WO2000079246A1 - Procedes et appareil utilises pour desinfecter et steriliser des fluides au moyen d'un rayonnement ultraviolet - Google Patents

Procedes et appareil utilises pour desinfecter et steriliser des fluides au moyen d'un rayonnement ultraviolet Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000079246A1
WO2000079246A1 PCT/US2000/016906 US0016906W WO0079246A1 WO 2000079246 A1 WO2000079246 A1 WO 2000079246A1 US 0016906 W US0016906 W US 0016906W WO 0079246 A1 WO0079246 A1 WO 0079246A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultraviolet light
light bulb
recited
flouropolymer
fluoropolymer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/016906
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brad C. Hollander
Original Assignee
Ultraviolet Water Systems, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/339,027 external-priority patent/US6614039B2/en
Priority claimed from US09/339,058 external-priority patent/US6193894B1/en
Application filed by Ultraviolet Water Systems, Inc. filed Critical Ultraviolet Water Systems, Inc.
Priority to AU56253/00A priority Critical patent/AU5625300A/en
Publication of WO2000079246A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000079246A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G01N21/03—Cuvette constructions
    • G01N21/07—Centrifugal type cuvettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • 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
    • C02F1/30—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation
    • C02F1/32—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation with ultraviolet light
    • C02F1/325—Irradiation devices or lamp constructions
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing fluids using an ultraviolet light source, and more particularly to a novel pump which can be used in a wide variety of harsh environments to pump fluid and kill micro organisms living in the fluids.
  • a typical ultraviolet light source has two primary parts, the tube and the base.
  • the tube usually comprises a soft glass or quartz casing which holds a vaporizable material, such as mercury, and a starting gas and/or stabilizing gas, such as argon, neon, zeon or the like.
  • the tube also includes one or more electrodes, which when provided with power, excite the gas and the vaporizable material. The excited vaporizable material causes a plasma field which generates the ultraviolet light.
  • an ultraviolet light source typically comprises a base, which is designed to hold the tube in place during operation, but which allows the tube to be removed and replaced when necessary.
  • ultraviolet light sources have been used for some time for sterilization purposes, a problem with the ultraviolet light sources currently known in the art is that they are fragile and typically cannot handle the harsh environments in which they must be used.
  • the prior art ultraviolet light sources are made of soft glass or quartz, the lamps tend to break easily.
  • the adhesive nature ofthe soft glass or quartz casing residue and other impurities tend to build up on the lamps over time, affecting the performance ofthe lamp.
  • the prior art ultraviolet light sources have a tendency to be expensive and difficult to maintain. Therefore, what is needed is an inexpensive, impact resistant ultraviolet light source, which can be used for sterilization purposes, can be easily introduced into existing systems, is thermally stable in cold or hot fluids including air, and does not require significant modification ofthe system.
  • an ultraviolet light source which includes an ultraviolet light bulb or lamp, a power source for providing power to the ultraviolet light bulb, and a non-glass or non-quartz protective sleeve which surrounds the ultraviolet light bulb.
  • the ultraviolet light bulb preferably includes a casing for holding a starting gas and a vaporizable material, and at least one electrode electrically coupled to the power source for exciting the starting gas and the vaporizable material within the casing.
  • the casing is made of soft glass or quartz material
  • the protective sleeve is a fluoropolymer sleeve which surrounds the soft glass or quartz casing.
  • the fluoropolymer sleeve may comprise any suitable fluoropolymer material, such as the Teflon® family of products like PTFE, FEP, PFA, AF, Tefzel® ETFE, and all other Teflon® products developed in the future.
  • Teflon® family of products like PTFE, FEP, PFA, AF, Tefzel® ETFE, and all other Teflon® products developed in the future.
  • some silicone based materials like silicone polymers and other UV transmissive non- glass materials can be used for the protective sleeve.
  • the casing instead of the casing being a quartz or soft glass casing surrounded by a fluoropolymer sleeve, the casing itself may be made of the fluoropolymer material.
  • the protective sleeve may comprise a permanent sleeve surrounding the ultraviolet light source, or the protective sleeve may comprise a removable container, so that the ultraviolet light bulb can be replaced when it burns out or malfunctions.
  • the sleeve may preferably comprise a fluoropolymer or silicone material which is heat shrunk around the ultraviolet light bulb or the entire light source, or the fluoropolymer or silicone material is applied by pressing it onto the light source, or dipping the light source into a liquid form of the material.
  • the protective sleeve seals in the soft glass or quartz casing, protecting it from breakage.
  • the protective sleeve contains the glass particles and harmful mercury vapor material so that the environment in which the lamp is used is not exposed to the glass and mercury materials.
  • the protective sleeve prevents the glass or quartz particles, as well as the harmful mercury within the lamp from contaminating the drinking water supply.
  • the protective sleeve preferably acts as a thermal insulator, which helps keep the ultraviolet light's plasma thermally stable.
  • the ultraviolet light source ofthe present invention preferably is used for sterilizing and/or disinfecting fluids, as well as the surfaces of containers, pipes, ducts, or other suitable devices with which the fluid contacts.
  • the term fluid includes air, water and other suitable fluids.
  • the ultraviolet light which illuminates from the ultraviolet light source may comprise any suitable UV light, such as UVA, UVB, UVC, or the like.
  • the light is a UVC light (e.g., light having a wavelength between about 180 nm and about 325 nm), which is good for killing living organisms, such as molds, bacteria, viruses, and the like. Because ofthe resilient nature ofthe protective sleeve of the present invention, the ultraviolet light source can be used in virtually any environment where it is beneficial to disinfect and/or sterilize a fluid.
  • FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve
  • Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve with a removable cap;
  • Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve or coating surrounding the light source;
  • Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an ultra light violet light source having a protective sleeve or coating surrounding the light source
  • Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve or coating surrounding the light source
  • Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve or coating surrounding the light source
  • Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an ultraviolet light source having a protective sleeve or coating surrounding the light source
  • Fig. 8 is a side view drawing of a tank having a plurality of ultraviolet light sources mounted or deposited therein;
  • Fig. 9 is a side view drawing of a fluid carrying pipe having an ultraviolet light source deposited therein;
  • Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a water dispenser having an ultraviolet light source therein;
  • Fig 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid pump with an ultraviolet light source therein.
  • the present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing fluids and the surfaces of containers, pipes, ducts and other suitable devices with which the fluids contact. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel embodiment of an ultraviolet light source, which performs the disinfecting and sterilizing processes using a fluid conduit.
  • the term fluid means a continuous, amorphous substance whose molecules move freely past one another and that has the tendency to assume the shape of its container; that is, a fluid can be a liquid or gas, including air.
  • a fluid can be a liquid or gas, including air.
  • the term may refer to plasma type materials.
  • Apparatus 10 preferably comprises an ultraviolet lamp or light bulb 12, a ballast 22, a power source 24, and a protective coating or sleeve 26.
  • Ultraviolet lamp 12 preferably comprises a soft glass or quartz tube 14, and at least one filament electrode 16 which preferably is mounted on an end seal 18.
  • One or more base pins 20 are connected to end seal 18, and are adapted to insert into base 22 which, as discussed in more detail below, provides power to ultraviolet lamp 12 through end pins 20.
  • Glass tube 14 preferably is filled with one or more rare gases, such as argon, neon, xenon and/or krypton.
  • a small amount of mercury or other suitable metal element is provided within glass tube 14.
  • electrons are emitted from electrode 16, which is heated when power from base 22 is provided to lamp 12.
  • the electrons are accelerated by the voltage across the tube until they collide with the mercury or other metal atoms, causing them to be ionized and excited.
  • the mercury or other metal atoms return to their normal state, spectral lines in both the visible and the ultraviolet regions are generated.
  • the low and/or mid pressure within glass tube 14 enhances the ultraviolet radiation.
  • base 22 may include a ballast which is configured to provide a starting voltage and current for lamp 12, and limit the lamp current to the required value for proper operation.
  • the ballast can provide low-voltage cathode heating.
  • the ballast may be a fixed- impedance type ballast, a variable-impedance type ballast or any other suitable electronic ballast currently known in the art.
  • electrical source 24 is configured to provide power to base 22 and the bulbs of which may be configured within the base.
  • the ballast may be configured within base 22, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the ballast may be separate from base 22, and power is provided from the ballast to base 22 via an electrical lead connection.
  • base 22 may comprise a metal, a ceramic material, a plastic material, or a material which allows UV light to pass, such as a fluoropolymer material, or a silicon polymer or silicone material.
  • Protective coating or sleeve 26 may comprise any suitable UV transmissive material.
  • sleeve 26 comprises a fluoropolymer material, which is transparent to ultraviolet light, such as the Teflon® family of products like PTFE, FEP, PFA, AF, Tefzel® ETFE.
  • protective coating of sleeve 26 may comprise a suitable silicon polymer or silicone material, or sleeve 26 may comprise other UV transmissive materials.
  • Protective sleeve 26 protects the soft glass or quartz tube 14 from high impact collisions. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, fluoropolymer and silicone coatings are resistant to impacts, and therefore will protect the glass tube.
  • protective sleeve 26 is adapted so that it contains the glass or quartz particles and harmful mercury material therein, preventing the glass and mercury from getting into the fluid in which the lamp is placed.
  • protective sleeve 26 acts as an insulating layer, keeping the temperature of the lamp and in particular the temperature ofthe plasma within tube 14 at a more stable, proper operating temperature.
  • the insulating protective sleeve can be a single sleeve or a double insulating sleeve. In either case, the single or dual layered sleeve acts as a thermal insulator.
  • apparatus 10 can be placed in many environments that are not suitable for the quartz or soft glass lamps currently known in the art.
  • apparatus 10 having sleeve 26 can be used in medical environments or other industrial environments using caustic chemicals. That is, apparatus 10 can be used to disinfect or sterilize pharmaceutical materials or other materials having low and/or high pH levels, because sleeve 26 does not interact with these materials.
  • apparatus 10 can be placed in many fluids or fluid environments, such as sewage treatment facilities, or the like, without caustic or conosive materials adhering to the sleeve.
  • fluids or fluid environments such as sewage treatment facilities, or the like
  • ultraviolet lamps which merely have a quartz or soft glass tube, often have problems with caustic or corrosive materials adhering to them.
  • protective sleeve 26 may comprise a single piece of coating which sunounds ultraviolet lamp 12 and ballast 22. Coating 26 may be formed around lamp 12 and base 22 by any suitable molding technique known in the art. In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 2, coating 26 may be configured from multiple pieces. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, coating 26 preferably comprises a body portion 30 and a cap or lid portion 32. Lid portion 32 may be removably attached to body portion 30 so that one can readily access lamp 12. In accordance with this aspect ofthe invention, lamp 12 may be changed in the event of its failure or malfunction, or a different lamp 12, for example a lamp emitting different ultraviolet wave lengths, can be used in different fluid types.
  • Sleeve 26 may be any shape that is suitable for its intended application.
  • sleeve 26 may be cylindrical, spherical, square, or sleeve 26 may be a particular shape to fit into a specific location or to provide specific fluid dynamic characteristics when apparatus 10 is placed in a fluid containing device.
  • sleeve 26 may be shrink-wrapped or pressed onto ultraviolet lamp 12 and/or base 22, so that sleeve 26 takes on the shape ofthe lamp and ballast assembly.
  • the ultraviolet lamp can be dipped into a liquid fluoropolymer material or other suitable UV transmissive containment material as discussed above in liquid form.
  • a film of the fluoropolymer or other material forms on and to the shape ofthe lamp assembly.
  • the lamp assembly can take on any suitable shape or form.
  • Power source 24 preferably is connected in electrical communication with base 22 and comprises any suitable power source.
  • power source 24 may be an AC or DC power source located a distance from base 22 and lamp 14.
  • a suitable electrical connector 29 connects power source 24 with base 22.
  • connector 24 may be covered by a suitable insulating layer, or it may be covered by a fluoropolymer, silicone or other UV transmissive material such as that used for sleeve 26.
  • a seal 28 may be provided around electrical connector 29 for preventing fluids and other materials from seeping through the interface between protective sleeve 26 and electrical connector 29. Seal 28 preferably comprises a flexible material so that it can relieve some ofthe stress put on electrical connector 29 by the movement of apparatus 10.
  • power source 24 may be a battery pack or solar power generator connected directly to base 22.
  • sleeve 26 preferably covers both light source 12 and power source 24.
  • power source 24 comprises a battery pack or solar power generator connected directly to base 22, then base 22 preferably will include the ballast therein.
  • ultraviolet light source 40 preferably comprises an ultraviolet lamp 42 having a quartz or glass tube 44 and two electrodes 46-1 and 46-2 disposed at opposite ends of tube 44.
  • tube 44 preferably is lined with a phosphor material and it is filled with an inert gas and a metal element.
  • Light source 40 further includes two end seals 48-1 and 48-2 disposed at both ends of tube 44. End seals 48-1 and 48-2 both include base pins 50 which electrically couple lamp 42 to a base 52, having a first end 52-1 and a second end 52-5.
  • tube 44 preferably is surrounded by a protective coating or sleeve 54, such as a fluoropolymer, silicone or other UV transmissive coating as discussed above.
  • end seals 48 and base 52 preferably are covered by suitable end caps 56.
  • end caps 56 may comprise a fluoropolymer material, or end caps 56 may comprise a silicon polymer or silicone material or other suitable UV transmissive materials which can be used for this intended purpose.
  • both protective sleeve 54 and end caps 56 preferably are transparent to the ultraviolet radiations emitting from ultraviolet light source 40.
  • lead wires 58 are configured to provide power to base 52, and seals 60 may be provided to seal the interface between end caps 56 and lead wires 58.
  • base 52 may include a ballast, or the ballast may be separated from, but electrically coupled to base 52.
  • Protective coating 54 may comprise a rigid tube or container, or protective coating 54 may be a flexible fluoropolymer or silicone material which is heat shrunk around tube 44 of lamp 42.
  • end caps 56 may be removable from lamp 42 and base 52, so that the lamp can be replaced when necessary, or end caps 56 may be securely bonded to protective coating 54, thus creating a fluid tight seal.
  • a bonding glue or bonding material such as RTV, or other silicone materials can be used to securely bond end caps 56 to protective coating 54.
  • FIG. 4 yet another embodiment of an ultraviolet light source 40 is illustrated.
  • This particular embodiment ofthe present invention is similar to ultraviolet light source 40 of Fig. 3, except only one electrically lead wire 58 is provided. In this manner, a small electrical wire 62 runs from lead wire 58 to second base end 52-2, and provides power to the second base end 52-2.
  • ultraviolet light source 70 preferably comprises an ultraviolet lamp 72 having a quartz or glass tube 74 and an electrode 76.
  • a metal material such as mercury
  • inert gases such as argon, neon, xenon or krypton.
  • end seal 78 having base pins 80, which provide electrical communication to a base 82.
  • an electrical lead wire 88 is used to provide power to base 82.
  • tube 74 preferably is surrounded by a protective coating 84 which, as discussed above, preferably comprises a fluoropolymer or silicone material.
  • a protective coating 84 which, as discussed above, preferably comprises a fluoropolymer or silicone material.
  • an end cap 86 preferably covers base 82 and end seal portion 78 of lamp 72.
  • a seal 90 surrounds electrical lead 88 and prevents fluid from entering between lead 88 and end cap 86.
  • end cap 86 can be removable, or securely bonded to protective coating 84.
  • FIG. 6 another embodiment of ultraviolet light source 70 is illustrated.
  • the embodiment in Fig. 6 is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 5 except that instead of an electrical lead 88 providing power to base 82, a solar power generator 92 provides the power.
  • end cap 86 preferably is configured to cover end seal 78, base 82, and solar power generator 92.
  • a solar power source providing power to ballast 82
  • a battery pack or other suitable power source can be used in a similar manner.
  • ultraviolet light source 70 preferably comprises an ultraviolet lamp 72 having a glass or quartz tube 74, an electrode 76, and an end seal 78.
  • a protective coating 84 is formed around tube 74 and an end cap 86 covers end seal 78 and a portion of electrical lead 88.
  • the ballast portion ofthe ultraviolet light source (not shown) is separate from the ultraviolet light source 70.
  • the ultraviolet light source of the present invention can be used for disinfecting and sterilizing fluids and fluid containers and handling equipment in a wide variety of different environments.
  • the size and the configuration ofthe ultraviolet light source can be modified for use in various water or fluid tanks, as well as in air purification systems and handling equipment for fluids, including air and other gases. For example, as illustrated in Fig.
  • an ultraviolet light source 102 may hang within tank 100 by a support line 104.
  • support line 104 may be a lead wire or tether wire holding light source 102 in a preferred location.
  • support line 104 also may act as an electrical lead line, providing electrical power to ultraviolet light source 102 via that means.
  • a battery pack, a solar power generator or other suitable power providing means may be used to provide power to light source 102.
  • an ultraviolet light source 102 may be secured in tank 100 by a clip 106 or other suitable securing device, and an electrical lead line 108 or a battery pack or the like, may be used. Finally, if ultraviolet light source 102 is powered by a battery pack or solar powered generator, the ultraviolet light source may be dropped into tank 100 without any supporting lines. In this manner ultraviolet light source 102 may drift to the bottom of tank 100, or it may be configured to float within the fluid tank. Referring now to Fig. 9, an alternative use of an ultraviolet light source 102 is illustrated. In this particular embodiment ofthe present invention, ultraviolet light source 102 is placed within a fluid pipe 110 which is configured to carry any number of different fluid types.
  • ultraviolet light source 102 is suspended within fluid pipe 110 using a support line 104.
  • support line 104 also may include an electrical lead connector for providing power to ultraviolet light source 102.
  • light source 102 may include an electrical lead connector 104, as well as a separate lead wire 105.
  • the lead wire can be used to hold light source 102 in place, taking the pressure off electrical lead connector 104.
  • lead wire 105 can be used to move the light source 102 within the pipe 110.
  • light source 102 may be mounted within fluid pipe 110 with, for example, a mounting bracket or clip 106.
  • drinking water dispenser 150 preferably includes a base 152 having a water reservoir 154 therein, and a water bottle 156 provided in an inverted position on top of base 152 directly above reservoir 154.
  • a water bottle 156 provided in an inverted position on top of base 152 directly above reservoir 154.
  • an ultraviolet light source 158 preferably is placed in reservoir 154 of drinking water dispenser 150.
  • Ultraviolet light source 158 preferably includes a light bulb 160, an electrical connector 162 for providing power to the light source.
  • light source 158 also may include an external ballast 164, and an AC plug adapter 166.
  • the UVC light emitted from the light source kills all the microorganisms that may be living in the water within reservoir 154 or on the sides of reservoir 154.
  • the ultraviolet light source also may pass through opening 157 in water bottle 156, killing any microorganisms that may be living in water bottle 156.
  • the ultraviolet light 158 can be used to sterilize reservoir 154, the water within reservoir 154, water bottle 156, and the water within water bottle 156.
  • the ultraviolet light source can be used as a safe and effective means to maintain a clean water environment.
  • ultraviolet light source 158 and, in particular light bulb 160 of light source 158 preferably is enclosed in a protective coating, a corrosive film from algae and other organisms will not form on light bulb 160.
  • the protective coating surrounding light bulb 160 will contain the broken glass and other materials from the light bulb, preventing those materials from being exposed to the water. In this manner, the water within reservoir 154 and water tank 156 will not be exposed to any harmful materials
  • a fluid pump and purification system 200 is shown.
  • the system includes a fluid conduit 208, an air drive unit 204 and an ultraviolet source 224.
  • the air drive unit 204 produces bubbles 248 in the fluid conduit 208 to promote water flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 212. Additionally, heat produced by the ultraviolet source 224 promotes water flow by convection.
  • the air drive unit 204 provides pumping force to the liquid in the conduit
  • the air drive unit 204 includes an air pump 228, an air hose and a aerator 236. Gas is forced down the air hose 232 and out the aerator 236 by the air pump 228. To promote bubble formation 248, the aerator is porous like a filter. Other embodiments could pump air through the fluid conduit 208 using the same principles discussed above for the pumping of liquid.
  • the light source 224 provides ultraviolet light to the fluid conduit 208. To additionally sterilize outside of the conduit 208, it may be translucent to ultraviolet light.
  • An low voltage ballast 204 provides excitation energy to the light source 224 through an electrical conduit 244.
  • the light source 224 may include a plastic coating over a glass enclosure or the enclosure itself may be plastic without any glass.
  • the heated enclosure of the light source 224 can produce ozone in addition to any ozone provided from the air drive unit 204. Different materials used for the enclosure can produce differing amounts of ozone.
  • the fluid conduit 208 is secured to the tank for support.
  • the method for attachment preferably allows easily removing the conduit 208 and replacing the light source 224.
  • the fluid conduit 208 is attached to a liquid sealing cover, panel or plate which attaches to the tank 216.
  • the fluid 220 in the tank 216 is disinfected and sterilized in this system
  • the air drive unit 204 places small bubbles 248 of gas in the fluid conduit 208.
  • the presence of bubbles 248 increases the germicidal effect ofthe ultraviolet light source 224.
  • These air bubbles 248 mix and agitate the fluid to better expose the contaminants to ultraviolet light.
  • this gas is ozone which also oxidizes the contaminants to further sterilize and disinfect.
  • the flow through the liquid conduit 208 is adjustable according to need. For example, a large tank 216 may require higher flow through the conduit 208. By adjusting the air produced by the air pump 228 and the heat produced by the light source 224, the flow through the liquid conduit 208 is adjustable. Some embodiments may include a fluid flow sensor or other sensor to provide feedback to enhance control ofthe flow.
  • the ultraviolet light source ofthe present invention is useful in many different applications for disinfecting and sterilizing of liquids or gasses. These applications include cooling towers, air conditioner coils, drain pans, sumps, hydraulic heating systems, portable and industrial humidifiers, air ducts, floor sinks, condensation pipes, fish tanks, swamp coolers, water tanks and troughs, food refrigeration units, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes drying machines, pools, spas, ponds, inline conduits or transport pipes, in line pressure tanks, greenhouses, hydroponics, pet water dishes, air compressors, ship ballast, liquid pharmaceuticals, sterilization containers, dispensing equipment, oxygen tanks, scuba air supply systems, water purification, or fluoroscopy.
  • the system could disinfect and sterilize metal working fluid, tanks, pipes, and recirculation systems in machine shops; sewage in treatment plants or sewage in single hold configurations; food packages before they contain food; upper air irradiation in hazardous areas; air in food handling areas; pasteurization of water, milk or other consumables before or after sealing the container; food grade liquid processing and storage such as wine making; activation titanium dioxide and other photo reactive compounds; pretreatment for filtration and RO antislim control on filter cartridges; germ warfare tents, anterooms, triage areas, canteens, or other military applications; blood irrigation, dialysis, ambulances, emergency room kits, medical sterilization tanks and boxes, or other medical applications; dental air and water systems; meat or vegetable market displays or misters for vegetable displays; air handling systems such as air curtains and air hoods used in such places as lab applications; or, any closed loop liquid or air handling system. Additionally, the system could be installed in spa covers, the holds of ships, bait tanks, recreation vehicle fluid storage tanks, boat storage tanks, or other applications.
  • ultraviolet light source 102 While only a few uses of ultraviolet light source 102 are illustrated in the drawings and disclosed herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an ultraviolet light source of the present invention may be used in any environment in which it is desirable to kill micro-organisms such as bacteria, molds, viruses, etc.
  • ultraviolet light source 102 can be used in conjunction with air conditioning devices and other air purification systems to kill the bacteria and molds that live within the air.
  • ultraviolet light source 102 can be used in a wide range of water tanks such as bottled water dispensers, RV and boat water tanks, cruise ships, livestock water tanks, and any other suitable fluid environment.
  • the ultraviolet source can be placed in a glass of drinking water or a pitcher of drinking water to kill any organisms that are living within that immediate glass or pitcher.
  • the ultraviolet light source preferably is a self-contained, battery powered light source.
  • the present invention provides methods and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing fluids in a variety of fluid environments. While a detailed description of presently prefened embodiments ofthe invention have been given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while various ultraviolet lamp configurations are disclosed herein, any number of different lamp configurations may be used without varying from the spirit of the invention. In addition, while various protective sleeves and coatings are disclosed, any shape and configuration of a protective sleeve or coating may be used. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope ofthe invention which is defined by the appended claims.

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Abstract

On décrit un appareil (10) qui permet de stériliser et/ou de désinfecter des fluides. L'appareil est doté d'une source de lumière ultraviolette qui comprend une ampoule ou une lampe (12) à lumière ultraviolette, une source (24) de puissance qui alimente en puissance l'ampoule à lumière ultraviolette et une enveloppe protectrice du type sans verre ou sans quartz qui entoure l'ampoule à lumière ultraviolette. Cette ampoule à lumière ultraviolette comporte un tube qui contient un gaz d'amorçage et une matière vaporisable, et au moins une électrode (16) qui est électriquement couplée à la source de puissance pour exciter le gaz d'amorçage et la matière vaporisable présents dans le tube. Le tube est fabriqué en verre ou en quartz mou et l'enveloppe protectrice (26) qui entoure ledit tube est en fluoropolymère. L'enveloppe en fluoropolymère peut être réalisée dans n'importe quelle matière fluoropolymère appropriée telle qu'un produit Teflon® comme le PTFE, le FEP, le PFA, l'AF, le Tefzel® ETFE, et autre. On peut en outre utiliser pour l'enveloppe protectrice des matières à base de silicium ou d'autres matières non vitreuses laissant passer les UV.
PCT/US2000/016906 1999-06-23 2000-06-19 Procedes et appareil utilises pour desinfecter et steriliser des fluides au moyen d'un rayonnement ultraviolet WO2000079246A1 (fr)

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AU56253/00A AU5625300A (en) 1999-06-23 2000-06-19 Methods and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing fluids using ultraviolet radiation

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US33905799A 1999-06-23 1999-06-23
US09/339,027 US6614039B2 (en) 1999-06-23 1999-06-23 Hermetically sealed ultraviolet light source
US09/339,058 1999-06-23
US09/339,057 1999-06-23
US09/339,027 1999-06-23
US09/339,058 US6193894B1 (en) 1999-06-23 1999-06-23 Methods and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing water in water dispensers using ultraviolet radiation
US14463899P 1999-07-20 1999-07-20
US60/144,638 1999-07-20

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WO2000079246A1 true WO2000079246A1 (fr) 2000-12-28

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1414923A1 (fr) * 2001-07-02 2004-05-06 Water for Life Corporation Systeme de purification de liquide
WO2010051808A3 (fr) * 2008-11-06 2011-03-17 Peter Trossowski Dispositif de désinfection de textiles, en particulier boule de lavage de désinfection par uv, son utilisation et procédé de désinfection de textiles
DE202011004909U1 (de) 2011-04-06 2011-06-09 Postnova Analytics GmbH, 86899 Vorrichtung zur online UV-Sterilisation in LC- und FFF-Systemen
CN102103977A (zh) * 2009-12-22 2011-06-22 奥斯兰姆有限公司 高压放电灯
US9235048B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2016-01-12 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine environment antifouling system and methods

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103395858B (zh) * 2013-08-08 2015-04-08 河北科瑞达仪器科技股份有限公司 一种检测水中总有机碳含量的紫外线催化器

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US4963750A (en) * 1986-12-09 1990-10-16 Wilson Robert L Fluid media sterilization apparatus
US5043626A (en) * 1990-06-11 1991-08-27 Nolan James D Fluorescent lamp with composite safety coating and process of manufacture

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4963750A (en) * 1986-12-09 1990-10-16 Wilson Robert L Fluid media sterilization apparatus
US5043626A (en) * 1990-06-11 1991-08-27 Nolan James D Fluorescent lamp with composite safety coating and process of manufacture

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1414923A1 (fr) * 2001-07-02 2004-05-06 Water for Life Corporation Systeme de purification de liquide
EP1414923A4 (fr) * 2001-07-02 2006-02-08 Water For Life Corp Systeme de purification de liquide
WO2010051808A3 (fr) * 2008-11-06 2011-03-17 Peter Trossowski Dispositif de désinfection de textiles, en particulier boule de lavage de désinfection par uv, son utilisation et procédé de désinfection de textiles
CN102103977A (zh) * 2009-12-22 2011-06-22 奥斯兰姆有限公司 高压放电灯
DE202011004909U1 (de) 2011-04-06 2011-06-09 Postnova Analytics GmbH, 86899 Vorrichtung zur online UV-Sterilisation in LC- und FFF-Systemen
US9235048B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2016-01-12 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine environment antifouling system and methods

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