A filtering system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one isolating valve.
  7. 7. An installation having a water treatment system, the installation comprising: a water container; and the filtering system for treating water as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; wherein the water inlet and the water outlet of the filtering system are directly or indirectly connected to the water container.
  8. 8. An installation as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a pre-filter for removing particles from water.
  9. 9. An installation as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 further comprising means for heating and/or cooling water.
  10. 10. An installation as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 further comprising a system of pipes which by-pass the filtering system; and a pump for circulating water through the by-pass system of pipes.
  11. 11. A method for treating water in an installation comprising a water container, the method comprising the following steps: housing water within a water container; pumping water from the water container through at least one system of pipes; removing any particles from water extracted from the water container; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one filter containing carbon; passing the water extracted from the water container through at least one disinfecting filter after any particles have been removed from the water; wherein the system of pipes interconnect the pump and the filters between a water inlet and a water outlet which are connected directly or indirectly to the water container.
  12. 12. A method for treating water as claimed in claim 11 where the water container is a hot tub, a spa or a pool.
  13. 13. A method for treating water as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 using the filtering system of any one of claims 1 to 6.
  14. 14. A method for treating water as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 in the installation of any one of claims 7 to 10.
  15. 15. Use of the filtering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 to treat water housed in a water container.
GB1906853.5A 2019-05-15 2019-05-15 Filtering system, installation and method for treating water Withdrawn GB2583952A (en)

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Citations (8)

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AU3425697A (en) * 1996-08-19 1998-02-26 R-Amtech International, Inc. Apparatus for purifying and disinfecting water
WO2007128599A1 (en) * 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Ufi Filters S.P.A. A filter for water potabilization and a process for realisation of the filter
DE102006049990A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-30 Pommeranz, Winfrid Filter for cleaning swimming pool water, has filter housing, in which filter fleeces as filter material are inserted one above the other in horizontal layers, and unit, which releases acoustic/optical warning signal from given actual value
KR101179567B1 (en) * 2011-09-28 2012-09-05 아름다운 환경건설(주) Multi-functional filtering sheet for carrying out absorption filtration and disinfection, and water-treatment apparatus for purifying non-point source contaminant using the same
CN203144196U (en) * 2013-03-11 2013-08-21 武汉溢爱环保实业有限公司 Large flow direct drinking machine
CN107117761A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-09-01 广西喜爱家饮水设备有限公司 Automate purifying drinking water system
US9750834B1 (en) * 2011-12-29 2017-09-05 Crosstex International, Inc. Water treatment dispensing apparatus
CN108793494A (en) * 2018-06-25 2018-11-13 马鞍山松鹤信息科技有限公司 A kind of household Simple water tap water purifier

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU3425697A (en) * 1996-08-19 1998-02-26 R-Amtech International, Inc. Apparatus for purifying and disinfecting water
WO2007128599A1 (en) * 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Ufi Filters S.P.A. A filter for water potabilization and a process for realisation of the filter
DE102006049990A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-30 Pommeranz, Winfrid Filter for cleaning swimming pool water, has filter housing, in which filter fleeces as filter material are inserted one above the other in horizontal layers, and unit, which releases acoustic/optical warning signal from given actual value
KR101179567B1 (en) * 2011-09-28 2012-09-05 아름다운 환경건설(주) Multi-functional filtering sheet for carrying out absorption filtration and disinfection, and water-treatment apparatus for purifying non-point source contaminant using the same
US9750834B1 (en) * 2011-12-29 2017-09-05 Crosstex International, Inc. Water treatment dispensing apparatus
CN203144196U (en) * 2013-03-11 2013-08-21 武汉溢爱环保实业有限公司 Large flow direct drinking machine
CN107117761A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-09-01 广西喜爱家饮水设备有限公司 Automate purifying drinking water system
CN108793494A (en) * 2018-06-25 2018-11-13 马鞍山松鹤信息科技有限公司 A kind of household Simple water tap water purifier

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