WO2008105870A1 - Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008105870A1
WO2008105870A1 PCT/US2007/062843 US2007062843W WO2008105870A1 WO 2008105870 A1 WO2008105870 A1 WO 2008105870A1 US 2007062843 W US2007062843 W US 2007062843W WO 2008105870 A1 WO2008105870 A1 WO 2008105870A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
viewing
light source
filtration apparatus
viewing portal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/062843
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Susan Goldsmith
Laurence M. Howard
Original Assignee
Wildwood Industries
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
Application filed by Wildwood Industries filed Critical Wildwood Industries
Priority to PCT/US2007/062843 priority Critical patent/WO2008105870A1/fr
Publication of WO2008105870A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008105870A1/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
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
    • G01N21/49—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid
    • G01N21/53—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/06—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
    • G01N15/0606—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions by collecting particles on a support
    • G01N15/0618—Investigating concentration of particle suspensions by collecting particles on a support of the filter type
    • G01N15/0625—Optical scan of the deposits

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to air cleaning devices and other devices adapted for removal, monitoring and filtration of fluid borne particles. More specifically, the apparatus and method are adapted for visualization of particles within air, water, liquids and other fluids drawn into such devices or for which particulate cleanliness is of interest.
  • air filtration systems are well known in the art.
  • such machines utilize a fan or other intake system to draw air into the machine, through a filter and then out into the environment.
  • a mechanical filter such is known in the art, may be used. Filters in such devices may also be electrostatic in nature.
  • Another method of carrying out air filtration is seen in devices such as the IONIC BREEZE®, marketed by Sharper Image, in which there is no filter, but plates or rods that are electrostically charged, drawing in particles of an opposite charge.
  • the user generally has no way to determine whether the air quality in the room (or series of rooms if a central system) is improving, vis-a-vis ability to determine if airborne particles are being removed from such an environment.
  • Visual inspection of the filter media or electrostatic plates or rods will indicate to a user that some sort of removal has taken place, but such inspection does not indicate either the temporal or quantitative amount of filtration taking place.
  • the end-user is operating on "blind faith" that their air filtration system is actually cleaning the air — they would like proof that their unit is working. Similar issues are presented in devices for filtering other fluids such as water and other liquids and gases, other than atmospheric air.
  • Particle counters While effective in providing a snapshot of the number of particles entering the device, or more precisely the particle counter, do not provide the end-user the ability to intuitively ascertain the actual quality of the fluid entering the device and in the environment.
  • many inexpensive particle sensors such as the types that would most likely be used in affordable consumer units, are unable to detect particles under 1 ⁇ m (micron) which is larger than many harmful particles that may be respired by a room occupant, such as from cigarette smoke or other pollutants. The vast majority of particles by count are smaller than l ⁇ m. Additionally, readings are not understood by end-users. Finally, some users do not like the numbers changing as the counter counts particles.
  • level indicators are typically insensitive to particles sizes under 1 ⁇ m, such as discussed above.
  • a photometer (or turbidimeter in the case of a water/liquid filtration system) could provide a more accurate reading of particle concentrations.
  • such devices are expensive (U.S. $100-2000) and cannot "see” the particles entering the system. Further, such devices may be difficult to use by the average user of a residential room air cleaner.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for filtration of fluid borne particles. More specifically, the inventive apparatus and method are directed to a filtration device that incorporates an opening or portal that allows the user to observe even submicron respirable airborne or gas borne particles flowing through the apparatus. Such visualization is accomplished through a light source positioned in or adjacent to the portal at such an angle that light scattering by way of the Tyndall Effect illuminates the particles.
  • Another related embodiment of the inventive apparatus and method is adapted for use with liquid media, such as a water filtration device.
  • the disclosed device and method can be used to determine the quality of a fluid, with out the need to filter such fluid. Therefore, while an air cleaner apparatus is generally discussed and illustrated in the figures herein as a disclosed embodiment, other embodiments and variations are contemplated, if not otherwise disclosed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner apparatus according the disclosed invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of an air cleaner apparatus according to the disclosed invention
  • FIG. 3 is a is a perspective and partially transparent view of an air cleaner apparatus according the disclosed invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a front elevational and partially transparent view of an air cleaner apparatus according the disclosed invention.
  • FIG. 5 is perspective view of the light source and viewing portal portion of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG 6. is a perspective front view of the light source, viewing portal and front cover portions of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG 7. is a perspective rear view of the light source, viewing portal and front cover portions of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG 8. is a perspective rear view of the light source, viewing portal and front cover portions, illustrating the particle counter, of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Particles under the size of 40 ⁇ m are not individually visible to the naked eye.
  • light when viewed at a right angle (90°) (and other angles) from its source, is not visible to the eye.
  • particles in a light beam will make both the particles and the light beam visible to the eye by scattering the light and illuminating the particles.
  • This principle is known as the Tyndall Effect and can be seen in every day events such as fog in an automobile's headlights, dust in the beam of a movie projector, and the rays of sunlight through a forest at dawn or dusk. It should be noted that the Tyndall Effect is strongest with particles under 1 ⁇ m in size.
  • a typical air cleaning apparatus 10 will have at least one inlet portion 20 and at least one outlet portion 100.
  • a mechanical filter 30, typically removable, is located in the apparatus 10 is covered by front cover 22, as can be seen in FIG. 2.
  • Said filter may have an electrostatic charge. Any disposable or reusable filter known in the art may be used. Alternatively, electrostatic rods or plates, as discussed in the Background, may be employed in lieu of or in addition to a mechanical filter. Depending on the end-application, other filtration or purification methods may also be employed such as cyclonic separation and ultraviolet light. It should be noted that more than one primary filter or pre- and post-filters may be used without deviating from the goals or operation of the invention.
  • a majority of suspended particles are drawn into the air cleaning apparatus 10 through at least one inlet 20 by fan 40. As can be seen in FIG. 1, multiple inlets 20 are shown. Another, smaller, portion of the incoming air stream (the "sampled stream") is pulled directly into viewing portal 60.
  • a particle sensor or counter 68 determines the concentration level of particulate in the sampled stream (see FIG 8). The sensor 68 signals the visibility light source 70 to turn on or increase in intensity. Alternatively, the visibility light source 70 is kept illuminated at all times. The sensor further signals the fan 40 to speed up or slow down, depending on whether the concentration of particles is high or low, respectively.
  • the sampled stream is then shunted to the filter via duct 80. Air from the sampled stream along with the larger balance of air drawn into the unit are passed through the filter 30 and the filtered air is shunted to outlet 100 and back into the environment. Outlet 100 may be protected by outlet cover 102.
  • the light source 70 can be any of a number known in the art, such as high intensity incandescent bulbs, high intensity LED bulbs or lasers, that produces light within the wavelengths visible to humans (380-750 nm). In one embodiment of the invention, the light source produces a wavelength at the shorter end of the visible spectrum, such as between 420- 530 nm. While the use of wavelengths that are visible to the human eye are obviously preferred in embodiments in which it is important for the end-user to visually see the particles, it is contemplated that wavelengths that are not visible to the human eye can be used in other embodiments in which detection is not by the human eye.
  • viewing portal 60 may be coated in light absorbing materials and such other surface treatments as antistatic or nonstick materials, apart from the actual viewing portion of the viewing portal.
  • the viewing portal 60 may or may not be encased in a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, quartz, or similar transparent materials and may or may not have a door which may open and close.
  • a light diffuser 65 may also be present.
  • the user views the activated light source 70 in viewing portal 60 and consequently any particles that are illuminated by the light source, per the Tyndall Effect.
  • the light source 70 is at a right angle or nearly a right angle to the viewer's field of vision.
  • the light source 70 may be positioned at other angles, greater or lesser than a right angle, in other embodiments of the invention.
  • the concentration/number of particles in a room decreases, so does the visibility in viewing portal 60.
  • the speed of the fan 40 decreases, which may be audible, in some cases, to the user.
  • the apparatus can be optionally provided with a plurality of viewing portals 60 such that the air stream can be viewed pre- and post-filtration (per filter 30).
  • a further option is a means for magnification placed on or in proximity to viewing portal 60.
  • a LCD or other type of display 110 may be provided to supply the end user with operating specifics of the filtration unit 10.
  • Coherent light shines into the water and the user views the water filled container at right angles to the light, although the use of angles greater or lesser than a right angle are also contemplated in other embodiments.
  • the observer looks down into the water, and the light is shining parallel to the water suface. Particles will scatter the light and the user will see both the light and the particle cloud.
  • light wavelengths are preferably in the visible range, but other wavelengths may also work. Intensity will depend on ambient levels and distance to user/observer. Additional interesting conditions are possible. Many water based reactions and systems cause precipitation of particles from dissolved chemicals, or conversely the solvation of a chemical that was in particulate form; as this occurred, the visibility would increase (or decrease).
  • the viewing portions of the device can be used absent any filtration mechanism to view and montior the quality (i.e., the concentration of particles) of a liquid of interest.
  • the apparatus and method can also be adapted for use in other devices in which quality of the fluid needs to be monitored.
  • the apparatus of the instant invention can be incorporated into vacuum cleaner such that the intake (or, alternatively, a portion thereof) is diverted to the light source/viewing portal, thus allowing the user to monitor the effectiveness of the cleaner and the cleanliness of the vacuumed surface.
  • the viewing light would always be on when the vacuum was on, however such light would provide visibility only when the level of particulate was such that there is an adequate reflection of the light.
  • FIG. 5 best sets out the general struture for the viewing portion adaptable for such diverse, albeit related, devices and methods of use.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé de visualisation de particules portées par un fluide, et plus spécifiquement, un dispositif de nettoyage muni d'une ouverture ou d'un portail qui permet à l'utilisateur d'observer des particules, même submicroniques, portées par un fluide s'écouler dans l'appareil grâce à une source de lumière positionnée dans ou à proximité du portail, à un angle tel que la dispersion de la lumière par l'effet de Tyndall rend les particules visibles.
PCT/US2007/062843 2007-02-27 2007-02-27 Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide WO2008105870A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/062843 WO2008105870A1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-02-27 Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/062843 WO2008105870A1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-02-27 Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008105870A1 true WO2008105870A1 (fr) 2008-09-04

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/062843 WO2008105870A1 (fr) 2007-02-27 2007-02-27 Appareil et procédé de visualisation de particules transportées par un fluide

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2008105870A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005043479A1 (fr) * 2003-10-23 2005-05-12 Terence Cole Martin Amelioration(s) concernant la surveillance de particules et procede(s) correspondant(s)
WO2005095923A1 (fr) * 2004-03-16 2005-10-13 Unilever N.V. Dispositif de detection ameliore
GB2422426A (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-07-26 Atlas Clean Air Ltd Clean air apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005043479A1 (fr) * 2003-10-23 2005-05-12 Terence Cole Martin Amelioration(s) concernant la surveillance de particules et procede(s) correspondant(s)
WO2005095923A1 (fr) * 2004-03-16 2005-10-13 Unilever N.V. Dispositif de detection ameliore
GB2422426A (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-07-26 Atlas Clean Air Ltd Clean air apparatus

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