U.S. patent application number 09/418915 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for assembly for purifying water.
Invention is credited to BARNES, RONALD.
Application Number | 20010040122 09/418915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23660067 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010040122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARNES, RONALD |
November 15, 2001 |
ASSEMBLY FOR PURIFYING WATER
Abstract
An assembly for purifying water, the assembly consisting of a
tube for carrying the water, the tube for carrying water having an
upstream and a downstream end; a high intensity ultra-violet light
or corona discharge ozone generator for introducing ozone into said
tube for carrying water at an ozone introduction point within said
tube; an ozone contact time tube segment situated between the ozone
introduction point and the downstream end of the tube for carrying
water; a bubble separator column having a water input port and a
water output port, the downstream end of the tube for carrying
water being positioned so that water emitting therefrom may pass
through the water input port; and a water level sensitive
electrically actuated valve for alternating collection of water
within and discharging water from the bubble separator column.
Inventors: |
BARNES, RONALD; (HUNTSVILLE,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENNETH H JACK
DAVIS AND JACK LLC
2121 WEST MAPLE
WICHITA
KS
67213
|
Family ID: |
23660067 |
Appl. No.: |
09/418915 |
Filed: |
October 15, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/123 ;
210/242.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/78 20130101; C02F
2201/782 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/123 ;
210/242.1 |
International
Class: |
B01D 001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An assembly for purifying water, the assembly comprising: (a) a
tube for carrying the water, the tube having an upstream end and a
downstream end; (b) means for introducing ozone into the tube at an
ozone introduction point within the tube for carrying water; (c)
ozone dissolving means situated between the ozone introduction
point and the downstream end of the tube for carrying water; (d) a
bubble separator column having a water input port and a water
output port, the downstream end of the tube for carrying water
being positioned so that water emitting therefrom may pass through
the water input port; and (e) means for continuously alternately
collecting water within and discharging water from the bubble
separator column.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the ozone introduction means
comprising an ozone generator selected from the group of high
intensity ultraviolet light ozone generators, or corona discharge
ozone generators.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the ozone dissolving means
comprises an ozone contact time segment, the ozone contact time
segment being contiguous with the tube for carrying water, the
ozone contact time segment being situated between the ozone
introduction point and the downstream end of the tube for carrying
water.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the bubble separator column has
an upper end and a lower end, wherein the water input port is
positioned at the upper end of the bubble separator column; and
wherein the water output port is positioned at the lower end of the
bubble separator column.
5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the alternate collecting and
discharging means comprises an electrically actuated valve for
alternately opening and closing the water output port of the bubble
separator column.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the alternate collecting and
discharging means further comprises a water level sensitive
electric switch for alternately actuating the electrically actuated
valve to open the water output port of the bubble separator column
when the water level within the bubble separator column approaches
the upper end of the bubble separator column, and counter-actuating
the electrically actuated valve to close said water output port
when said water level approaches the lower end of the bubble
separator column.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the water level sensitive
electric switch comprises a switch selected from the group of float
actuated mechanical switches, float actuated mercury switches, or
water sensor controlled switches.
8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the ozone dissolving means
further comprises means for inducing turbulence within water
flowing through the ozone contact time segment.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the upper end of the bubble
separator column has an off gassing vent.
10. The assembly of claim 9 further comprising means for preventing
water flow through the off gassing vent.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the means for preventing water
flow through the off gassing vent comprises a valve selected from
the group of electrically actuated valves or float actuated
valves.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the means for introducing
ozone further comprises a venturi.
13. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the means for introducing
ozone further comprises an air compressor for driving air through
the ozone generator.
14. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the electrically actuated
valve comprises a magnetic shaft driven by an electric
solenoid.
15. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the electrically actuated
valve comprises electric motor means.
16. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the alternate collecting and
discharging means comprises a float actuated valve for alternately
opening and closing the water output port of the bubble separator
column.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the ozone dissolving means
further comprises means for inducing turbulence within water
flowing through the ozone contact time segment.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the upper end of the bubble
separator column has an off gassing vent.
19. The assembly of claim 18 further comprising means for
preventing water flow through the off gassing vent.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the means for introducing
ozone further comprises a venturi.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to water purification systems. More
particularly, this invention relates to water purification systems
incorporating ozone injection means.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Commonly known ozone water purification systems comprise the
elements of an ozone gas generating apparatus, a water carrying
tube including an ozone contact time segment, and a bubble
separating column or chamber. The ozone generating apparatus
typically comprises a cylindrical chamber through which atmospheric
air containing diatomic oxygen is pumped or drawn. Radiation from a
lamp capable of emitting intense ultraviolet light having a wave
length of approximately 185 nanometers excites the diatomic oxygen
within the chamber. As a result of such molecular excitation, a
fraction of the diatomic oxygen within the chamber is split,
producing free atoms of oxygen. As a result of their extremely high
chemical reactivity, free oxygen atoms within the chamber rapidly
react with the remaining intact oxygen, forming molecules having
three atoms of oxygen. Molecules consisting of three oxygen atoms
are commonly referred to as ozone or O.sup.3 gas.
[0003] Another commonly known means of producing ozone gas within
such a chamber is to introduce closely spaced electrodes therein
and to induce a sufficient electrical potential difference between
the electrodes to produce electric discharge arcing. Diatomic
oxygen molecules in close proximity with such electrical arcing
similarly degrade into free oxygen atoms which quickly react with
diatomic oxygen to form ozone gas.
[0004] In commonly known configurations of ozone water purification
systems ozone rich air which emits from the ozone generator
apparatus is introduced into a stream of water in need of
purification, such water typically moving through a tube. Where the
air within the ozone generating apparatus is pressurized by, for
example, an air compressor, the output of the ozone generator may
be introduced into the water carrying tube by means of a simple air
line interlinking the output of the ozone generator and an aperture
extending through the wall of the water carrying tube. Alternately,
the air line may terminate at a venturi installed in line with the
tube, creating a localized venturi effect at the output end of the
air line. Use of a venturi allows the kinetic energy of water
within the water carrying tube to perform work upon the air within
the air line, drawing air from the ozone generator through the air
line and into the stream of water.
[0005] Ozone carrying air which is either injected into the
contaminated water stream or drawn into the stream by a venturi
initially exists in the form of air bubbles. In order for the ozone
gas to have a purifying effect upon the water, such gas must be
dissolved into the water. Dissolution of the gas into the water
necessarily occurs at the spherical surface tension boundaries
between the gas and the water. A high solubility differential
between common air components and ozone gas causes the ozone within
such air bubbles to dissolve more quickly than other gases.
Nevertheless, ozone carrying bubbles must remain immersed in water
a sufficient length of time to achieve sufficient dissolution of
ozone.
[0006] In commonly configured ozone water purification systems, the
water carrying tube serves dual functions, both transporting water
containing dissolved ozone to its desired destination, and
providing an elongated immersion chamber where air bubbles
containing ozone may remain in contact with the water a sufficient
length of time for dissolution. In order for ozone dissolution to
occur within the water carrying tube, the tube must have a
sufficient length, i.e., an ozone contact time length. The contact
length of the tube typically is approximately three feet in length.
However, the length may vary between one foot and four feet
depending upon variables such as rate of flow within the tube,
turbulence and water temperature. Sharp turns within the tube or
turbulence inducing baffles or screens installed within the bore of
the water carrying tube may serve the function of breaking larger
ozone carrying bubbles into smaller bubbles, increasing the overall
surface area of the bubbles, and increasing the rate of dissolution
of ozone.
[0007] Air bubbles injected by the ozone generating apparatus into
the water carrying tube cease to serve a useful function upon
reaching the end of the contact length of the tubing. At that
point, substantially all ozone with the air bubbles is dissolved
into the surrounding water, leaving residual bubbles consisting
largely of normal atmospheric gases. In many circumstances, the
continued presence of such gas bubbles within a water purification
system is undesirable. For example, where the system recycles ozone
bearing water in a feedback loop through a water pump, bubbles may
cause the pump to lose its prime or cavitate. Also, it is often
undesirable to introduce a stream of bubble carrying water directly
into a tank of drinking water. Similarly, it is undesirable for air
bubbles to emit from the water jets of a swimming pool. Thus, it is
desirable to remove the air bubbles after dissolution of the
ozone.
[0008] In order to remove air bubbles from a water purification
system after dissolution of ozone, a bubble separator is often
utilized, the bubble separator commonly comprising a hollow
cylinder having an upper water input port, a lower water output
port, and an upper off gassing vent. Typically, the water input
port is continuous with the downstream end of the water carrying
tube. Typically, the bubble separator is oblongated and is oriented
so its long axis is vertical.
[0009] In operation, such a bubble separator removes air bubbles by
reducing the velocities of currents of water within the bubble
separator to a rate slow enough to allow bubbles to rise to the top
of the bubble separator. The bubbles then emit as harmless
atmospheric gases through the off gassing vent in the ceiling of
the bubble separator, rather than continuing to flow downstream
through the output end of the bubble separator. Preferably, the
output flow of the bubble separator is adjusted to prevent over
filling. Also preferably, a float valve or solenoid controlled
valve installed within the off gassing vent assures that water will
not escape from the system through the vent.
[0010] Where water bearing dissolved ozone gas is poured into a
body of water such as, for example, a swimming pool, the ozone
beneficially reacts with various contaminants. For example, ozone
rapidly reacts with metal ions within the water, forming
precipitants which may be removed through filtration. Ozone within
water also degenerates or causes lysis of the cell walls of
bacteria, killing the bacteria. Ozone within water also
beneficially oxidizes and neutralizes sulfides, nitrates, cyanides,
detergents, and pesticides. In all such cases, the efficacy of
ozone in reacting with such contaminants is enhanced by reducing
the average physical distance between contaminant organisms or
molecules and the molecules of ozone within the water. In a large
volume of water, such as a drinking water storage tank, spa, or
swimming pool, the concentration of dissolved ozone becomes
undesirably low, slowing the rate at which the ozone reacts with
contaminants. To prevent such dilution of ozone concentration, it
is desirable to first introduce the ozone carrying water into a
reaction chamber having a smaller interior volume which maintains
higher concentrations of ozone.
[0011] The instant invention eliminates the necessity of installing
a separate concentration enhancing chemical reaction chamber by
causing a bubble separator to additionally serve such function.
Such effect is accomplished by applying a water level sensitive
valve to the bubble separator's output. Particularly, the water
level sensitive controlled valve is adapted to cause the bubble
separator to undergo hysteresis, continuously alternately
collecting and discharging the water.
[0012] Several valve control means are capable of causing a vessel
such as the above described bubble separator to continuously
alternately fill and purge. In an all mechanical example, a
floating flap valve, such as is utilized to control the output from
a common toilet tank, may be installed to alternately overlie and
pivotally move from an output aperture within the floor of the
bubble separator, such floating flap valve being mechanically
linked to a buoy or float, the length of the linkage being
calibrated to allow the float to buoyantly open such floating flap
valve when the water level within the bubble separator reaches a
desired upper level. A preferred electro-mechanical example
comprises a float, a float carrying frame, an electric toggle
switch, a power source, and an electric solenoid valve. In such
exemplary electro-mechanical control assembly, the toggle switch is
mounted upon the inner wall of the bubble separator so that its
switch lever extends into the interior of the bubble separator, and
so that its positive and negative electric contacts are accessible
by lead wires extending through the wall of the bubble separator.
The float carrying frame is preferably pivotally mounted upon the
lever arm of the toggle switch. The float is preferably slidably
mounted upon the frame so that as the float buoyantly rises, the
float upwardly trips the toggle switch, and so that as the float
sinks to a lower level, the weight of the float downwardly trips
the toggle switch. Exterior to the bubble separator, the toggle
switch forms a part of an electric circuit including the electric
power source and the electric controlled valve, such valve
preferably being a solenoid valve. Alternately, such valve may be
actuated by an electric motor. Such a valve preferably has a spring
actuated normally open position. Where the solenoid valve is
normally open, the electric circuit is opened by the buoyant action
of the float upon reaching the upper end of the frame, and the
electric circuit is closed by the weight of the float upon reaching
the lower end of the frame. Numerous other means, such as an
electric water sensor controlled solenoid valve may be utilized to
cause the water within the bubble separator to continuously
alternately collect and discharge.
[0013] By continuously alternately collecting and discharging the
water within the bubble separator, ozone within the water is
allowed time to react with contaminants in a high concentration
environment.
[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an ozone based water purification system which incorporates
in series an ozone generating apparatus, an ozone contact time
tubing segment, and a bubble separating chamber.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a system wherein the bubble separating chamber performs the
dual functions of removing air bubbles from water to be purified,
and serving as a low volume chemical concentration chamber.
[0016] Other objects and benefits of the present invention will
become known to those skilled in the art upon review of the
Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a representational diagram of the instant
inventive assembly, components thereof being shown encased within a
housing.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a component of the assembly as
indicated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1,
the instant inventive assembly for purifying water is referred to
generally by reference arrow 1. Preferably, the major components of
the assembly 1 are housed within a rigid casing 2. Such casing 2
conveniently compartmentalizes the assembly 1 for use in
conjunction with pool plumbing systems, spa plumbing systems,
drinking water systems and the like.
[0020] Referring further to FIG. 1, the assembly for purifying
water 1 preferably has two fluid input ports, they being an
atmospheric air input port 8 and a contaminated water input port
16. Atmospheric air is drawn into and through the air input port 8
preferably by means of an electric motor driven air compressor 10,
electrical power being supplied to the air compressor 10 via an
electrical power cord 11. (Electrical circuitry and wiring of the
assembly is common and is not completely shown.) Compressed air
from the air compressor 10 is preferably driven through air line 14
into and through a high intensity ultraviolet light ozone gas
generator 4, such ozone generator 4 having an electric ballast 6
powered via electric power cord 21. The high intensity ultra-violet
light ozone generator 4 has a hollow bore through which the
atmospheric air passes, the hollow bore typically having an axially
mounted ultraviolet light emitting element. Exposure of diatomic
oxygen or O.sub.2 within the bore of the ozone generator 4 to the
ultraviolet light breaks down such molecules, producing free atomic
oxygen which rapidly reacts with unbroken O.sub.2 molecules to form
ozone or O.sub.3 gas.
[0021] Suitably and alternately, a corona discharge ozone gas
generator may be used in place of a high intensity ultraviolet
light ozone generator. Electrical arcing within a corona discharge
ozone generator similarly acts upon O.sub.2 to form O.sub.3 ozone
gas.
[0022] Referring further to FIG. 1, air containing an enhanced
concentration of ozone gas exits the output end of the ozone
generator 4 to pass through an output air line 15. Simultaneously
with the flow of such atmospheric air, water in need of
purification is pumped into water input port 16 and thence through
a water carrying tube 20; the flow through such tube 20 being
selectively terminable by a manual shut off valve 18.
[0023] In operation of the assembly 1, contaminated water carried
through the water carrying tube 20 combines with air having
enhanced quantities of ozone gas at an ozone injection point 22.
The ozone injection point 22 is preferably configured as a venturi
23 which draws ozone gas bearing air through the ozone generator 4
and through the output air line 15. Where water is pumped through
the water carrying tube 20 at a high velocity, the venturi 23
typically has sufficient pumping power alleviate the need for
actuation of the air compressor 10. Preferably, both the air
compressor 10 and configuration of the ozone gas injection point 22
as a venturi 23 are utilized in order to assure a sufficient flow
of ozone bearing air under all conditions.
[0024] Referring further to FIG. 1, air flowing downstream from the
ozone gas injection point 22 initially exists in the form of
bubbles immersed within the contaminated water. Necessarily, the
ozone gas within such bubbles is dissolved within the water in
order to beneficially react with and purify water-born pathogens
and contaminants. A lengthened ozone contact time segment of tubing
24 preferably extends downstream from the ozone gas injection point
22; such segment 24 assuring that gas bubbles containing ozone gas
remain submerged within the contaminated water a length of time
sufficient to allow dissolution of the ozone. Preferably, the ozone
contact time segment 24 has a series of sharply angled turns
creating internal water turbulence. Water turbulence within the
contact time segment 24 desirably breaks larger bubbles into
smaller ones, increasing their total surface area, thereby
increasing the rate of dissolution of ozone gas. Suitably, other
water turbulence inducing means such as strainers and baffles may
be installed within the interior bore of the ozone contact time
segment 24. The appropriate length of the contact time segment 24
varies depending upon factors such as water flow speed, volume of
injected gas, and water temperature.
[0025] Referring further to FIG. 1, water emitting from the ozone
contact time segment 24 typically includes contaminants, dissolved
ozone gas, and submerged bubbles of other atmospheric gases. The
presence of bubbles of other gases at such point results from the
fact that ozone gas is much more soluble within water than common
air components such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. At the
point dissolution of the ozone gas becomes substantially complete,
bubbles of such other gases typically remain. The water, including
contaminants, bubbles, and including dissolved ozone, emits from
the downstream end of the ozone contact time segment 24 to enter a
water inlet port 28 of a hollow bored bubble separator column
26.
[0026] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bubble
separator column 26 serves the function of separating undesirable
bubbles from the water. As water flows through the water inlet port
28 and thence downward through the hollow bore of the bubble
separator column 26, bubbles within the water buoyantly rise upward
and emit from the bubble separator column 26 through an off gassing
vent 44. Preferably, the upper and lower ends of the bubble
separator column 26 are closed by upper and lower caps 27 and 29,
such caps being apertured at input port 28, the off gassing vent
44, and at an output port 30.
[0027] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow of fluids,
gaseous and liquid, through the off gassing vent 44 is preferably
controlled by a solenoid valve 34, such valve 34 receiving its
power supply via a power cord 36. The solenoid valve 34 is
preferably spring biased to a normally open position. In the event
the water level within the bubble separator column 26 rises
excessively, immersion of a water sensitive switch 46 actuates the
solenoid valve 34 by closing a circuit including the valvse power
supply 36 and switch leads 50. Upon such actuation, the solenoid
valve 34 closes the off gassing vent 44, preventing water from
undesirably spilling from output tube 32. Suitably, float actuated
switches may be utilized for actuation of valve 34. Also suitably,
a float actuated mechanical flap valve may be utilized in place of
the solenoid valve 34.
[0028] Further referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is
desirable that water containing pathogens or undesirable dissolved
solids contain a high concentration of dissolved ozone gas for a
length of time sufficient to allow beneficial reactions between the
dissolved ozone gas molecules and the contaminants. Accordingly, in
the instant inventive assembly, the bubble separator column 26
further functions as an enhanced concentration chemical reaction
chamber. Performance of such function is accomplished through the
installation of a solenoid valve 38 which controls water flow
through the lower outlet port 30 of the bubble separator column 26.
Preferably, the solenoid valve 38 is spring biased in a normally
open position, assuring that water continues to flow out of the
bubble separator column 26 upon cut off of electrical power.
[0029] Further referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 2, a common
toggle switch 62 has water sealed terminal leads 40 which extend
through the wall of the bubble separator column, such leads 40
extending to the solenoid valve 38 and making up a part of such
valve's power supply circuit. As water 60 within the interior bore
of the bubble separator column 26 rises, a float 58 slidably
mounted over a slide bar 56 buoyantly rises. The slide bar 56 is
preferably fixedly mounted at its upper and lower ends upon the
inner wall of the bubble separator column 26 by means of upper and
lower float support brackets 52 and 54. As the float 58 upwardly
rises, a toggle switch 62 pivotally linked to the float 58, is
tripped upwardly, breaking the electrical circuit powering the
solenoid valve 38. As the water level within the bubble separator
column 26 falls, the weight of the float 58 downwardly trips the
toggle switch, closing such electric circuit, and actuating the
solenoid valve 34 to interrupt the flow of water emitting from the
water outlet port 30. Preferably, the buoyancy and weight of the
float 58, along with the trip pressure of the toggle switch 62 are
calibrated so that the switch 62 trips upwardly only after the
water level sufficiently rises, and so that the switch 62 trips
downwardly only after the water level reaches a sufficiently low
point.
[0030] The interaction between the float 58, the toggle switch 62,
and the solenoid valve 38 produces a hysteresis effect, causing the
water level within the bubble separator column 26 to cyclically
rise and fall, continuously alternately collecting and discharging
the water 60. Such hysteresis effect provides for beneficial
chemical reactions of ozone with contaminants in a water
environment including enhanced concentrations of dissolved
ozone.
[0031] Suitably and alternately, a float actuated mercury switch
(not drawn) may be used as a substitute for the toggle switch
62.
[0032] Also suitably, upper and lower water sensing switches (not
drawn) may be utilized in place of float actuated mercury or toggle
switches. Also suitably, a wholly mechanical float actuated
floating flap valve (not drawn) may be utilized to induce the
desired cyclical collection and discharge of water within the
bubble separator column 26. Numerous other suitable means for
inducing cyclical collection and discharge of water within the
bubble separator column 26 may be utilized.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, purified water emitting from output
port 42 of the assembly for purifying water 1 may be routed
directly to the body of purified water (e.g., a tank of drinking
water, a swimming pool, a whirlpool or hot tub). Alternately, water
emitting from output port 42 may be routed to a point upstream of
an input port of a water pump (not drawn) which drives water into
the water input port 16; such routing creating a feedback loop for
enhanced water purification. Where a feedback loop is utilized, a
flow divider is necessarily installed to split the flow of water
between the inventive water purifying assembly 1 and the body of
water to be purified.
[0034] While the principles of the invention have been made clear
in the above illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may
make modifications in the structure, arrangement, portions and
components of the invention without departing from those
principles. Accordingly, it is intended that the description and
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting
sense, and that the invention be given a scope commensurate with
the appended claims.
* * * * *