U.S. patent application number 09/732222 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for water purification system and process for treating potable water for at source use.
Invention is credited to Martin, Herman H., Usinowicz, Paul J..
Application Number | 20020070107 09/732222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24942664 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020070107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Usinowicz, Paul J. ; et
al. |
June 13, 2002 |
Water purification system and process for treating potable water
for at source use
Abstract
An innovative application for the purification of potable water
for at source use, specifically focusing on disinfection of water
using an electrolytic process. The process uses the discharge of
electrical energy between electrodes to create reactive species in
water, which then react with pathogens to provide the disinfected
water. The invention includes a novel and unique controller system
to assure that the reaction process and reactor will function
reliably to produce treated water. The controller may respond to
flow or pressure conditions, reactor status, treatment
effectiveness, or other parameters monitored by various sensing
devices. Specific examples of the application are for use in
beverage dispensing machines, ice-making machines, tap water
purification for domestic and commercial potable water use, water
dispenser machines that use tap water, and similar uses for potable
water. The invention can also be used with central or alternative
at-source power supplies for small-scale applications, such as for
purifying water when engaged in outdoor activities, e.g. hiking and
camping, or in portable units for travelers who wish to treat water
supplies for pathogen destruction.
Inventors: |
Usinowicz, Paul J.; (Powell,
OH) ; Martin, Herman H.; (Hilliard, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STANDLEY & GILCREST LLP
495 METRO PLACE SOUTH
SUITE 210
DUBLIN
OH
43017
US
|
Family ID: |
24942664 |
Appl. No.: |
09/732222 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/228.3 ;
204/228.4; 204/228.6; 204/230.2; 204/269; 204/275.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2201/46125
20130101; C02F 9/005 20130101; Y02W 10/37 20150501; C02F 2001/46152
20130101; Y02A 20/208 20180101; C02F 2209/006 20130101; C02F
2209/04 20130101; C02F 2209/11 20130101; C02F 2303/04 20130101;
C02F 2209/29 20130101; C02F 2201/4613 20130101; C02F 1/46104
20130101; C02F 2201/4611 20130101; C02F 2209/003 20130101; Y02A
20/214 20180101; C02F 1/008 20130101; C02F 2201/46145 20130101;
C02F 2201/4615 20130101; C02F 2305/023 20130101; C02F 1/4672
20130101; C02F 2209/03 20130101; C02F 2201/46165 20130101; C02F
2209/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/228.3 ;
204/228.4; 204/228.6; 204/230.2; 204/269; 204/275.1 |
International
Class: |
C25B 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for the purification of water, said system comprising:
a treatment reactor having an inlet for receiving water and an
outlet for dispensing water, said treatment reactor housing at
least two electrodes; an outlet valve in fluid communication with
said outlet of said treatment reactor; and a controller in
electronic communication with said at least two electrodes and said
outlet valve, said controller adapted to control the power supplied
to said at least two electrodes, said controller further adapted to
control the power supplied to said outlet valve for opening and
closing said outlet valve.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: an inlet valve in
fluid communication with said inlet of said treatment reactor;
wherein said controller is in electronic communication with said
inlet valve, said controller further adapted to control the power
supplied to said inlet valve for opening and closing said inlet
valve.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said controller is adapted to
close said inlet valve after determining that there is an
undesirable amount of at least one contaminant in the water.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to
close said outlet valve after determining that there is an
undesirable amount of at least one contaminant in the water.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to stop
the flow of water through said treatment reactor after determining
that at least one of the conditions is satisfied selected from the
group consisting of: no electric power to said at least two
electrodes, at least one of said at least two electrodes is not in
place, water flow rate is outside of a desired range, and water
supply pressure is outside of a desired range.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a water quality sensor
in electronic communication with said controller, said water
quality sensor adapted to detect the presence of at least one
contaminant in the water.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said controller is adapted to
adjust the power to said at least two electrodes as a function of
the presence of said at least one contaminant in the water.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to
periodically provide power to said at least two electrodes when
said outlet valve is closed.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to
delay opening said outlet valve for a predetermined period of time
after providing power to said at least two electrodes.
10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a counter in
electronic communication with said controller, said counter adapted
to monitor the amount of use of the system.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a service indicator in
electronic communication with said controller, said service
indicator adapted to indicate that service is needed in response to
input from said controller.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said service indicator is
adapted to indicate that service is needed when at least one of the
conditions is satisfied selected from the group consisting of: at
least one of said at least two electrodes is not in place, an
insufficient amount of water is in said treatment reactor, water
flow rate is outside of a desired range, and water supply pressure
is outside of a desired range.
13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a water pressure
sensor in electronic communication with said controller, said water
pressure sensor adapted to measure the water pressure.
14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a water flow sensor in
electronic communication with said controller, said water flow
sensor adapted to measure the flow of water through the system.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is adapted to
shut off the power to said at least two electrodes when at least
one of the conditions is satisfied selected from the group
consisting of: at least one of said at least two electrodes is not
in place, and an insufficient amount of water is in said treatment
reactor.
16. The system of 1 wherein: said controller is adapted to receive
AC or DC power from a power source; and said controller is adapted
to provide DC power to said treatment reactor.
17. A control system for an electrolytic water purification system,
said control system comprising: a controller adapted to control the
power provided to electrodes of said electrolytic water
purification system, said controller further adapted to control the
flow of water through said electrolytic water purification
system.
18. The control system of claim 17 wherein said controller is
adapted to control the power to said electrodes and the flow of
water through said electrolytic water purification system to ensure
desired treatment of contaminants in the water.
19. A treatment reactor for an electrolytic water purification
system having a control system, said treatment reactor comprising:
a reaction chamber having an inlet and an outlet for transferring a
flow of water; a plurality of electrodes in said reaction chamber,
said electrodes in electronic communication with said control
system; and at least one sensor in said reaction chamber, said at
least one sensor in electronic communication with said control
system, said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting
of a biological sensor, an oxygen-reduction potential sensor, a pH
sensor, a turbidimeter, and a chlorine sensor; wherein, based on
communication from said at least one sensor, said control system is
adapted to perform at least one function selected from the group
consisting of: controlling the power to said electrodes, and
controlling the flow of water through said reaction chamber.
20. The treatment reactor of claim 19 wherein said electrodes are
arranged parallel to the flow of water through said reaction
chamber.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the purification
or disinfection of water and, more particularly, to the
electrolytic purification or disinfection of water for drinking,
commercial, recreational, and industrial uses. Many different
systems have been used to purify water to meet these needs.
Examples of water purification systems include, but are not limited
to, thermo-treatment systems, reverse osmosis systems,
ultraviolet-based systems, filter systems, chemical-based systems,
copper ionization systems, ozone-generating systems, and
recirculating electrolytic hydrolysis systems. Purification systems
such as these have been used to combat problems such as corrosion
of equipment and illness which can result from the use of
unsanitized or improperly purified water. However, these systems
also have drawbacks that limit their use. For example, some or all
of these systems may introduce additional problems as a byproduct
of their purification processes.
[0002] Chemical-based systems commonly use significant amounts of
chlorine and/or bromine. However, chlorine and bromine are not
effective at controlling certain prevalent forms of pathogens. In
addition, water treated with these chemicals may introduce other
problems. For example, water treated with chlorine can have a
chlorine odor and taste, and the chlorine can react with other
chemicals in the water to cause other obnoxious odors and tastes.
Furthermore, the chemicals can produce harmful byproducts. For
instance, the chemicals can react to form trihalomethanes (THMs),
that are classified as carcinogens, which are a potential health
concern for consumers.
[0003] Copper ionization systems also have shortcomings in terms of
side effects and maintenance. For instance, such systems dispense
metal ions into the water that result in undesired taste, and in
high concentrations, health problems. Copper ionization systems may
also be slow acting, and carbonated water in contact with copper
may generate mildly toxic copper compounds. In addition, copper
ionization systems commonly must be used in conjunction with
chemical-based systems.
[0004] Likewise, ozone-generating systems and ultraviolet-based
systems have drawbacks. Ozone-generating systems require the
production and introduction of ozone gas into the water to kill
bacteria and algae and to aid in the reduction of organics through
oxidation. As a result, a substantial amount of electricity is
necessary to power an ultraviolet light source or corona discharge
elements for the production of ozone. In addition, excessive
exposure to ozone can degrade many plastics that are used in water
systems. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from
ozone-generating systems and ultraviolet-based systems can also
harm plastics that are used in water systems, and the radiation or
excessive contact with the ultraviolet system can harm people as
well.
[0005] The electrolytic process passes a current through water in
order to create hydroxyl radicals. This results in a short-lived,
but highly reactive oxidizing environment that kills microscopic
organisms in the water. However, the electrolytic purification
systems used in recirculating water systems commonly lack an
adequate control system for controlling the flow of water and the
flow of electricity. In addition, the treatment chambers of such
systems may not be designed to be used in certain applications such
as single pass systems. Consequently, the use of known electrolytic
purification systems has been limited.
[0006] In light of the shortcomings of known purification systems,
a need exists for a system that purifies water at least as well as
known purification systems but in a more cost-efficient manner and
without the above drawbacks. A need also exists for a purification
system that can effectively be used to treat water for domestic and
commercial applications of potable water. Another need exists for a
purification system that treats contaminated water at a point of
use. Still another need exists for improved controls of an
electrolytic purification system. In addition, a need exists for an
electrolytic system that can effectively purify infected water
without recirculation or chemical treatment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is an electrolytic system and method
for the purification of water. The present invention uses the
discharge of electrical energy between electrodes to create
reactive species in the water. The reactive species then react with
pathogens, contaminants, germs, microorganisms, viruses, and/or
other undesired components to purify the water.
[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention do not add
any residual materials to the water that change the chemical
composition, taste, or odor. The process is fast reacting, and the
reactive species are short-lived and do not appear in the end
product. In addition, there may be additional side reactions with
organics or reduced inorganics that benefit the overall process by
improving the quality of the water.
[0009] Any suitable power source can be used to supply the power to
the electrodes. The present invention can be used with water
systems that either have or do not have a power supply. For
example, the system of the present invention may include and/or use
a DC power supply that does not require any input, e.g., a battery.
Alternatively, the system of the present invention may include a
power supply that is adapted to convert AC power to DC power.
[0010] The present invention may include an improved system and
method that can control the flow of water, the flow of the
electricity, and the reaction time. The controls can be used to
assure continuous functioning of the purification process.
Moreover, the controls can assure that water is not delivered
through the disinfecting unit unless the disinfecting unit is
operational.
[0011] The present invention may operate on a demand system with a
flow-through mode of operation, although flow may be, and often is,
intermittent. For instance, the purification system may be
positioned in-line without interfering with the desired flow of the
water. In addition, the purification system can be used to treat
water at a point of use such as in an apparatus that dispenses
water or a mixture that includes water.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention do not
require recirculation, the use of chemical additives or copper
ionization, or the production of ozone in order to purify the
water. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that the present
invention can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, known
water disinfection and purification systems including, but not
limited to, thermo-treatment systems, reverse osmosis systems,
ultraviolet-based systems, filter systems, chemical-based systems,
copper ionization systems, ozone-generating systems, and
recirculating electrolytic hydrolysis systems. Moreover, the
present invention can be used to purify water for industrial,
recreational, commercial, or drinking uses. The present invention
is particularly useful for the purification of water contained in
single-pass water systems. However, it should be recognized that
various embodiments of the present invention can be used in both
recirculating and non-recirculating water systems. For instance,
the present invention can be used for the purification of pools,
spas, air conditioners, hot tubs, saunas, home water systems,
canneries, bottleries, waste water treatment systems, sewage
systems, cooling towers, industrial water supplies, pasteurizers,
homogenizers, chillers, boilers, water storage tanks, well tanks,
well heads, and other types of contaminated water supplies. It can
also be used to purify tap water for domestic and commercial
potable water use. In addition, the present invention can be used
to produce potable water for beverage dispensing machines (e.g., a
soft drink machine that mixes water and one or more concentrates to
produce a beverage), ice-making machines, water dispensing machines
which use tap water, and other known, similar, or conventional uses
of potable water.
[0013] In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned
above, other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings
and preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an example of a treatment unit of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic of another example of a treatment unit
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment
of a treatment reactor of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of another alternative
embodiment of a treatment reactor of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of still another alternative
embodiment of a treatment reactor of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow control diagram of an example of a
controller of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0020] The present invention is directed to a purification system
that utilizes a hydrolysis reaction that occurs when current flows
in water between two electrodes. The reaction creates free radical
forms of oxygen including, but not limited to, hydroxyl radicals,
atomic oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxide ions, and oxygen. These
reactants result in very high oxygen-reduction potentials (ORPs).
Under these strong oxidizing conditions, pathogens, contaminants,
germs, microorganisms, viruses, and/or other undesired components
are killed or deactivated. For example, the process can be used to
kill or deactivate giardia cysts, cryptosporidium, pseudomonas,
E-coli, legionella, bacteria (e.g., coliform), protozoan oocysts,
algae, viruses, and other types of microorganisms. In addition, the
reactants can cause the reduction of the concentrations of organics
and inorganics to further purify the water. For example, the
reactants can cause the reduction of the concentrations of metals
[e.g., iron, total dissolved solids (TDSs), arsenic, copper, and
manganese], inorganic anions (sulfides and nitrites), and organic
compounds [e.g., trihalomethanes (THMs), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), phenol, and toluene].
[0021] The present invention may be configured in many different
ways to suit a variety of different applications. A preferred
embodiment of the present invention provides control of the
current, control of water flow to assure disinfection, and
configuration of the reaction chamber to assure contact of the
reacting solution with the ORP-generating system. FIG. 1 is a
schematic representation of one example of a purification system of
the present invention. In this example, water may be provided from
any source 1. The source 1 may be any public or private supply,
surface or groundwater, or even collected rainwater which may be
stored in cisterns or other storage devices. The water flow may be
controlled by an inlet valve 2a which may also incorporate backflow
control devices. The inlet may also include a pressure and/or flow
sensor 3. The water enters the treatment reactor 4 after passing
through the control valve 2a and sensor 3. The treatment reactor 4
houses at least two electrodes 5. In order to purify the
contaminated water, electrical energy is passed between the
electrodes 5, thereby creating reactive species. The current is
supplied by a controller/converter 6, which may receive power from
a power source 7. The power source 7 may be either alternating
current (AC) or direct current (DC). In one example, the voltage
supplied may be greater than 6 volts, but the converter 6 is
preferably adapted to change the voltage and power from higher
voltage or from AC to DC as needed (at least 6 volts DC being
preferred). The power source 7 may be from public or private
supplies, from storage devices, from generators, powered by
internal combustion engines, hydraulic, solar, or wind, or any
other similar, suitable, or conventional source. The
controller/converter 6 may also be in communication with several
sensing and control devices including, but not limited to, a power
sensor 8, reactor sensor(s) 9 (e.g., a chlorine sensor, a pH
sensor, and/or an ORP sensor), a pressure and/or flow sensor 10, a
water quality sensor 11, a counter 12, a service indicator 13, and
other similar, suitable, or conventional devices. Each may be a
commercially available component. Although the sensors are shown
either inside or outside of the treatment reactor 4 in this
example, it should be recognized that each of the sensors may be
positioned at any desired location inside or outside of the
treatment reactor 4. The power sensor 8 may be used to assure that
the controller/converter 6 is receiving the desired input power.
There may be at least one sensing device 9 within the fluid phase
in the reactor 4 to detect the level of reacting power, such as
with an ORP measuring device, to detect the level of chlorine, to
detect the pH level, to assure that current is flowing across the
electrodes 5, and/or to perform other desired sensing functions.
The inlet valve 2a and the outlet valve 2b may be controlled by the
controller/converter 6. The flow and/or pressure sensors 3 and 10
may send information to the controller/converter 6 to indicate flow
and or pressure levels. The water quality sensor 11 may be included
to indicate that treatment has been achieved or other quality
parameters are met. Examples of the water quality sensor 11 include
turbidimeters, biosensors, biological sensors, and other similar,
suitable, and conventional devices. The counter 12 on the demand
side of the reactor 4 can be used to determine and/or indicate
number of cycles/uses. The service indicator 13 is an
alarm/notification device that may be used to notify the user that
service is needed for the system. Each of the exemplary sensing and
control devices can be used to provide information to the
controller to obtain the desired operation of the system. The
resulting product water 14 may then be discharged from the system
to the use device or any other desired location.
[0022] The treatment reactor 4 may be configured in various ways.
For optimum performance, the reaction chamber 4 is configured to
obtain maximum contact of the reacting solution with the
ORP-generating system. Accordingly, it is desired to configure the
reaction chamber 4 such that as much water as possible passes
generally between the electrodes 5 or otherwise through the
electric field created by the flow of current between the
electrodes 5. The electrodes 5 are preferably parallel to one
another and may be geometrically arranged either perpendicular or
parallel to the flow, with or without baffles for directing flow.
For example, FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment in which the
electrodes 5 are arranged parallel to the flow of water. The
preferred orientation of the electrodes 5 is to maximize the time
of flow of water between the electrodes 5 or otherwise through the
electric field created by the electrodes 5. In many applications,
this will be when the flow direction is parallel to the
longitudinal dimensional of the electrodes 5, such as shown in FIG.
2.
[0023] Nevertheless, it should be recognized that the treatment
reactor may have any configuration and orientation which is
suitable for the intended application. The configuration of the
treatment reactor is not limited to parallel electrodes or
electrodes that are perpendicular or parallel to the flow of water.
FIGS. 3 through 5 show some alternative configurations of treatment
reactors. FIG. 3 shows a treatment reactor 50 and electrodes 52,
and FIG. 4 shows a treatment reactor 60 and electrodes 62. In
addition, FIG. 5 illustrates a treatment reactor 70 having
electrodes 72. In FIG. 5, the central electrode 72 could, for
example, serve as the common for the surrounding electrodes 72.
[0024] Any suitable material may be used to make the electrodes of
the present invention. In order to limit deposition and corrosion
reactions at the electrodes, it is preferred to select a material
that is highly conductive, but non-reactive, in a water
environment. Examples of the electrodes include, but are not
limited to, carbon electrodes, ceramic electrodes, metallic
electrodes, carbon/ceramic ash electrodes, and other similar,
suitable, or conventional types of electrodes.
[0025] The controller controls the electrical power applied to the
electrodes. In addition, the controller may be adapted to provide
one or more of the following functions:
[0026] (1) Provide a means to delay dispensing treated water for a
variable period of seconds after a signal is received to dispense
treated water;
[0027] (2) Provide a means to continue power to the electrodes for
a set time period after dispensing of treated water has ended;
[0028] (3) Provide a means to reverse the current to the treatment
electrodes after a predetermined number of treated water dispense
cycles;
[0029] (4) Provide a means to prevent the dispensing of treated
water if the supply water pressure is outside specifications;
[0030] (5) Provide a means to prevent dispensing treated water if
the water flow rate is outside specifications;
[0031] (6) Provide a means to time the interval between treated
water dispenses and provide power to the treatment electrodes after
a predetermined time period;
[0032] (7) Based on dispensed water flow rate, vary the power
supplied to the treatment electrodes;
[0033] (8) Provide a source of DC power (preferably at least 6
volts) to the treatment electrodes when supplied with power from
120/240 volt AC 50-60 hertz power source;
[0034] (9) Provide the ability to accept power from alternative
sources, e.g., storage cells (batteries), solar, hydraulic, wind,
etc.; and
[0035] (10) Provide a means to apply variable power to the
treatment electrodes as a function of a signal from a water quality
sensor.
[0036] FIG. 6 is an example of the flow control logic of a
controller that provides some or all of the above functions. When
provided with a signal to dispense treated water, the controller of
this embodiment is adapted to verify that the following conditions
are met in order to dispense the treated water: (1) Electric power
is available to the treatment electrodes; (2) Electrodes are in
place; (3) Water flow rate is within specification; and (4) Water
supply pressure is within specification. In addition, if available
and relevant, a water quality sensor may be incorporated to assist
in controlling the power to the electrodes and the valves. The
water quality sensor may be of any type that monitors a condition
of the water. For instance, a sensor may be provided to sense the
presence of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or other pathogens that
require treatment and/or to detect the oxygen-reducing potential of
the water. If the quality of the water does not satisfy a desired
standard, the sensor can communicate with the controller to not
dispense the water. In addition, the system may be configured to
supply power to the electrodes when the sensor senses a
predetermined condition of the water, e.g., an unpurified
condition.
[0037] The controller may intermittently or periodically reverse
the current flow to the electrodes. By reversing the current flow,
the controller may help to limit the corrosion or deposition
reactions at the electrodes. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a
counter may be used to count the number of times that power is
supplied to the electrodes or that there is a demand for the water.
Alternatively, a counter may be used to accumulate the amount of
time that power is supplied to the electrodes. When the counter
reaches a predetermined level, the controller can then reverse the
current to the electrodes, and the counter can be reset.
[0038] As noted in the above examples, the controller may control
the opening and closing of the inlet and outlet control valves to
assure adequate purification of the water. Alternatively, the
controller may be adapted to sense when the valves are closed, or
the controller may be adapted to sense when water is not flowing
through the treatment reactor. As a result, in any of the
embodiments, the controller can be adapted to assure continuous
functioning of the process by providing adequate contact of the
water with the electrolysis system and adequate reaction time.
Moreover, the controller can be adapted to stop the flow of water
through the treatment reactor when the treatment reactor is not
operational.
[0039] When there is demand for the water, i.e., water is flowing
through the treatment reactor, the controller may continuously
provide power to the electrodes to purify the water. However, it
should be recognized that the system may be configured differently.
For instance, the system may be configured to periodically or
intermittently supply power to the electrodes when there is demand
for the water.
[0040] The controller may continue to supply electricity to the
electrodes when there is no demand for the water. However, in an
alternative embodiment, the controller can shut off the supply of
electricity to the electrodes when there is no demand for the
water. For instance, the controller may close one or both of the
control valves if there is no demand for the water. Alternatively,
the controller may sense that one or both of the control valves
have been closed, or the controller may sense that water is not
currently flowing through the treatment reactor. In such instances,
it may not be desired or necessary to continuously supply
electricity to the electrodes. Accordingly, the controller may shut
off the flow of electricity to the electrodes until there is demand
for the water again. Alternatively, the controller may periodically
or intermittently supply a flow of electricity to the electrodes
while there is no demand for the water. By periodically or
intermittently supplying electricity to the electrodes when there
is no demand for the water, the purified condition of the water may
be maintained so that it is substantially ready for use when the
demand returns.
[0041] When demand returns for the water after a period of
inactivity, the system may be configured to assure that the water
is purified prior to restoring the flow of water. For example, when
demand returns for the water, the controller may restore power to
the electrodes prior to opening the inlet and/or outlet valve.
After a period of time or when a desired condition of the water is
achieved, the controller may open the valve or valves to restore
the flow of water. In this manner, the present invention can assure
desired purification of the water when demand returns after a
period of inactivity.
[0042] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that improved
design and operational controls enable the present invention to
treat water at the point of use, especially to achieve disinfection
of the water. For example, the present invention may be used to
purify water in a beverage dispensing machine, an ice-making
machine, a tap water dispensing apparatus for domestic or
commercial use, a water dispensing machine that uses tap water, or
any other known, similar, or conventional use of potable water. An
example of a beverage dispensing machine is a soft drink machine
that mixes water with concentrate to produce beverages. Examples of
an ice-making machine include those incorporated in beverage
dispensing machines and refrigerators.
[0043] The present invention can be used to purify water from any
desired source. For example, the present invention can be used in
portable models for uses such as disinfecting water in remote
areas, such as in hiking and camping, using water from natural
sources such as streams, springs, lakes, and other types of natural
water sources. In addition, a portable embodiment of the present
invention could be used by travelers who wish to disinfect water
supplied at hotels, motels, or from other public or private
supplies.
[0044] The present invention does not require a recirculation line
or other treatment systems. However, it should be recognized that
the present invention may be employed in conjunction with a
recirculation line. In addition, it is appreciated that the present
invention can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, other
water purification systems.
[0045] In addition, the present invention is relatively easy to
service. The present invention reduces the need to run a sanitizing
solution through the entire device for cleansing purposes. The
controller of the present invention can stop the flow of water
through the treatment reactor, and the electrodes can be replaced
or cleaned if desired or necessary. The electrodes may be replaced
or cleaned periodically, intermittently, or in response to a
specific condition. For instance, the controller may monitor one or
more counters to determine if one or both of the electrodes should
be replaced or cleaned. In addition, a service indicator may be in
communication with the controller to indicate that the electrodes
should be replaced or cleaned or that another feature of the system
needs service.
[0046] The preferred embodiments herein disclosed are not intended
to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the
invention. The preferred embodiments were chosen and described in
order to explain the principles of the present invention so that
others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown
and described preferred embodiments of the present invention, those
skilled in the art will realize that many variations and
modifications may be made to affect the described invention. Many
of those variations and modifications will provide the same result
and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the
intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by
the scope of the claims.
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