WO2002042224A1 - Procede et dispositif de commande pour purificateur d'eau a usage domestique - Google Patents

Procede et dispositif de commande pour purificateur d'eau a usage domestique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002042224A1
WO2002042224A1 PCT/CA2001/001668 CA0101668W WO0242224A1 WO 2002042224 A1 WO2002042224 A1 WO 2002042224A1 CA 0101668 W CA0101668 W CA 0101668W WO 0242224 A1 WO0242224 A1 WO 0242224A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
filter
ozone
flow path
ozone generator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2001/001668
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Wayne E. Conrad
Original Assignee
Fantom Technologies 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 US09/758,252 external-priority patent/US20020060189A1/en
Application filed by Fantom Technologies Inc. filed Critical Fantom Technologies Inc.
Priority to AU2002221385A priority Critical patent/AU2002221385A1/en
Publication of WO2002042224A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002042224A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/78—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with ozone
    • 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
    • C02F9/20—Portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or laboratory water purification systems
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
    • C01B2201/10—Dischargers used for production of ozone
    • C01B2201/14—Concentric/tubular dischargers
    • 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

Definitions

  • a further disadvantage of such a water purification system is that oils and fuels often present in water drawn from lakes and rivers are not readily removed and that these oils and fuels tend to coat the filters and damage their operational life and effectiveness.
  • Other filters incorporate an iodine product to minimize the risk of microbiological hazards, however, these materials often impart undesirable tastes and many are potential carcinogens.
  • Another popular system in use for the purification of contaminated water is a system which employs an ultraviolet light for disinfection in series with a porous media and carbon filter. This type of system will reduce the levels of chlorine, lead, and pesticides and has some disinfection capability.
  • a disadvantage of this water purification system is that the ultraviolet light's disinfection efficacy is greatly diminished by turbidity or color in the water which can cause the filter to become contaminated by micro-organisms which can readily live and breed therein thereby multiplying the danger from any micro-organisms which may be present.
  • the present invention provides several novel features for a water treatment apparatus and components which may be used therein including a novel control system for a water treatment apparatus, a novel construction for an ozone generator, a novel filter assembly for a water treatment apparatus, a novel method for monitoring the concentration of ozone produced by a corona discharge ozone generator, a novel method for monitoring the life of a filter based on the flow rate of gas through a venturi and a novel structure for an ozone generator to prevent water backing up into the ozone generator.
  • a method of operating a treatment apparatus comprising providing water to be treated in a reactor and current to an ozone generator; using a water pump to circulate at least a portion of the water to be treated through a fluid flow path and a venturi; using the passage of water through a venturi provided in the fluid flow path to draw air through a gas flow path which includes an ozone generator wherein the passage of the air through the ozone generator produces ozone enriched air, and subsequently drawing the ozone enriched air into the fluid flow path from the gas flow passage; monitoring the rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage; monitoring the current drawn by the ozone generator; and, terminating the treatment if one or both of the rate of flow of air and the current drawn by the ozone generator vary from preset values.
  • the method further comprises signaling a user if the treatment is terminated due to one or both of the rate of flow of air and the current drawn by the ozone generator varying from preset values.
  • the apparatus includes a dispense water path selectively connectable with the fluid flow path and a filter is removable mounted in the dispense water path and the method further comprises monitoring the time it takes for water to be dispensed from the apparatus and signaling a user if the time it takes for water to be dispensed from the apparatus is greater than a preset period.
  • the apparatus includes a dispense water path selectively connectable with the fluid flow path and a filter is removable mounted in the dispense water path and the method further comprises monitoring the time it takes for water to be dispensed from the apparatus and disabling the apparatus if the time it takes for water to be dispensed from the apparatus is greater than a preset period which is based on the filter reaching the end of its life.
  • the apparatus includes a filter in a water flow path and the method further comprises conducting the treatment for a preset period if the rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage and the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator are maintained at the preset values wherein a preset value for the rate of air flow is selected based on a rate of flow of water through the filter which is indicative of the filter reaching a predetermined point in its life.
  • the apparatus includes a filter in a water flow path and the method further comprises conducting the treatment for a preset period if the rate of flow of air through the gas flow passage and the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator are maintained at the preset values wherein a preset value for the rate of air flow is selected based on a rate of flow of water through the filter which is indicative of the filter having been removed from the apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a thermister positioned in the gas flow path and the signal from the thermister is indicative of the rate of flow of air.
  • a method of operating a treatment cycle of an apparatus for treating a liquid with a gas comprising ozone comprising the steps of providing liquid to be treated in a reactor and current to an ozone generator; using a liquid pump to circulate at least a portion of the liquid to be treated through a fluid flow path; passing a gas comprising oxygen through a gas flow path, the gas flow path including the ozone generator wherein the passage of the gas comprising oxygen through the ozone generator produces a gas comprising ozone, and introducing the gas comprising ozone into the fluid flow path from the gas flow path; monitoring the flow of gas through the gas flow passage; monitoring the current drawn by the ozone generator; and, terminating the treatment if one or both the flow of gas and the current drawn by the ozone generator vary from preset values.
  • the method further comprises using the passage of the liquid to be treated through the fluid flow path to draw the gas comprising oxygen through the gas flow path.
  • the method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising issuing a signal if the treatment is terminated if one or both the flow of gas and the current drawn by the ozone generator vary from preset values.
  • a filter is removable mounted in the fluid flow path and the method further comprises removing the filter from the fluid flow path.
  • One of the preset values may be determined based on the rate of flow of gas when the filter is removed from the apparatus whereby the treatment is terminated if the apparatus is operated without the filter connected to the fluid flow path.
  • the method may further comprise issuing a signal when the flow of gas decreases to a level indicative of the filter approaching the end of its life.
  • One of the preset values may be determined based on the filter reaching the end of its life whereby the treatment is terminated when the filter reaches the end of its life.
  • the apparatus includes a dispense liquid path selectively connectable with the fluid flow path and a filter is removable mounted in the dispense liquid path and the method further comprises monitoring the time it takes for liquid to be dispensed from the apparatus and disabling the apparatus if the time it takes for liquid to be dispensed from the apparatus is greater than a preset period which is based on the filter reaching the end of its life.
  • a household apparatus for treating water comprises a water treatment reactor; a gas flow passage including an ozone generator, the gas flow path connected to the water treatment reactor downstream from the ozone generator, the ozone generator connected to a source of current; a controller; a gas flow sensor associated with the gas flow path and connected to the controller; and, a current sensor associated with the ozone generator and connected to the controller whereby the controller terminates treatment if readings from at least one of the sensors varies from predetermined values .
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a treatment apparatus according to one aspect of this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a treatment apparatus according to one aspect of this invention.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-section through an ozone generator according to another aspect of this invention
  • Figure 4 is a cross-section through a water filter assembly according to another aspect of this invention which includes a polishing filter
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the water filter assembly of Figure 4.
  • a domestic liquid treatment apparatus can be used in a house, cottage, mobile home or the like.
  • the sources of liquid that may be treated include, but are not limited to: a municipal water supply which is fed to a house through supply pipes; a well maintained by a home owner; or any other source of water to which a home owner may have access.
  • the liquid treatment apparatus is also well adapted to be used outside of a residence, such as on a camping trip provided a suitable source of power, e.g. battery, a small generator or solar power, is available.
  • a water treatment apparatus 100 for treating liquid comprising water with a gas comprising ozone is exemplified.
  • the liquid consists of water and the gas comprises air containing ozone.
  • the apparatus 100 may be used for purifying and disinfecting water by means of ozone.
  • Water treatment apparatus 100 may be of any configuration and size which will house a water treatment reactor 9 comprising a reservoir for receiving the desired volume to be treated. Water treatment reactor 9 may be sized to treat from about 0.5 to about 5, preferably from about
  • Water treatment apparatus 100 may include a handle 101 which is affixed to outer housing 103 for lifting and carrying the unit.
  • handle 101 may be affixed to handle 101 for lifting and carrying the unit.
  • some of the working components of the system, such as the electronics, may be house in handle 101.
  • Water treatment apparatus 100 comprises a water treatment reactor 9, a water inlet 7, an ozone source (e.g. ozone generator 20) and a filter 10.
  • a schematic of how the working components may be placed within outer housing 103 is shown in Figure 2; however, it will be appreciated that differing configurations of the working components is possible using the operating principles exemplified by the embodiment of Figure 2.
  • water inlet 7 is provided with a cover, which is used to prevent undesirable material, e.g. leaves, twigs etc. from entering the apparatus in the event the unit is used outdoors.
  • the cover may be a resealable cap which may be removably affixed to the system by any suitable method, such as a thread or a bayonet mount. In such an embodiment, when the cap is closed the system is sealed.
  • lid 1 does not seal water inlet 7 and is rotatably mounted to top 105 of apparatus 100 such as by a pivot or a hinge 2 is provided.
  • Lid 1 may be provided with lid handle 1a for use in opening and closing lid 1.
  • a sensor may optionally be employed to assess whether the lid 1 is in the closed position.
  • the sensor may be an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor (e.g. a switch is moved to close an electric circuit when lid 1 is closed) or an electrical sensor (e.g. lid 1 may itself close an electric circuit when lid 1 is closed).
  • the sensor is magnetic.
  • the sensor may comprise a magnet 5 and a corresponding magnetic reed switch 3. Magnet 5 is located in the end of the lid 1 such that when lid 1 is in the closed position, magnet 5 is proximate to a magnetic reed switch 3 which is located on, e.g., circuit board 4.
  • a filter assembly having at least two filter elements shown generally at 29 is provided (see Figures 4 and 5).
  • filter assembly 29 is provided within reactor 9 although, in some embodiments, it will be appreciated that filter assembly may be positioned exterior to reactor 9 and connected in flow communication with reactor 9 by suitable piping as is known in the art.
  • filter assembly 29 has optional top perimeter 82 and inner side walls 83 to define a recess which functions as water inlet 7 and hold a quantity of water to be filtered through pre-filter 8.
  • the filter assembly 29 may be comprised of two or more of the following filter elements: a pre-filter 8; a main filter 10; and, a polishing filter 54.
  • the filter assembly 29 may comprise a main filter 10 and a polishing filter 54.
  • the filter assembly 29 comprises a pre-filter 8 and a main filter 10, and more preferably the filter assembly 29 comprises a pre-filter 8, a main filter 10 and a polishing filter 54.
  • filter assembly 29 with all of its filter elements is adapted to be removable as a unit from the apparatus 100.
  • Filter assembly 29 may be removably mounted in apparatus 100 by any means known in the filter art such as a screw thread or a bayonet mount.
  • bayonet members 84 are provided on the lower end 85 of outer housing 86 and are releasably engagable with female bayonet members provided in apparatus 29 (not shown).
  • apparatus 100 includes a mechanism to advise the consumer when to change the filter (e.g. based upon water flow through the apparatus or on the time the apparatus has been operated or on the number of treatment cycles performed by the apparatus).
  • a mechanism to advise the consumer when to change the filter e.g. based upon water flow through the apparatus or on the time the apparatus has been operated or on the number of treatment cycles performed by the apparatus.
  • One advantage of this design is that the consumer must replace all filter elements at the same time thereby ensuring that apparatus 100 is properly filtering the water at all times.
  • Another advantage is the replacement of multiple filter elements is simplified. It will be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, apparatus 100 may include all three filter elements, but that filter assembly 29 may contain only two of the filter elements or so that only two filter elements (e.g. pre-filter 8 and main filter 10) are removable as a unit.
  • filter assembly 29 may be configured to contain all three filter elements but that only two are removable as a unit with the third filter element being separately removable for replacement as may be required.
  • polishing filter 54 could be provided as a separate removable filter element.
  • Filter assembly 29 is preferably provided with treated water passageway mount 90 for removably receiving treated water passageway 91. It will be appreciated that treated water passageway 91 may be provided as a part of filter assembly 29.
  • polishing filter 54 is located adjacent the main filter 10 (beside main filter 10 in the embodiment of Figure 2 and above main filter 10 in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5). Polishing filter 54 is optionally provided to filter compounds present in the water after a treatment cycle.
  • system 100 is constructed to operate as a continuous flow batch process and, to this end, may have one or more fluid flow loops in fluid communication with reactor 9.
  • Reactor 9 could comprise a flow reactor through which the water travels as it is ozonated. Alternately, or in addition, reactor 9 could comprise a tank from which the water is directed to flow through main filter 10 before being returned to the tank. The water may be ozonated in the tank or as the water is in transit.
  • reactor 9 is a multipass reactor. In a multi-pass reactor, the water is caused to pass at least twice, preferably, from 3 to 8 times and more preferably from 4 to 6 times through main filter 10 during a single treatment cycle.
  • FIG. 2 An embodiment of a multi-pass reactor is shown in Figure 2 wherein there is provided a filtration loop 120 and an ozonation loop 122.
  • a polishing filtration loop 124 is optionally provided.
  • Filtration loop shown generally at 120 withdraws water from reactor 9 and returns it to main filter 10. More specifically, the filtration loop comprises the following elements in fluid communication: reactor 9, reactor outlet 104, first partially treated water passageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway 25, valve 26 (which may be manually adjustable or electrically controlled such as a solenoid valve), main filter inlet passageway 27, and main filter inlet 28.
  • Main filter inlet 28 is in fluid communication with annular space 30 which surrounds main filter element 10. Inner space 31 is provided interior of main filter element 10 (see Figure 4) and is in fluid communication with main filter outlet 32.
  • Ozonation loop shown generally at 122 withdraws water from main filter 10, injects the water with air containing ozone, and returns it to reactor 9.
  • ozonation loop 122 may draw water directly from reactor 9. More specifically, the ozonation loop 122 comprises the following elements in fluid communication: inner space 31 of main filter 10, main filter outlet 32, filtered water passageway 34, venturi 33, ozonated water passageway 35, reactor inlet 106 and reactor 9.
  • An ozone generator 20 is in fluid communication with venturi 33 so that as water flows through ozonation loop 122, ozone produced in ozone generator 20 will be drawn into the water to be treated through venturi 33.
  • a check valve is provided to prevent the back flow of water into ozone generator 20.
  • spring loaded check valve 38 is provided at the exit from ozone generator 20 and is comprised of the following elements: spring 57, ball seal 58, o-ring seal 59 and check valve support 60.
  • Ozone generator 20 may be any type as is well known in the art and may be powered by any means known in the art.
  • Polishing filtration loop shown generally at 124 withdraws water from reactor 9, and directs it to a polishing filter 54 prior to the treated water being dispensed. More specifically, the polishing filtration loop 124 comprises the following elements in fluid communication: reactor 9, reactor outlet 104, first partially treated water passageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway 25, valve 26, polishing filter inlet passageway 52, polishing filter inlet 108, and polishing filter 54.
  • the polishing filter 54 is fluidly connected to a treated water passageway 91 , which is in fluid communication with a treated water outlet 92.
  • Apparatus 100 can receive power from any source of current including, but not limited to: an electrical outlet, a battery, a fuel cell, or any other power device well known in the art.
  • power is supplied by means of a wall plug 47, which is electrically connected to circuit board 4 via wires 48, 49.
  • a transformer for stepping down the voltage may be provided as is known in the electrical art.
  • Ozone generator 20 is preferably of the corona discharge type and has a discharge gap 73 and a dielectric element 62 that is provided between high voltage electrode 71 and ground electrode 63.
  • Ozone generator 20 may be powered by any means known in the art.
  • a high frequency signal applied to wires 16, 17 passes into primary coil 21 , which induces a magnetic flux through ferrite 22 and transmits the flux to high voltage secondary bobbin 23. This creates a high voltage which is transmitted through wires 18 and 19, which are attached to ozone generator 20.
  • a high voltage is applied between the spiraled wire 71 and the metal ground plane 63, a cold corona discharge is produced which converts at least a portion of the oxygen in the gas flowing through air gap 73 to ozone.
  • ozone generator does not have a longitudinally extending outer housing. Instead, ozone generator has opposed end caps fixedly held in place with respect to each other. The end caps have an air inlet and an air outlet and together with air gap 73, define the air flow passage through ozone generator 20.
  • the inlet end cap is denoted by reference numeral 39 which has air inlet 74 and check valve support 60 is used as the outlet end cap such that passageway 37 form the air outlet. It will be appreciated that a separate outlet end cap may be provided so that ozone generator 20 may be separately assembled prior to insertion into a device such as apparatus 100.
  • the ozone generator will not retain as much heat during operation and, in fact, is easier to cool, such as by providing a cooling air flow over ground electrode 63.
  • the use of a construction which does not include an outer housing allows ozone generator 20 to operate at cooler temperatures and avoid a drop off in ozone production which occurs at higher operating temperatures.
  • the end caps are releasably secured together so that ozone generator may be easily disassembled for servicing as may be required.
  • the end caps may be held into place by a plurality of securing members which are preferably resilient such as elastomeric members or springs 75 (e.g.
  • the dielectric element 62 may be comprised of any material as is well known in the art such as ceramic. In one embodiment of the invention, the dielectric 62 is preferably comprised of plastic.
  • Ground electrode 63 may be a metal tube provided exterior to dielectric 62. Preferably, dielectric element 62 is coated with a metal to form ground plane 63. The metal ground plane 63 is electrically connected to ground such as by spring 67 which secures ground wire 68 to ground plane 63.
  • High voltage electrode 71 may comprise a spiraled wire 71 which is wrapped around plastic support 70.
  • a preferred method of operating the water treatment apparatus is as follows. Initially, water is provided to reactor 9 such as by pouring water into water inlet 7, and apparatus 100 is turned on. During the water treatment cycle, water continuously travels through the filtration loop 120 and the ozonation loop 122 (the multipass filtration cycle). When a treatment cycle is completed, apparatus 100 may be shut down by turning off both the water pump
  • the microcontroller 6 will terminate the water treatment cycle, so that the failure may be further investigated and fixed.
  • the user may initiate a dispense cycle by depressing the dispense button 53 or apparatus 100 may include an auto dispense mode.
  • the water pump 15 is activated, and the treated water preferably flows through the polishing filtration loop 124 (i.e. through polishing filter 54) prior to exiting the apparatus via treated water passageway 91 and treated water outlet 92.
  • polishing filtration loop 124 i.e. through polishing filter 54
  • micro-controller 6 When a treatment cycle is initiated, micro-controller 6 energizes water pump 15 via wires 13 and 14 to draw water from reactor 9 and to cause the water to flow sequentially through filtration loop 120 and then through ozonation loop 122.
  • ozone generator 20 is energized shortly after water pump 15 commences operation. In this way, the provision of current to ozone generator 20 may be delayed until the water flow produces an air flow through ozone generator 20.
  • Water pump 15 withdraws water from reactor outlet 104, and causes the water to flow through first partially treated water passageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway 25, solenoid valve 26, main filter inlet passageway 27, and into filter assembly 29 via main filter inlet 28. The water enters annular space 30 surrounding main filter 10.
  • the treatment cycle preferably includes passing a volume of water equal to the volume of water to be treated in reactor 9 several times through the flow loops to achieve the multi-pass treatment.
  • Ozone introduced into the water via venturi 33 is also used to treat water in reactor 9 since ozone rich bubbles 36 rise through the reactor 9, thus disinfecting the water in reactor 9.
  • the bubbles 36 collect in an off gas collection area 96.
  • the off gas passes from collection area 96 through pre-filter 8 to at least partially disinfect pre-filter 8 while converting the residual ozone in the off gas to oxygen.
  • the treatment cycle may be controlled by a timer.
  • the micro-processor 6 may shut off both the water pump 15 and ozone generator 20.
  • ozone generator 20 may be de-energized while water pump continues to operate (e.g. for 30 seconds to 2 minutes) so as to draw air which does not contain ozone into reactor 9 to flush ozone from collection area 96.
  • the water may be automatically dispensed or dispense switch 53 may be energized.
  • the user is signaled that the water is safe to dispense and use at the end of a successful treatment cycle.
  • the user may be signaled when dispense switch 53 is energized.
  • an audible signal may be issued or a visual signal may be provided.
  • dispense switch 53 contains a light. Once dispense switch 53 is energized, it may be manually actuated to initiate the dispensing of treated water when desired. By configuring the apparatus so that dispense switch 53 must be energized before if may be actuated to dispense water, water which has not been properly treated can not be accidentally dispensed.
  • microcontroller 6 actuates valve 26 (e.g. sends a signal by wires 50 and 51 to a solenoid valve) which diverts the flow of water from the main filter inlet passageway 28 to the polishing filter inlet passageway 52.
  • valve 26 e.g. sends a signal by wires 50 and 51 to a solenoid valve
  • valve 26 When valve 26 is in the dispense position, water is withdrawn from reactor 9 and flows through polishing filtration loop 124. Specifically, water is withdrawn from reactor outlet 106, and flows through first partially treated water passageway 24, water pump 15, second partially treated water passageway 25, valve 26, polishing filter inlet passageway 52, and filter assembly 29 via polishing filter inlet 108. The water then travels from the polishing filter inlet 108, through the polishing filter 54, and ultimately exits apparatus 100 through treated water passageway 91 and treated water outlet 92.
  • the dispense cycle is preferably terminated by monitoring the current drawn by water pump 15 and de-energizing pump 15 when the current drawn by water pump 15 changes to a lower current associated with cavitation of water pump 15.
  • Apparatus 100 may optionally include various safeguards and/or monitors to ensure that the system is running safely and optimally.
  • One such safeguard is an automatic cycle counter to determine when one or more filters should be replaced. If apparatus
  • the user may be advised when to change all of the filters and may in fact change all of the filters in a single step.
  • the cycle counter may optionally be employed to keep track of the number of water treatment cycles, and signal the user to replace the filter assembly 29 after a preset number of cycles.
  • the cycle counter may be any type which is well known in the art.
  • the treatment cycles may be counted by the number of times that a cycle is initiated (e.g. by counting the number of times that start button 11 is pressed) or by the number of times that lid 1 is opened and/or closed.
  • an automatic counter which counts the number of times that lid 1 is opened and/or closed is used.
  • the automatic counter consists of a light beam that is directed across one end of the water inlet 7.
  • the lid 1 is determined to be in the closed position when the beam of light is broken by the presence of lid 1. More preferably, the automatic counter comprises a magnet 5 and a corresponding reed switch 3.
  • Micro-controller 6 preferably signal the user when one or more filter elements approaches and/or reaches the end of their useable life.
  • the signal could be an audio or visual signal and is preferably filter monitor light switch 55, which flashes when a first preset number of cycles is reached to advise a user that the filter is approaching the end of its life.
  • microcontroller 6 preferably sends a different signal to the user (e.g. filter monitor light switch is lit but not flashing) advising the user that the filter has reached the end of its life and preventing the apparatus from operating another treatment cycle until the filter is replaced.
  • the cycle counter could be automatically reset when filter assembly 29 is withdrawn from apparatus 100 or it may be manually reset such as by manually depressing filter monitor light switch 55.
  • the signal may also be utilized to initiate a new water treatment cycle.
  • a signal may be issued (e.g. process light 12 may flash or change to a different color) to alert a user that an error has occurred and the water treatment cycle will not proceed until the lid is properly.
  • the operation of a treatment cycle may also be delayed until lid 1 is closed.
  • the user may depresses start button 11. This action sends a signal to micro-controller 6 to initiate a new water treatment cycle.
  • the magnetic reed switch 3 is used to determine whether the lid 1 is in the closed position. The lid 1 is determined to be in the closed position when the magnet 5 is proximate to the magnetic reed switch 3 to change the status of reed switch 3.
  • Micro-controller 6 checks the status of reed switch 3 to ensure that lid 1 is .
  • micro-controller 6 initiates the water treatment cycle by turning on the water pump 15 via wires 13 and 14, and the ozone generator 20 via wires 16 and 17. If lid 1 is not in the closed position, process light 12 will flash to indicate that an error has occurred. The water treatment cycle will not proceed until lid 1 is properly closed. Additionally, if lid 1 is not closed within a preset time, for example 30 seconds, the system 100 may shut down, and the start button 11 will need to be depressed again in order to initiate a new water treatment cycle. Another such safeguard is to monitor the treatment of the water in reactor 9.
  • This may be accomplished by use of an ORP sensor to monitor the degree of treatment of the water or an off gas ozone sensor to monitor the level of ozone in the off gas exiting collection area 96 or an ozone sensor 126 located downstream of the ozone generator 20.
  • a range of acceptable ozone concentrations may be preset in controller 6 prior to the initiation of the water treatment cycle. If the concentration of the ozone as sensed by the ozone sensor 126 is too high or too low, a signal may be sent to the micro-controller 6 to terminate the water treatment cycle, and actuate a signal to notify the user of a system failure.
  • the signal could include an audio or visual signal.
  • process failure light 102 is illuminated.
  • a simplified system for ensuring that the water is treated to a desired level before it is dispensed.
  • a given quality of water will need a predetermined dosage of ozone to purify the water.
  • apparatus 100 is given a predetermined quality of water, and apparatus 100 is programmed to give that quality of water a predetermined dosage of ozone, then apparatus 100 will produce water of the desired purity.
  • apparatus 100 may include a switch (e.g. tapping start button 11 to advise microcontroller 6 of the source of the water) to advise controller 6 of the quality of water which is fed to reactor 9 (e.g. municipal water, lake or well water, etc.) and controller 6 may be pre-programmed with different treatment times for each such setting.
  • reactor 9 e.g. municipal water, lake or well water, etc.
  • the flow of air through apparatus 100 or the amount of ozone produced by ozone generator 20 are preferably monitored and compared with preset values that may be programmed into micro-controller 6. Preferably both of these factors are monitored.
  • Monitoring the operation of ozone generator 20 ensures that ozone generator 20 is producing the expected amount of ozone.
  • Measuring air flow ensures that the ozone generated by ozone generator 20 is reaching the water to be treated and enables controller 6 to indirectly monitor the concentration of ozone in the air being injected into the water by venturi 33. This ensures that the ozone generator 20 is continuously producing a concentration of ozone sufficient to completely treat the water.
  • the water treatment cycle is terminated if any of the monitored parameters fall outside of the acceptable preset ranges. If the parameters are within the acceptable preset ranges, then the water treatment cycle preferably continues until a sensor detects that the water has been treated to a desired level or, more preferably, for a preset duration.
  • the air flow may be monitored by providing an air flow sensor.
  • the air flow sensor is positioned upstream of ozone generator 20.
  • air flow sensor 42 and airflow sensor cover 41 are provided upstream of ozone generator 20 and immediately downstream of air inlet 40.
  • controller 6 may send a fault signal to the user and/or terminate the treatment cycle. For example, if there is an obstruction in one of the passageways, or if venturi 33 becomes fouled, then controller 6 will detect a decrease in air flow (or an increase in back pressure) and may terminate the treatment cycle as insufficient ozone will be provided to the water in a preset time limit.
  • the gas flow sensor employed may be any that is well know in the art.
  • the gas flow sensor is a thermister 42.
  • spring loaded check valve 38 to open (e.g. ball 58 moves downwards away from o-ring seal 59, thus allowing gas to flow freely through gas flow passageway 37).
  • Controller 6 is preprogrammed with an acceptable air flow range is preset prior to the initiation of the water treatment cycle. If the air flow as sensed by the thermister 42 is too high or too low, a signal may be sent to the micro-controller 6 to terminate the water treatment cycle and actuate a signal to notify the user of a system failure.
  • One of the preset value programmed into controller 6 preferably corresponds to the rate of air flow when main filter has reached the end of its life.
  • the signal could include an audio or visual signal.
  • the same or a different process failure light 102 is illuminated.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
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  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Oxidation Or Reduction (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un procédé de traitement de l'eau à l'ozone dans un dispositif de traitement de l'eau domestique. Ce procédé consiste à: amener l'eau à traiter dans un réacteur et alimenter en courant un générateur d'ozone; à l'aide d'une pompe à eau, faire circuler au moins une partie de l'eau à traiter au travers de conduits et de venturi; exploiter le passage de l'eau dans le venturi pour aspirer de l'air au travers d'un écoulement gazeux, le passage de l'air au travers du générateur d'ozone permettant d'obtenir de l'air enrichi en ozone, et faire passer ensuite l'air enrichi en ozone dans l'écoulement d'eau, contrôler le débit de l'air dans le passage du gaz, contrôler le courant utilisé par le générateur d'ozone et interrompre le traitement en cas de déviation soit du débit d'air, soit du courant consommé par le générateur d'ozone, soit des deux, par rapport à des valeurs préétablies.
PCT/CA2001/001668 2000-11-22 2001-11-21 Procede et dispositif de commande pour purificateur d'eau a usage domestique WO2002042224A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002221385A AU2002221385A1 (en) 2000-11-22 2001-11-21 Method and apparatus for controlling a household water purifier

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US60/252,425 2000-11-22
US09/758,252 2001-01-12
US09/758,252 US20020060189A1 (en) 2000-11-22 2001-01-12 Method and apparatus for controlling a household water purifier

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002042224A1 true WO2002042224A1 (fr) 2002-05-30

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PCT/CA2001/001668 WO2002042224A1 (fr) 2000-11-22 2001-11-21 Procede et dispositif de commande pour purificateur d'eau a usage domestique

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6953523B2 (en) 2002-12-05 2005-10-11 Headwaters Research & Development, Inc Portable, refillable water dispenser serving batches of water purified of organic and inorganic pollutants
ES2335956A1 (es) * 2008-05-21 2010-04-06 Rec Nou Agricola 21, S.L Dispositivo para la desinfeccion de agua depurada.

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5451314A (en) * 1994-04-09 1995-09-19 Neuenschwander; Peter Plant for the treatment of drinking water from raw water
US5540898A (en) * 1995-05-26 1996-07-30 Vasogen Inc. Ozone generator with in-line ozone sensor
US6312588B1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2001-11-06 Fantom Technologies Inc. Water purifier

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5451314A (en) * 1994-04-09 1995-09-19 Neuenschwander; Peter Plant for the treatment of drinking water from raw water
US5540898A (en) * 1995-05-26 1996-07-30 Vasogen Inc. Ozone generator with in-line ozone sensor
US6312588B1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2001-11-06 Fantom Technologies Inc. Water purifier

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6953523B2 (en) 2002-12-05 2005-10-11 Headwaters Research & Development, Inc Portable, refillable water dispenser serving batches of water purified of organic and inorganic pollutants
ES2335956A1 (es) * 2008-05-21 2010-04-06 Rec Nou Agricola 21, S.L Dispositivo para la desinfeccion de agua depurada.

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