U.S. patent application number 10/797986 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for detection of contamination of municipal water distribution systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Regents of the University of California. Invention is credited to Cooper, John F..
Application Number | 20040197922 10/797986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33101367 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040197922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooper, John F. |
October 7, 2004 |
Detection of contamination of municipal water distribution
systems
Abstract
A system for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
conduit. The conduit is part of a fluid distribution system. A
chemical or biological sensor array is connected to the conduit.
The sensor array produces an acoustic signal burst in the fluid
upon detection of contaminates in the fluid. A supervisory control
system connected to the fluid and operatively connected to the
fluid distribution system signals the fluid distribution system
upon detection of contaminates in the fluid.
Inventors: |
Cooper, John F.; (Oakland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eddie E. Scott
Assistant Laboratory Counsel
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
P.O. Box 808, L-703
Livermore
CA
94551
US
|
Assignee: |
The Regents of the University of
California
|
Family ID: |
33101367 |
Appl. No.: |
10/797986 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60459750 |
Apr 1, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
436/52 ;
422/68.1; 422/81; 435/287.1; 435/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 436/117497
20150115; C02F 2209/04 20130101; C02F 2209/06 20130101; Y02W 10/37
20150501; G01N 33/18 20130101; C02F 2209/008 20130101; E03B 7/071
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
436/052 ;
422/068.1; 422/081; 435/034; 435/287.1 |
International
Class: |
G01N 031/00; C12Q
001/04 |
Goverment Interests
[0002] The United States Government has rights in this invention
pursuant to Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 between the United States
Department of Energy and the University of California for the
operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An apparatus for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
conduit, the conduit being part of a fluid distribution system,
comprising: a chemical or biological sensor array connected to the
conduit, said sensor array producing an acoustic signal burst in
the fluid upon detection of contaminates in the fluid; and a a
supervisory control system connected to the fluid and operatively
connected to the fluid distribution system, that signals the fluid
distribution system upon detection of the contaminates in the
fluid.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a chemical
sensor array.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
biological sensor array.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
biological materials sensor array.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
biochemicals sensor array.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
sporulated bacteriological sensor array.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a viral
organisms sensor array.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
microbial organisms sensor array.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an
elemental chlorine sensor array.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an
oxidative oxy-halogen compounds sensor array.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an ozone
sensor array.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an oxygen
sensor array.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
peroxydisulfate sensor array.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a strong
reducing agents sensor array
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
hyposulfite sensor array.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
thiosulfate sensor array.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a sulfide
sensor array.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
H.sub.2S sensor array.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a cyanide
sensor array.
20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
selenium sensor array.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a lead
sensor array.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a mercury
sensor array.
23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an
arsenic sensor array.
24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a nerve
agents sensor array.
25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
blistering agents sensor array.
26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a VX
sensor array.
27. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
Lewisite sensor array.
28. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
G-agents sensor array.
29. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
phosgene sensor array.
30. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a mustard
gases sensor array.
31. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radiological sensor array.
32. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is an
actinides sensor array.
33. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive isotopes sensor array.
34. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive iodine sensor array.
35. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive cesium sensor array.
36. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive strontium sensor array.
37. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a thorium
sensor array.
38. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive cobalt sensor array.
39. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a
radioactive thorium sensor array.
40. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a sensor
array that detects a loss of chlorination shield.
41. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a sensor
array that detects a change in redox potential.
42. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array is a sensor
array that detects a 30 mV drop in redox potential.
43. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array comprise a
pair of electrodes.
44. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array includes a
Platinum or graphite coated electrode.
45. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array includes a
reference electrode.
46. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array includes a
Ag/AgCl reference electrode.
47. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array includes
Platinum or graphite coated electrode and a reference
electrode.
48. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array includes a
specific ion electrode.
49. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor array comprise a
pair of electrodes and a pH sensor.
50. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supervisory control
system includes communications unit operatively connected to the
fluid distribution system that signals the fluid distribution
system upon detection of the contaminates in the fluid.
51. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supervisory control
system includes radio communications unit operatively connected to
the fluid distribution system that signals the fluid distribution
system upon detection of the contaminates in the fluid.
52. An apparatus for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
pipe, the pipe being part of a fluid distribution system,
comprising: sensor means connected to the pipe for producing an
acoustic signal burst in the fluid upon detection of contaminates
in the fluid; and a supervisory control means connected the fluid
and operatively connected to the fluid distribution system for
signaling the fluid distribution system upon detection of the
contaminates in the fluid.
53. The apparatus for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
pipe of claim 52 where said sensor means is a chemical sensor for
detecting chemical contaminates in the fluid.
54. The apparatus for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
pipe of claim 52 where said sensor means is a biological sensor for
detecting biological contaminates in the fluid.
55. The apparatus for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a
pipe of claim 52 where said sensor means is a means for detecting
biochemicals or sporulated bacteria or viral organisms or microbial
organisms or elemental chlorine or oxidative oxy-halogen compounds
or ozone or oxygen or peroxydisulfate or strong reducing agents or
hyposulfite or thiosulfate or sulfide or H.sub.2S or cyanide or
selenium or lead sensor or mercury or arsenic or nerve agents or
blistering or VX or Lewisite or G-agents or phosgene or gas or
actinides or radioactive isotopes or radioactive iodine or
radioactive cesium or radioactive strontium sensor or thorium or
radioactive cobalt or radioactive thorium.
56. A method of detecting of contaminates of a fluid in a pipe
wherein the pipe is part of a fluid distribution system, comprising
the steps of: sensing contaminates in the fluid in the pipe,
producing an acoustic signal in the fluid in the pipe upon the
sensing of contaminates in the fluid in the pipe, receiving said
acoustic signal in the fluid in the pipe, and signaling the fluid
distribution system upon receiving said acoustic signal indicating
said sensing of the contaminates in the fluid.
57. The method of detecting of contaminates of a fluid in a pipe of
claim 56 wherein said step of sensing contaminates in the fluid in
the pipe comprises sensing chemical contaminates in the fluid.
58. The method of detecting of contaminates of a fluid in a pipe of
claim 56 wherein said step of sensing contaminates in the fluid in
the pipe comprises biological contaminates in the fluid.
59. The method of detecting of contaminates of a fluid in a pipe of
claim 56 wherein said step of sensing contaminates in the fluid in
the pipe comprises sensing biochemicals or sporulated bacteria or
viral organisms or microbial organisms or elemental chlorine or
oxidative oxy-halogen compounds or ozone or oxygen or
peroxydisulfate or strong reducing agents or hyposulfite or
thiosulfate or sulfide or H.sub.2S or cyanide or selenium or lead
sensor or mercury or arsenic or nerve agents or blistering or VX or
Lewisite or G-agents or phosgene or gas or actinides or radioactive
isotopes or radioactive iodine or radioactive cesium or radioactive
strontium sensor or thorium or radioactive cobalt or radioactive
thorium contaminates in the fluid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/459,750 filed Apr. 1, 2003 and titled
"Technology to detect and communicate contamination of the
municipal water distribution system." U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/459,750 filed Apr. 1, 2003 and titled
"Technology to detect and communicate contamination of the
municipal water distribution system" is incorporated herein by this
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of Endeavor
[0004] The present invention relates to detection and more
particularly to detection of contamination of municipal water
distribution systems.
[0005] 2. State of Technology
[0006] A news release on Nov. 26, 2001, Water Supplies Need Better
Protection by Richard G. Luthy, Copyright .COPYRGT. 2003 National
Academy of Sciences, provides the following state of technology
information, "The United States' water supply systems are among the
greatest engineering accomplishments of the past century. Large
investments by local, state, and federal government agencies led to
many improvements in the supply, treatment, and distribution of
water. The payoff has been great strides in improving public
health. Protecting water sources and installing treatment plants
virtually eliminated the most deadly waterborne diseases such as
typhoid and cholera. Today, we enjoy the safest drinking water in
the world. But since the terrorist acts on September 11, questions
have arisen about the vulnerability of our water systems to
deliberate attacks. In addition, many components are aging and need
replacement. Thus, in the context of today's war on terrorism, both
the infrastructure and protection of water systems must be
considered in a new light. Safeguarding water supplies from
sabotage will require engineering analysis and problem-solving,
scientific advances, and evaluation of institutional arrangements
and water policies. Top priority should be given to protecting
physical water storage and transmission structures that serve large
populations. Many dams, aqueducts, and pumping stations that
capture and convey water over long distances are especially
vulnerable to physical damage and would be difficult to
replace."
[0007] The bulletin, National Infrastructure Protection Center
Terrorist Interest in Water Supply and SCADA Systems, Information
Bulletin 02-001 29, Jan. 2002, provides the following state of
technology information. "A computer that belonged to an individual
with indirect links to USAMA BIN LADIN contained structural
architecture computer programs that suggested the individual was
interested in structural engineering as it related to dams and
other water-retaining structures. . . . In addition, US law
enforcement and intelligence agencies have received indications
that Al-Qa'ida members have sought information on Supervisory
Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems available on multiple
SCADA-related Web sites. They specifically sought information on
water supply and wastewater management practices in the US and
abroad. There has also been interest in insecticides and pest
control products at several Web sites."
SUMMARY
[0008] Features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description. Applicants are providing
this description, which includes drawings and examples of specific
embodiments, to give a broad representation of the invention.
Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of
the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this description and by practice of the invention. The scope of the
invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms
disclosed and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the claims.
[0009] The terrorist acts on September 11 have raised questions
about the vulnerability of our water systems to deliberate attacks.
US law enforcement and intelligence agencies have received
indications that Al-Qa'ida members have sought information on US
water supply and wastewater systems. Also the water systems are
aging creating vulnerability.
[0010] The present invention provides a system for the detection of
contaminates of a fluid in a conduit. The conduit is part of a
fluid distribution system. The system comprises a chemical or
biological sensor array connected to the conduit. The sensor array
produces an acoustic signal burst in the fluid upon detection of
contaminates in the fluid. A supervisory control system connected
to the fluid and operatively connected to the fluid distribution
system signals the fluid distribution system upon detection of
contaminates in the fluid. In various embodiments of the invention
the sensor is a sensor for detecting biochemicals or sporulated
bacteria or viral organisms or microbial organisms or elemental
chlorine or oxidative oxy-halogen compounds or ozone or oxygen or
peroxydisulfate or strong reducing agents or hyposulfite or
thiosulfate or sulfide or H.sub.2S or cyanide or selenium or lead
sensor or mercury or arsenic or nerve agents or blistering or VX or
Lewisite or G-agents or phosgene or gas or actinides or radioactive
isotopes or radioactive iodine or radioactive cesium or radioactive
strontium sensor or thorium or radioactive cobalt or radioactive
thorium.
[0011] Other embodiments of the invention provide a method of
detecting of contaminates of a fluid in a conduit. The method
comprises sensing contaminates in the fluid in the conduit,
producing an acoustic signal in the fluid in the conduit upon the
sensing of contaminates in the fluid in the conduit, receiving the
acoustic signal in the fluid in the conduit, and signaling the
fluid distribution system upon receiving the acoustic signal
indicating the sensing of the contaminates in the fluid. The step
of sensing contaminates in the fluid in the conduit in various
embodiments comprises sensing biochemicals or sporulated bacteria
or viral organisms or microbial organisms or elemental chlorine or
oxidative oxy-halogen compounds or ozone or oxygen or
peroxydisulfate or strong reducing agents or hyposulfite or
thiosulfate or sulfide or H.sub.2S or cyanide or selenium or lead
sensor or mercury or arsenic or nerve agents or blistering or VX or
Lewisite or G-agents or phosgene or gas or actinides or radioactive
isotopes or radioactive iodine or radioactive cesium or radioactive
strontium sensor or thorium or radioactive cobalt or radioactive
thorium contaminates in the fluid.
[0012] The invention is susceptible to modifications and
alternative forms. Specific embodiments are shown by way of
example. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the particular forms disclosed. The invention covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate specific
embodiments of the invention and, together with the general
description of the invention given above, and the detailed
description of the specific embodiments, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, to the following detailed
description, and to incorporated materials, detailed information
about the invention is provided including the description of
specific embodiments. The detailed description serves to explain
the principles of the invention. The invention is susceptible to
modifications and alternative forms. The invention is not limited
to the particular forms disclosed. The invention covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
[0017] The terrorist acts on September 11 have raised questions
about the vulnerability of our water systems to deliberate attacks.
US law enforcement and intelligence agencies have received
indications that Al-Qa'ida members have sought information on US
water supply and wastewater systems. In addition, our water systems
are aging which introduces vulnerability. The infrastructure and
protection of water systems need to be considered in a new light.
Safeguarding water supplies from sabotage requires engineering
analysis and problem-solving, scientific advances, and evaluation
of institutional arrangements and water policies.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1,
an embodiment of a system constructed in accordance with the
present invention is illustrated. The system is designated
generally by the reference numeral 100. The system 100 provides
early warning of contamination of water distribution systems. The
contamination can be unauthorized contamination or accidental
contamination.
[0019] The treated (i.e., chlorinated) water distribution systems
are particularly vulnerable to contamination. Active chemical or
biological substances could be introduced into treated water
distribution mains in many ways. This could possibly be accompanied
by a reducing agent that defeats the chlorination "shield" that
otherwise might destroy the substances. Applicants have estimated
that certain substances introduced at a point source could
contaminate one million gallons each day. The system 100 is
particularly useful for providing early warning of contamination in
large urban areas where a typical municipal water distribution
system will deliver water at a rate of 50 gal/day per capita to
350,000 individuals. Example of use of the system 100 include, use
by government agencies and public agencies concerned with
countering contamination of treated water.
[0020] In addition to the oxidation potential and pH sensing, the
system 100 has applicability in other areas. For example, the
system 100 has use for the following specific applications, it is
understood there are additional uses: elemental chlorine, oxidative
oxy-halogen compounds, ozone, oxygen, peroxydisulfate; strong
reducing agents including hyposulfite, thiosulfate, sulfide,
H.sub.2S; and specific ions and solid/liquid dispersions of
cyanide, selenium, lead, mercury and arsenic containing compounds;
specific nerve and blistering agents including but not necessarily
limited to VX, Lewisite, G-agents, phosgene, and mustard gases; and
radiological sources including actinides and radioactive isotopes
of iodine, cesium, strontium, thorium and cobalt. The sensors may
include specific sensors for biological materials, biochemicals or
live, dead or sporulated bacteriological, viral or microbial
organisms. These sensors are emplaced on autonomous
sensor/communicator platforms consisting of sensors, energy
storage, micro-processor units, and acoustic signal generators. The
energy storage unit can be comprised of batteries, primary or
secondary, and in combination with power generation devices based
on thermoelectric generators, hydraulic generators, fuel cells,
solar, or wind converters. The system 100 includes use on non-water
based systems wherein the combination of sensor and communicator
may be applied to oils, molten salts, gases, and liquid metals, or
other media capable of sustaining acoustic signals within a conduit
or pipe.
[0021] The flow of water in mains is highly turbulent (Re .about.
10.sup.5-10.sup.6). Re .about.10.sup.4-10.sup.6 Consequently, an
injected contaminant rapidly forms a well mixed "plug" that
maintains its initial concentration for a time that is long
compared with the time of residence in the pipes. In one scenario,
the sensor would detect a 30 mV drop in redox potential due to the
introduction of a thiosulfate compound that neutralizes the
Cl.sub.2 (order of magnitude reduction in activity) and communicate
it to a SCADA at the velocity of sound transmission in water
(.about.1 mile/s). Scores of other harmful biological substances or
live biological organisms would have a similar effect on redox
potential, either by bulk reduction of the chlorine or by
co-introduction of a chemical reducing agent that removes the
chlorine shield and thus protects biological substances introduced
at very low concentrations. This device detects the loss of
chlorination regardless of cause, which would allow the bloom of
harmful microbes normally present in water or absorbed into the
slime that coats the interior of water pipes.
[0022] The system 100 includes an array of autonomous
sensors/communicators 101 that are exposed to the water flow 102,
from a water source 108, in pipes 103, comprising the treated
(e.g., chlorinated, filtered) water municipal distribution system.
The array of autonomous sensors 101 detects the loss of
chlorination shield upon introduction of non-specific biological or
chemical reducing agents 104 into the water 102. Each sensor
communicates by emitting acoustic signal burst 109, using the pipes
103 as wave-guides or channels. The preexisting Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADAS) 105 receive the signal 109
and communicate by radio 106 to water management 107.
[0023] The sensors 101 have a non-specific, broad response to the
introduction of biological or chemical reducing agents into
chlorinated water. The sensors 101 in one embodiment comprise a
pair of electrodes: one is a Pt or graphite coated electrode; the
other is a harmless reference electrode that is the type of an
Ag/AgCl electrode used in medical procedures. The sensors 101 in
various embodiments comprise a pair of electrodes that, under
near-equilibrium conditions, output a potential proportional to the
amount and strength of oxidizing material in the water. The
potential or oxidation potential is not sensitive to the nature of
the oxidant, and responds to all commonly used disinfectants
including elemental chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, chloramines,
chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide or ozone, or even elemental
oxygen. The sensors 101 may be enhanced by combination with pH
sensors, or specific ion electrodes for elemental chlorine or other
toxic ions or compounds. The sensors 101 operate as autonomous
units. Each sensor will continuously measure redox potential and
communicate a sudden drop to the water management through a burst
109 of encoded acoustic pulses, using the pipes 103 as wave guides
or channels to confine and direct the acoustic signals.
[0024] The sensors 101 communicate by emitting acoustic signal
bursts 109, using the pipes 103 as wave-guides or channels. The
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADAS) 105
receives the signal 109 and communicate by radio 106 to water
management 107. Systems for providing communication through fluid
filled pipes are known, for example, various systems are shown in
United States Patent Application No. 2002/0189362 published Dec.
19, 2002 and International Patent Application No. WO 02/103303
published Dec. 27, 2002. Both patent applications are owned by
Honeywell International Inc. and were invented by Vladimar Havlena.
The disclosures of United States Patent Application No.
2002/0189362 published Dec. 19, 2002 and International Patent
Application No. WO 02/103303 published Dec. 27, 2002 are
incorporated herein by this reference.
[0025] Power requirements for the system 100 are minimal. The
oxidation potential in one embodiment is measured with a nulling
potentiometer chip. Power for the acoustic transducer (a
piezo-electric device) determines the power and energy
requirements. In various embodiments, the power supply consists of
a battery, capacitor, and/or thermoelectric collector. The power
for the sensors 101 and for the acoustic transmitter 109 in various
embodiments is stored in a primary battery, secondary battery or
even a small fuel cell. For longest hands-off life, a secondary
battery trickle charged by an internal power generator is used. The
generator can for example be: a thermoelectric generator operating
off the temperature difference between the water and the
surrounding soil or air; an electromechanical generator converting
the water flow into electric current using a propeller, water
wheel; a piezo-electric device operating off the pipe water
pressure or pressure difference; or streaming potential
collector.
[0026] The system 100 can be installed in existing pipes through
standard procedures. The system 100 is low in cost. In one
embodiment only micrometer-thick layers of platinum are required.
The sensor array 101 senses a drop in the oxidation potential of
the water when a reducible chemical or biological substance is
introduced and tends to neutralize or fully neutralizes the
chlorination and communicates such a drop in potential by
generating and transmitting an acoustic signal through the water
102 using the water-filled pipes 103 as wave guides and the water
as the acoustic medium. The signal (e.g., a 32 bit binary code) is
transmitted to pre-existing monitoring sites or Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition systems commonly called "SCADA's" (SCADA's)
that are linked to water management. Each system is wireless and
autonomous, being powered by a primary battery, micro fuel cell, or
a secondary battery trickle charged by a thermoelectric device,
solar cell, or a water-powered generator. The system 100 detects
gross biological or chemical contamination, or defeat of the
chlorination shield using a reducing agent (e.g., glucose,
ascorbate, thiosulfate, hyposulfite, or ferrocyanide, and many
other common reducing agents) preliminary to the introduction of
biological or chemical agent that might be destroyed by the ca. 2
ppm ambient chlorine or chlorine-equivalent concentration.
[0027] In addition to the oxidation potential and pH sensing, the
system 100 has applicability and use for: elemental chlorine,
chloramines, oxidative oxy-halogen compounds, ozone, oxygen,
peroxydisulfate, peroxymonosulfate; strong reducing agents
including hyposulfite, thiosulfate, ferrocyanide, sulfide,
H.sub.2S; and specific ions and solid/liquid dispersions of
cyanide, selenium, lead, mercury and arsenic containing compounds;
specific nerve and blistering agents including but not necessarily
limited to VX, Lewisite, G-agents, phosgene, and mustard gases; and
radiological sources including actinides and radioactive isotopes
of iodine, cesium, strontium, thorium and cobalt. The sensors 101
may include specific sensors for biological materials, biochemicals
or live, dead or sporulated bacteriological, viral or microbial
organisms. The sensors 101 are emplaced on autonomous
sensor/communicator platforms consisting of sensors, energy
storage, micro-processor units, and acoustic signal generators. The
energy storage unit is comprised of batteries, primary or
secondary, in combination with power generation devices based on
thermoelectric generators, hydraulic generators, fuel cells, solar,
or wind converters. The system 100 is includes non-water based
applications wherein the combination of sensor and communicator may
be applied to oils, molten salts, gases, and liquid metals, or
other media capable of sustaining acoustic signals within a conduit
or pipe.
[0028] One embodiment of the present invention provides a system
for protecting municipal water supplies against neutralization of
chlorine in the water and injection of a harmful substance.
Potential contamination of municipal drinking water systems could
include (first) neutralization of the chlorine in water pipes using
thiosulfate followed by injection of a harmful substances into the
thus de-chlorinated water. Plug flow would distribute the
contaminated water to thousands of households.
[0029] The system 100 provides a countermeasure to this threat. The
sensor array 101 monitors for redox potential. A sudden change in
redox potential would indicate that the chlorine had been consumed
by some organic substance, or deliberately defeated as part of a
plug-flow distribution attempt. The sensor array 101 communicates
an alarm to central sites 105 by sonar "pings," through the pipes
103, sending an alarm to headquarters by radio or telephone
106.
[0030] Chloramine (and in some cases, ozone) is used in water
treatment; treated water has typically .about.2 ppm of chlorine or
some chlorine equivalent. One reducing agent is sodium thiosulfate
(used to de-chlorinate tropical fish tank water; also chemically
similar to sodium hyposulfite, Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.3.5H.sub.2O,
the pentahydrate of sodium thiosulfate, used to fix photographic
prints and commonly called "hypo") through the following reaction
(8 equivalents per reaction). For sodium thiosulfate,
4Cl.sub.2+5H.sub.2O+Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.3=2Na HSO.sub.4+8HCl.
[0031] The mass of 158 g of sodium thiosulfate is needed to
neutralize 284 g of chlorine. The solubility of sodium thiosulfate
in hot water (100.degree. C.) is 2310 g/1000-g-water. Thus one
liter of concentrated sodium thiosulfate will remove the chlorine
from approximately 1 million liters of water: (2310
g-Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.3/Liter-conc)/[(158/284)(0.- 002 g-Cl/liter
water)]=2.08 10.sup.6 liters.
[0032] One hundred (100) gallons of saturated solution could in
principle de-chlorinate 100 million gallons of drinking water.
[0033] One embodiment of the system 100 utilizes inexpensive redox
sensors (consisting of a graphite or Pt micro electrode and a cheap
reference electrode) 101 that are distributed within the water
system at vulnerable points. A sudden change of redox potential
(from chlorine oxidizing levels to reducing) indicates either an
exhaustion of the chlorine or a deliberate neutralization. The
sensors 101 communicate to data collection sites 105 by, e.g.,
encoded sonar-like "pings" through the water pipes 103, and thence
to headquarters via telephone or radio 106. The collection sites
currently exist. Most municipal water districts have some
distributed specific ion electrodes for chlorine and other ions,
[distributed as part of the "SCADA"] 105, linked by radio 106.
There are provisions for shutting down a main upon loss of
pressure. Other embodiments of the system 100 include network
sensors such as, but not limited to, nuclear radiation, pH changes,
specific ion electrodes for inorganic poisons, micropore filters
for bacteria, etc. Nerine Cherepy adds fungal toxins to the list,
which is not readily treated by chlorine.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. The system is designated generally by the reference
numeral 200. The system 200 provides early warning of contamination
of water distribution systems. The contamination can be
unauthorized contamination or accidental contamination.
[0035] Treated (i.e., chlorinated) water distribution systems are
particularly vulnerable. Active chemical or biological agents could
be introduced into treated water distribution mains in many ways
(including, for example, back-flushing through household taps)
possibly accompanied by a reducing agent to defeat the chlorination
"shield" that otherwise might destroy the agent. The flow of water
in mains is fully-developed and in most cases highly turbulent (Re
.about.10.sup.4-10.sup.6). Consequently, an injected contaminant
rapidly forms a well mixed "plug" that maintains its initial
concentration for a time that is long compared with the time of
residence in the pipes.
[0036] The system 200 uses an autonomous sensor array 201 for rapid
detection of accidental or criminal contamination. The sensor array
201 detects a drop in redox potential when the water encounters any
reducible chemical and/or biological substance. The change in
oxidation potential is communicated by encoded acoustic signals 209
from the sensor array 201 through the water and pipes 203 to
pre-existing monitor sites ("SCADAS") 205 that are radio-linked to
water management 207. The system 200 provides a system for the
detection of contaminates of a fluid in a pipe. The contamination
can be unauthorized contamination or accidental contamination.
[0037] The system 200 useful in municipal water distribution
systems for the detection of chemical or biological agent
introduced by terrorists. There are innumerable biological agents
and fouling substances that could be injected into water
distribution systems downstream of treatment plants. Concentrated
cultures of organisms that induce typhoid, cholera, plague, or
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B disease have been considered plausible
possibilities. The chlorine shield would be overwhelmed by organic
matter when introduced in sufficiently high quantities. Potential
agents as aflotoxin and sporulated B. anthracis are not readily
killed by low levels of chlorination. However, even without being
killed, these materials can cause a change in the redox potential
by consuming the 2 ppm chlorination by oxidation of certain
functional groups common to all proteins. The addition of a
reducing agent alone would stimulate a bloom of whatever flora
pre-existed in the water pipes, the walls of which are normally
home to slimes containing inactive or segregated flora of many
types.
[0038] The system 200 is also useful in municipal water
distribution systems for the detection of natural causes for a loss
of chlorination, such as pipe rupture and entrainment of
environmental biological material, accidental chemical
contamination, or accidental overwhelming of the normal
chlorination level. The system 200 also will detect the loss of
redox potential associated with dissolved chlorine, chlorine
dioxide, ozone or chloramines agents, etc., commonly used to
disinfect potable water.
[0039] The system 200 has specific applications including the
detection of elemental chlorine, oxidative oxy-halogen compounds,
ozone, oxygen, peroxydisulfate; strong reducing agents including
hyposulfite, ascorbate, thiosulfate, sulfide, H2S; and specific
ions and solid/liquid dispersions of cyanide, selenium, lead,
mercury and arsenic containing compounds; specific nerve and
blistering agents including but not necessarily limited to VX,
Lewisite, G-agents, phosgene, and mustard gases; and radiological
sources including actinides and radioactive isotopes of iodine,
cesium, strontium, thorium and cobalt. The sensors may include
specific sensors for biological materials, biochemicals or live,
dead or sporulated bacteriological, viral or microbial organisms.
These sensors are emplaced on autonomous sensor/communicator
platforms consisting of sensors, energy storage, micro-processor
units, and acoustic signal generators. The energy storage unit can
be comprised of batteries, primary or secondary, and in combination
with power generation devices based on thermoelectric generators,
hydraulic generators, fuel cells, solar, or wind converters. The
system 200 includes use on non-water based systems wherein the
combination of sensor and communicator may be applied to oils,
molten salts, gases, and liquid metals, or other media capable of
sustaining acoustic signals within a conduit or pipe. It is to be
understood there are additional uses of the system 200.
[0040] The functional dependence of sensor array 201 potential on
the concentration of biological reducing agents for common
biologically active strains or surrogates was measured. The
response time of sensor array 201 to oxidation potential was also
measured upon addition of biological agents to tap water. The
response time to additions of chemical reducing agents was also
measured for common materials that might be used to destroy
chlorination. Tap water chlorination was measured in units of ppm
"chlorine equivalent." The actual chlorination materials, e.g.,
chloramines, elemental chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone have
different signals and response times, although all are
qualitatively similar. The fouling of the electrodes by
accumulation of biofilm-generated slime was considered and
anti-fouling agents (such as copper, certain organics) are commonly
available and can be used with sensor array 201. The simplest way
to prevent biofouling of the Platinum redox sensor is to locate it
in a strongly flowing part of the water stream in the pipe, e.g.,
away from the walls.
[0041] The acoustic communication uses acoustic signal bursts 209
in the fluid. Water is an ideal medium for transmitting acoustic
signals, as evidence by long-wavelength communication between
whales over thousands of miles. The dissipation rates of acoustic
signals in water pipes as functions of frequency, temperature and
salinity are considered. Signal extraction from ambient noise
requires interpretative algorithms. The availability, cost and
power requirements of alternative piezo-electric or electromagnetic
signal generators was assessed.
[0042] The sensors 201 operate as autonomous units. Each sensor
will continuously measure redox potential and communicate a sudden
drop to the water management through a burst 209 of encoded
acoustic pulses, using the pipes 203 as wave guides. Systems for
providing communication through fluid filled pipes are known, for
example, various systems are shown in United States Patent
Application No. 2002/0189362 published Dec. 19, 2002 and
International Patent Application No. WO 02/103303 published Dec.
27, 2002. Both patent applications are owned by Honeywell
International Inc. and were invented by Vladimar Havlena. The
disclosures of United States Patent Application No. 2002/0189362
published Dec. 19, 2002 and International Patent Application No. WO
02/103303 published Dec. 27, 2002 are incorporated herein by this
reference.
[0043] Power requirements for the system 200 are minimal. The
oxidation potential in one embodiment is measured with a nulling
potentiometer chip. Power for the acoustic transducer (a
piezo-electric device) determines the power and energy
requirements. In various embodiments, the power supply consists of
a battery, capacitor, and/or thermoelectric collector. The power
for the sensors 201 and for the acoustic transmitter 209 in various
embodiments are stored in a primary battery, secondary battery or
even a small fuel cell or fuel battery running off an internal fuel
such as iron or zinc and an oxidant in the water, or the water
itself. For longest hands-off life, a secondary battery trickle
charged by an internal power generator is used. The generator can
for example be: a thermoelectric generator operating off the
temperature difference between the water and the surrounding soil
or air; an electromechanical generator converting the water flow
into electric current using a propeller, water wheel; a
piezo-electric device operating off the pipe water pressure or
pressure difference; or streaming potential collector.
[0044] The system 200 can be installed in existing pipes through
standard procedures. The system 200 is low in cost. In one
embodiment only monolayers very thin, 100-1000 nanometer thick
layers, of platinum are required. The sensor array 201 senses a
drop in the oxidation potential of the water when a reducible
chemical or biological substance is introduced and neutralizes the
chlorination and communicates such a drop in potential by
generating and transmitting an acoustic signal through the water
202 using the water-filled pipes 203 as wave guides and the water
as the acoustic medium. The signal (e.g., a 32 bit binary code) is
transmitted to pre-existing monitoring sites (SCADA's) that are
linked to water management. Each system is wireless and autonomous,
being powered by a primary battery, micro fuel cell, or a secondary
battery trickle charged by a thermoelectric device, solar cell, or
a water-powered generator. The system 200 detects gross biological
or chemical contamination, or defeat of the chlorination shield
using a reducing agent (e.g., thiosulfate, hyposulfite, or
ferrocyanide) preliminary to the introduction of biological or
chemical agent that might be destroyed by the ca. 2 ppm ambient
chlorine concentration.
[0045] In addition to the oxidation potential and pH sensing, the
system 200 has applicability and use for: elemental chlorine,
oxidative oxy-halogen compounds, ozone, oxygen, peroxydisulfate;
strong reducing agents including hyposulfite, thiosulfate, sodium
ascorbate, sulfide, H.sub.2S; and specific ions and solid/liquid
dispersions of cyanide, selenium, lead, mercury and arsenic
containing compounds; specific nerve and blistering agents
including but not necessarily limited to VX, Lewisite, G-agents,
phosgene, and mustard gases; and radiological sources including
actinides and radioactive isotopes of iodine, cesium, strontium,
thorium and cobalt. The sensors 201 may include specific sensors
for biological materials, biochemicals or live, dead or sporulated
bacteriological, viral, microbial organisms, or prions. The sensors
201 are emplaced on autonomous sensor/communicator platforms
consisting of sensors, energy storage, micro-processor units, and
acoustic signal generators. The energy storage unit is comprised of
batteries, primary or secondary, in combination with power
generation devices based on thermoelectric generators, hydraulic
generators, fuel cells, solar, or wind converters. The system 200
includes non-water based applications wherein the combination of
sensor and communicator may be applied to oils, molten salts,
gases, and liquid metals, or other media capable of sustaining
acoustic signals within a conduit or pipe.
[0046] While the invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention
is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following appended claims.
* * * * *