WO2007060466A1

WO2007060466A1 - Ion generator for water treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2007060466A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Jean Gauthier
Original assignee: Walker, Ross, Thomson
Priority date: 2005-11-25
Filing date: 2006-11-27
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: GB2432588A; GB0524092D0; EP1960314A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water comprising a set of electrodes having at least four electrodes (107) of substantially triangular cross-section which collectively define a substantially X-shaped channel, the apparatus further comprising fluid channelling means or funnelling means (105) for directing the water into the channel. The electrodes (107) may be copper, silver or both as an alloy.

Description

ION GENERATOR FOR WATER TREATMENT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of water. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for introducing ions into a flow of water or water supply, known in the art as an ion generator, for suppression of growth and/or eradication of microorganisms, for example, water borne bacteria from the flow of water or water supply, for example from a water distribution network or reservoir.

Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia. It was named after an outbreak of severe pneumonia which affected a meeting of the American Legion in 1976. One of the most common species of bacteria which causes legionnaires disease is called legionella pneumophila. People contract legionnaires disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air which contain the legionella bacterium. This bacterium is wide spread in nature and it mainly lives in water, for example ponds, where it does not usually cause problems. Outbreaks of legionnaires disease occur from purpose built water systems where temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth of the bacteria e.g. in cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas and from water used for domestic purposes in buildings such as hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and office buildings. Other water borne bacteria can also cause infections such as pseudomonas bacteria.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ionisation of copper and/or silver is accomplished when these metals are stripped of electrons and become positively charged, forming Cu²⁺ Or Ag⁺ ions.

It is possible to create positive metallic ions when a DC current is run between a pair of copper and/or silver electrodes submerged in liquid or fluid, for example water. These metallic ions are released from the positive electrode and are attracted to the other, negatively charged electrode and try to cross to it using the water as a conduit. Having water movement or a water flow between the electrodes carries away the positive metallic ions into the water system before they can reach the opposite, negative electrode.

Positively charged copper and silver ions then travel within the water system. These positive ions can bind themselves to negatively charged microorganisms such as legionella, or other microorganisms present in the water system which may be potentially harmful to health. Once the positive metallic ions are in contact with these micro-organisms, the copper/silver ions attack in a multi-phase process to disrupt the overall cell metabolism causing cell lysis (death). Micro-organisms present in a water system may be successfully dealt with by concentrations of positive metallic ions which are safe for safe levels of human health and below the internationally prescribed guidelines for metallic ions in water.

There are some water treatments systems available which operate on this methodology but these have significant disadvantages. Presently available systems are inefficient because scale can build up within these water treatment devices. The water passing through such devices is subject to a degree of turbulence or eddies within the device and water flows sporadically. Such devices are also inefficient in their use of energy. Eddies lead to a build up of scale on the electrodes which in turn produces a barrier around the electrodes such that they do not efficiently release ions into the water. Consequently, the concentration of ions present in the flow of water or water supply is too low to be effective. This can lead to overheating of electrodes within a system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system which recognises and aims to alleviate the problems identified with the prior art systems. In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water, the apparatus comprising at least one set of electrodes, the set including at least two electrodes, which wholly or partially define a channel through which the water may pass, the apparatus further including means for funnelling or channelling the water into the channel.

Conveniently, a set of electrodes has at least four electrodes.

Preferably, the electrodes are of substantially triangular cross-section.

Advantageously, the electrodes collectively define a substantially X-shaped channel.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow. of water comprising a set of electrodes having at least four electrodes of substantially triangular cross-section which collectively define a substantially X-shaped channel through which water may pass.

Conveniently, the apparatus further comprises fluid channelling means or funnelling means directing the water into the channel.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water comprising a set of electrodes having at least four electrodes of substantially triangular cross- section which collectively define a substantially X-shaped channel, the apparatus further comprising fluid channelling means or funnelling means for directing the water into the channel. Further preferred aspects of the invention utilised with each of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention are as follows.

Conveniently, the electrodes are metallic.

Preferably, the electrodes are zinc, titanium, copper, silver, or mixtures or alloys containing these metals.

Advantageously, the set of electrodes comprises 6, or 8, or 10, or 12, or 14, or 16, or 18, or 20, or 22, or 24, or 26, or 28, or 30, or 32, or 34, or 36, or 38, or 40, or 42, or 44, or 46, or 48, or 50, or 52, or 54, or 56, or 58, or 60 electrodes which collectively define a multi-armed star shaped channel, preferably the set of electrodes comprise 4 or 6, or 8 or 10 or 12 electrodes.

Conveniently, the apparatus comprises more than one set of electrodes and the sets of electrodes are arranged in series along the length of the channel.

Preferably, the electrodes are mounted in moulded and/or machined insulator components, preferably plastics insulator components.

Advantageously, the insulator components are dovetailed electrode mountings.

Conveniently, the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are located at both ends of the channel.

Preferably, the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are formed of moulded plastics.

Advantageously, the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are an integral part of the electrodes. Conveniently, the electrodes are housed within a stainless steel housing, preferably configured as a pipe.

Advantageously, the electrodes are housed within a plastics housing, such as a housing made from PVC or CPVC. Further preferably, the housing is configured as a pipe. The use of a plastics housing has particular application in a cold water environment i.e. when the water to be treated is at a temperature of between 0⁰C to 20⁰C.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention the apparatus of the invention is used to control growth of microorganisms in a water system.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention the apparatus of the present invention is used to provide a biocidal concentration of metal ions in a water system.

Preferably, concentrations of about 0.4 ppm Cu²⁺ or 0.04 ppm Ag⁺ are obtained.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling microbial levels in a water system comprising passing water through the apparatus of the invention whilst applying a (direct current) DC across the electrodes and thereby introducing metal ions into the water system.

Advantageously, the electrodes are contained within a housing, preferably in the form of a pipe, which is attachable to the water distribution network via victaulic couplings.

For all aspects of this invention it is preferably that a variable reverse polarity DC is used. Further preferably each electrode in a set will have an opposite polarity from the adjacent electrode(s) in that set.

It will be appreciated that the choice of metal or alloy for the electrodes will depend on the circumstances and the nature of the application. Furthermore, whether one set of electrodes or a plurality of sets of electrodes arranged in series are used in the apparatus is dependent upon the circumstances and the amount of water to be treated.

The fluid channelling means or funnelling means directing water flow into the X or star shaped channel provides several advantages. For example, turbulence or eddies are prevented. The fluid channelling means or funnelling means accelerate the water flow velocity. The provision of fluid channelling means or funnelling means prevents or substantially eliminates the deposition of scale.

Preferably the apparatus according to the present invention has fluid channelling means or funnelling means located on both sides of the central portion. This prevents turbulence or eddies occurring at both ends of the channel, that is the water flows smoothly both on entry and exit to the channel.

The use of electrodes of substantially triangular cross-section is advantageous because electrodes of lower mass may be used than previously available. For example electrodes having approximately half the mass may be used in comparison with standard electrodes having a square cross-section, whilst obtaining an efficient release of metal ions into the water is achieved.

Use of substantially triangular shaped electrodes providing an X-shaped channel, doubles the contact surface area between the water and the electrodes in comparison with other water treatment pipe systems already available. Use of more than four electrodes of substantially triangular cross- section provides a substantially star shaped channel and further increases the surface area contact between the electrodes and the water.

The present invention provides the following benefits when used to control microorganisms in a water system:

• Water temperature can be lowered, (Reduced by up to 5% hot water energy consumption for each 5.6 °C/10°F drop in water temperate).

• Penetration of the biofilm. • Main water loop saturation in minutes.

• Research studies show that copper silver ionisation delivers Legionella control and prevention within 45 days.

• Distal point water flushing not necessary, (Encouraged to accelerate the process.). • Treatment of the entire water system including dead legs, and low flow areas, (hi % to low % physics principles).

• Corrosion free, (excellent for older water pipes).

• No dangerous chemical byproducts.

• Residual ionic values can protect for up to 6 months if stopped. • Water temperature does not hinder the functionality.

• Very low maintenance requirements and operation costs.

• Helps healthcare facilities comply with JCAHO's E.C. 1.7 requirements.

• Copper silver ionisation kills a wide range of waterborne pathogens such as: Legionella, Listeria, Salmonella, E.Coli, Pseudomonas, M.Avium, Staphylococcus, Algae and Anthrax.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water, the apparatus comprising at least one set of electrodes, the set including at least two electrodes, which wholly or partially define a channel through which the water may pass wherein W

the electrodes are housed within a stainless steel housing, preferably a stainless steel housing which is tubular in cross-section. This has the advantage in that the apparatus is industrial and medical grade whilst being resistant to high pressure and temperature. Other advantages associated with 5 the use of stainless steel to construct the housing are:

• High temperature resistance;

• High water pressure resistance;

• Compatible with industrial couplings;

• Enables one to press fit components inside without the use of glues and/or cements;

• Meets fire safety building codes;

• Resistant to wear and tear with practically no risk of material fatigue; and

• Aesthetically cleaner than plastics.

Further preferably, the stainless steel is schedule 40 stainless steel.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water, the apparatus comprising at least one set of electrodes, the set including at least two electrodes, which wholly or partially define a channel through which the water may pass, wherein the set of electrodes are linked via connection means extending through at least one radially extending insulated aperture to at least one connector provided on or within a housing extending around the apparatus.

This has the advantage in that the wires associated with the electrodes are all housed within the housing and moreover, enables the apparatus to be readily connected to a suitable power source and/or control module via the at least one connector extending from the housing. The present invention will now be further described by way of example and with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the apparatus in accordance with the present invention viewed from the side;

Figure 2 provides a two dimensional end view of the funnelling means and central "x" or "+" shaped water channel;

Figure 3 provides a cross-sectional view of the pipe of the present invention, viewed end on;

Figure 4 provides an alternative longitudinal view of the apparatus of the present invention with part of the internal components shown in ghost;

Figure 5 shows a_.further longitudinal view of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a further embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a further longitudinal view of the embodiment of Figure 6.

As illustrated, the apparatus 20 is housed in a stainless steel pipe 2. Substantially triangular metallic electrodes 4 are arranged within the pipe 2 in sets of four electrodes. The presence of a set of four substantially triangular electrodes 4 within the pipe 2 provides a "x" or "+" shaped channel as best appreciated in Figures 2 or 3. The electrodes 4 are mounted in moulded plastics mountings 6, 8, 10 which insulate the electrodes from one another. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , two sets of electrodes 4 are arranged in series within the pipe 2. Both ends of the pipe 2 are provided with fluid channelling means or funnelling means 6 which prevents turbulence or eddies and ensures a smooth and fast flow of water through the apparatus.

The design of the embodiments shown in the Figures minimises the required metallic mass of the electrodes. This design also maximises metallic electrode contact with the water achieved by utilising substantially triangular electrodes creating a cross or X-shaped configuration. A further benefit is that the water is channelled or funnelled when entering and existing the channel. The fluid channelling means or funnelling means 6 eliminates direct impact with the flat end of the electrodes 4, accelerates the water flow velocity and eliminates scale causing water turbulence also known as eddies. The triangular metallic electrodes 4 are composed of zinc, titanium, copper, silver or alternative metals or alloys depending on the application. The electrodes 4 are mounted in moulded and/or machined insulator plastics components 6, 8, 10 specific to the cross pattern triangular electrode design configuration. The plastics components are used for fluid direction flow (the fluid channelling means or funnelling means 6), electrode insulation from each other (electrical insulators 10) electrical insulation from the external metallic enclosure (plastics electrode mountings 8) dovetailed plastics electrode mountings, and the transition pin insulator 12.

In order to connect the pipe of the present invention to the other elements of the apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water the metallic electrodes each have a transition pin plastic insulator surrounding electrical metallic conductive rod to the outside center casing and machined to accommodate the internal electrical connection 12 and 14. The necessary wiring (not shown) is encapsulated within a protective external central junction array that fit in two centrally located grooves when combined together using union bolts. The encapsulated electrical array is linked to a proportional number of wire connectors that are linked to the corresponding external electrical connectors. These safety electrical connectors are linked to an automated variable VDC electrical power drive and monitoring equipment (now shown). The external extremities of the chamber cell are machine grooved 16 to accommodate pipe couplings.

As illustrated in Figure 6, a further ion chamber cell 100 in accordance with the present invention includes a tubular housing 101 , preferably made of stainless steel, more preferably schedule 40 stainless steel.

The opposing ends of the housing 101 are provided with an externally facing annular groove 102 such that the apparatus 100 can be coupled at either end thereof to a water source such as a water carrying pipe. Preferably, such coupling is effected by way of a victaulic coupling. In addition, the housing

101 is provided with an externally facing annular groove 103 at the centre of the housing 101 , which, in use, holds a housing 104 for the electrics; such electrical housing 104 is preferably made of plastic or a plastics material.

With further reference to Figure 6, the funnelling means or fluid channelling means consists of a plastic moulded laminar water flow funnel 105, preferably provided at both ends of the apparatus 100. The funnelling means 105 lead to a channel 106 defined by the sets of electrodes 107. Such electrodes 107 may be copper, silver or both as an alloy. The electrodes 107 are held within the chamber cell 100 by holders 108, which are preferably made of plastic or a plastics material. The holders 108 are aligned by guides 109 provided at either end of the chamber cell 100.

The cell 100 is further provided with an inter-electrode separator 110, which separates the arrays or sets of electrodes 107.

In addition, the apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of insulated channels 111 through which the electrodes 107 can be wired or connected to an electrical source and/or control module. As will be appreciated, that is, with particular reference to Figure 7, the electrical housing 104 includes at least one connector 112 extending from the housing 104. This configuration readily enables the cell 100 to be connected to a power source and/or control module (not illustrated). This has the advantage in that on installing the cells 100 all the user has to do is to connect cell 100 via connector(s) 112 to a suitable power source and/or control module, that is, to power it up.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAiMS

1. An apparatus for the introduction of metal ions into a flow of water comprising a set of electrodes having at least four electrodes of substantially triangular cross-section which collectively define a substantially X-shaped channel, the apparatus further comprising fluid channelling means or funnelling means for directing the water into the channel.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are metallic.

3. An apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrodes are zinc, titanium, copper, silver, or mixtures or alloys containing these metals.

4. An apparatus according to anyone of Claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the set of electrodes comprises 6, or 8, or 10, or 12, or 14, or 16, or 18, or 20, or 22, or 24, or 26, or 28, or 30, or 32, or 34, or 36, or 38, or 40, or 42, or 44, or 46, or 48, or 50, or 52, or 54, or 56, or 58, or 60 electrodes which collectively define a multi-armed star shaped channel, preferably the set of electrodes comprise 4 or 6, or 8 or 10 or 12 electrodes.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises more than one set of electrodes and the sets of electrodes are arranged in series along the length of the channel.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrodes are mounted in moulded and/or machined insulator components, preferably plastics insulator components.

7. An apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein the insulator components are dovetailed electrode mountings.

8. An apparatus according to according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are located at both ends of the channel.

9. An apparatus according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are formed of moulded plastics.

10.An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid channelling means or funnelling means are an integral part of the electrodes.

11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrodes are contained within a housing, the housing preferably being made of stainless steel.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the housing is in the form of a pipe.

13. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is further provided with an electrical housing radially extending around same and the at least one set of electrodes are connected to a connector, which, in use, can be readily coupled to an external power supply and/or control module, wherein the connector is connected to the electrodes via at least one wire passing through a radially extending aperture passing through the housing.

14. Use of the apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 13 to control microbial growth in a water system.

15 Use of the apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 13 to provide a biocidal concentration of metal ions in a water system.

16. Use according to any one of Claims 14 to 15, wherein concentrations of about 0.4 ppm Cu²⁺ or 0.04 ppm Ag⁺ are obtained.

17. A method of controlling microbial levels in a water system comprising passing water through the apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 13 whilst applying a DC across the electrodes and thereby introducing metal ions into the water system.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the electrodes are contained within a housing, preferably in the form of a pipe, the housing in the form of a pipe is attached to the water system via victaulic couplings.