U.S. patent application number 10/504044 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for fluid disinfection apparatus.
Invention is credited to Kurtz, Mark E., Russell, Scott P..
Application Number | 20050069463 10/504044 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34425485 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050069463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kurtz, Mark E. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2005 |
Fluid disinfection apparatus
Abstract
A fluid disinfection module (10) comprises a first housing (12)
and a second housing (20) arranged in spaced-apart relationship to
each other. The first housing (12) includes tubular support members
(28) and (28a) extending laterally therefrom for respective
slidable mateable engagement with corresponding tubular support
members (30) and (30a) also laterally extending from second housing
(20), for varying the lateral distance x between the first and
second housings (12) and (20). A locking device maintains tubular
support members (28) (28a) and (30) (30a) in fixed relationship
with respect to each other. First housing (12), second housing
(20), and corresponding tubular support members (28) (28a) and (30)
(30a) define a framework for supporting one or more ultraviolet
radiation sources (18) and (26) that are detachably mounted at one
end thereof to housings (12) and (20), respectively. Each of
radiation sources (18) and (26) is preferably encased within a
quartz sleeve (60), and communicates with one or more ballasts (80)
disposed within or without their respective housings (12) (20) for
supplying electricity to the radiation sources (18) (26).
Inventors: |
Kurtz, Mark E.; (Ft.
Lauderdale, FL) ; Russell, Scott P.; (Rutland,
VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Office of Kenneth F Dusyn
3rd Floor
330 Main Street
Hartford
CT
06106
US
|
Family ID: |
34425485 |
Appl. No.: |
10/504044 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
May 7, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US02/14347 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/32 20130101; F24F
8/22 20210101; F24F 3/16 20130101; A62B 13/00 20130101; A61L 9/20
20130101; C02F 2201/3227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/121 |
International
Class: |
A61L 009/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air disinfection module for use in a HVAC duct comprising a
first housing and a second housing, said housings being arranged in
laterally spaced-apart relationship to each other by one or more
adjustable support members, each of said housings comprising (i) at
least one ultraviolet radiation source communicating with and
projecting from its respective housing towards the opposing
housing; and (ii) electric transmission means communicating with
said ultraviolet radiation sources and with at least one source of
electrical power for supplying electricity to said ultraviolet
radiation source.
2. A fluid disinfection module, comprising (a) a first housing and
a second housing; (b) means defining a support structure for
maintaining said housings in adjustable, spaced-apart relationship
to each other; (c) means defining one or more ultraviolet radiation
sources communicating with and projecting from each housing towards
the other housing; and (d) electric transmission means
communicating with said ultraviolet radiation sources and at least
one source of electrical power for powering said ultraviolet
radiation sources.
3. An air disinfection module comprising a first housing and a
second housing, said housings being arranged in laterally
spaced-apart relationship to each other by one or more
laterally-adjustable support members, each of said housings
comprising (i) one or more ultraviolet radiation sources
communicating with and projecting from its respective housing
towards the other housing; and (ii) a source of electrical power
for supplying electricity to said ultraviolet radiation
sources.
4. The module according to claim 2 wherein said fluid comprises
air.
5. The module according to claims 1 or 3 wherein said ultraviolet
radiation source is an ultraviolet lamp of a straight tubular
construction comprising a lamp base disposed at one end thereof
that includes electrical terminal pins mounted thereto.
6. The module according to claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein said
ultraviolet radiation source comprises an ultraviolet lamp having
two, substantially parallel, tubular segments tubularly connected
about one end thereof and terminating in a lamp base that is common
to the two tubular segments, the lamp base being provided with
electrical terminal pins mounted thereto.
7. The module according to claim 6 additionally comprising an
electrical receptacle mounted to its respective housing for
receiving therein the terminal pins of said lamp base.
8. The module according to claim 5 wherein said module additionally
comprises a radiation pervious protective sleeve disposed about
each ultraviolet lamp.
9. The module according to claim 8 wherein said radiation pervious
protective sleeve is constructed of fused quartz.
10. The module according to claim 8 wherein said support member
comprises one or more elongate support structures projecting from
each housing, the elongate support structure of each housing being
slidably engaged with the other for varying the lateral distance
between said first and second housings.
11. The module according to claim 10 wherein one end of the
elongate support structure is disposed about each end of each of
said housings.
12. The module according to claim 11 wherein each elongate support
structure is of a tubular construction.
13. The module according to claim 12 wherein the tubular support
structure of said first housing is slidably engaged and mated with
the tubular support structure of said second housing, the tubular
support structures of said first and second housings being
detachably secured to each other by a locking device.
14. The module according to claim 13 wherein the locking device
comprises a compression fitting disposed about each respective
tubular support structure of the first and second housings.
15. The module according to claim 13 additionally comprising at
least one cross support structure mounted to the tubular support
structures of said first or second housings, said cross support
structure being disposed between and substantially parallel to said
housings for supporting said radiation pervious protective sleeves
and corresponding ultraviolet lamps within said module.
16. The module according to claim 15 wherein said cross support
structure is secured to each of said tubular support structures and
protective sleeves by a locking device.
17. The module according to claim 16 wherein said locking device is
a compression fitting.
18. The module according to claim 11 wherein said elongate support
structure comprises an elongate channel member.
19. The module according to claim 18 wherein the elongate channel
members of said first and second housings are detachably secured to
each other.
20. The module according to claim 7 wherein the electrical
receptacle is connected to at least one ballast for supplying
electricity to said lamp.
21. The module according to claim 20 wherein each housing comprises
a plurality of ultraviolet lamps.
22. The module according to claim 21 wherein each housing comprises
a plurality of ballasts for supplying electricity to said
ultraviolet lamps.
23. An air disinfection module comprising a first housing and a
second housing, said housings being arranged in laterally
spaced-apart relationship to each other, each housing comprising at
least one elongate support structure extending laterally therefrom
for slidable engagement with the corresponding elongate support
structure of the other housing for varying the distance between
said first and second housings, said first housing, second housing
and corresponding elongate support structures defining a framework
for supporting a plurality of ultraviolet radiation sources
detachably mounted to each of said housings, said ultraviolet
radiation sources (i) projecting laterally from their corresponding
housing towards the other housing; and (ii) communicating with one
or ballasts disposed within or without their respective
housing.
24. The module according to claim 23 wherein each of said
ultraviolet radiation sources is an ultraviolet lamp of a straight
tubular construction comprising a lamp base disposed at one end
thereof that includes electrical terminal pins mounted thereto.
25. The module according to claim 24 wherein said module
additionally comprises a radiation pervious protective sleeve
disposed about each ultraviolet lamp.
26. The module according to claim 25 wherein said radiation
pervious protective sleeve is constructed of fused quartz.
27. The module according to claims 1, 3, 4 or 23 wherein said
radiation source comprises an ultraviolet lamp having two,
substantially parallel, tubular segments tubularly connected about
one end thereof and terminating in a lamp base that is common to
the two tubular segments, the lamp base being provided with
electrical terminal pins mounted thereto.
28. The module according to claim 27 additionally comprising an
electrical receptacle mounted to its respective housing for
receiving therein the terminal pins of said lamp base.
29. An array comprising a first module and a second module, said
modules being defined by claims 1, 3, 4 or 23, wherein the first
module is arranged laterally of the second module.
30. The array according to claim 29 wherein the second housing of
said first module is adjacent and secured to the first housing of
said second module.
31. The array according to claim 30 wherein the second housing of
said first module and the first housing of said second module are
common to each other.
32. An array comprising a plurality of modules, said modules being
defined by claims 1, 3, 4 or 23, and wherein said modules are
arranged laterally with respect to each other.
33. An array comprising a plurality of modules as defined by claim
25, said modules being arranged laterally adjacent to each other
and wherein the first and second housings of the adjacent modules
are common to each other.
34. The array according to claim 29 wherein the first module
overlies the second module.
35. The array according to claim 34 wherein the first housing of
said first module overlies the second housing of said second
module.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention broadly relates to a fluid disinfection
apparatus utilizing an ultraviolet radiation source. More
specifically, the invention provides an air disinfection module
utilizing a plurality of ultraviolet lamps for incorporation into a
heating/ventilation air conditioning ("HVAC") duct to disinfect the
air passing therethrough.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,980 discloses a plurality of ultraviolet
lamps encased in protective quartz sleeves supported at their ends
by rigid frame legs. One of the legs is hollow and receives lead
wires connected to the lamps through openings spaced along the leg.
The opposing leg is provided with receptacles that receive and
support the closed ends of the protective sleeves. The lead wires
are connected to a ballast located in a frame member connecting the
two opposing legs.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,552 discloses an ultraviolet air
sterilization devices that includes a housing and one or more
mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units. Each lamp, which
projects into the air stream of an air handling duct, has an
integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to
a ballast from within the housing.
[0006] Arrays or assemblies of lamps having electrical terminal
pins carried by lamp bases disposed at each end of the lamp tubings
is disclosed in a January, 1999 Steril-Aire, USA, Inc. catalog. The
ultraviolet lamps are arranged in a fixed dimensional rack whereby
the terminal pins located at each end of the fixed dimensional rack
whereby the terminal pins located at each end of the ultraviolet
lamps are electrically interfaced with receptacles supported by a
side frame. The fixed dimensional rack and multiple assemblies of
the rack are designed for installation into a HVAC duct system in a
variety locations, typically in the air-supply side of the duct
system, before and/or after the evaporator coils, or within the
mixed air plenum or return air duct.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a fluid
disinfection module is provided for the treatment of a fluid
passing through a conduit. More specifically, an air disinfection
module for use in a HVAC duct is provided which comprises a first
and second housing arranged in laterally spaced-apart relationship
to each other by one or more adjustable support members. Each
housing comprises one or more ultraviolet radiation sources, e.g.,
an ultraviolet light source such as a UV lamp, communicating with
and projecting from the housing towards the opposite housing. The
ultraviolet radiation sources are generally detachably mounted to
each of their housings and communicate with one or more sources of
electric power disposed within or without their respective housing.
The source of electrical power is typically a ballast for supplying
electricity to the ultraviolet radiation source via electric
transmission means, e.g., electrical wires connected to a UV
lamp.
[0008] The ultraviolet radiation source may be an ultraviolet lamp
of a straight tubular construction that includes a lamp base
disposed at one end thereof for carrying electrical terminal pins
mounted thereto. The transmission means includes wiring coupled
with a ballast and an electrical receptacle for receiving the
terminal pins therein. The ballast may be situated within or
without its respective housing, preferably within the housing for
including the electronics to operate the ultraviolet lamps. The
ultraviolet radiation source may also comprise an ultraviolet lamp
having two substantially parallel, tubular sections tubularly
connected about one end thereof and terminating in a lamp base that
is common to the twin tubular segments. The common lamp base is
provided with terminal pins for insertion into an appropriate
electrical receptacle that is mounted to the housing. The terminal
pins of the lamp are typically engaged with a corresponding
electrical receptacle connected to at least one ballast for
supplying electricity to the lamp. Each housing of the module
generally comprises a plurality of ultraviolet lamps and a
plurality of ballasts for supplying electricity to the lamps.
[0009] A radiation pervious protective sleeve, typically
constructed of fused quartz, is preferably disposed about each
ultraviolet radiation source, particularly the ultraviolet lamps
having a straight tubular construction used in the fluid
disinfection module. The longevity and efficiency of UV lamps used
in HVAC systems are generally dependant upon the temperature of the
duct air that they are exposed to. The use of a transparent
protective sleeve about the radiation sources serves to balance and
stabilize the operating temperature of the lamp by insulating the
lamp from temperature and humidification fluctuations of the air
passing through the HVAC duct. The incorporation of a transparent
protective sleeve with the UV lamp allows the lamp to approach
optimum performance and increased longevity.
[0010] The support members that connect each of the housings for
configuring the module may comprise one or more elongate support
structures projecting from each housing, the elongate support
structure of each housing being slidably engaged with the other for
varying the lateral distance between the first and second housings.
The elongate support structures are generally disposed about each
end of each of the housings, although they may be disposed at one
or more locations along the elongate length of the housing. In one
aspect of the invention, the elongate support structure for each
housing is comprised of a tubular construction such that the
tubular support structure of the first housing are slidably engaged
and mated with the tubular support structure of the second housing.
The tubular support structures of the first and second housings are
detachably secured to each other by a locking device, such as, for
example, a compression fitting disposed about each respective
support structure of the first and second housings. The purpose of
using adjustable support structures for connecting the housings to
each other is twofold: to provide an adequate framework for
supporting the ultraviolet light sources within the module and to
enable the distance between the housings to be varied for adapting
the lateral width of the module to the corresponding dimensions of
a HVAC duct.
[0011] In order to add rigidity and structural integrity to the
module, particularly when longer length ultraviolet radiation lamps
are utilized in, for example, industrial and commercial
applications, at least one cross support structure may be mounted
to the tubular support structures of the first or second housings.
The cross support structure, which may be configured as a flat,
rigid elongate member of metal or plastic construction, is disposed
between and substantially parallel to the first and second
housings. Appropriate openings are provided in the cross support
structure for receiving and supporting the tubular support
structures.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the support structures
which connect the first and second housings may be configured as
elongate channel members having one end thereof secured about the
end of its respective housing. The channels are configured to be
slidably engaged with each other. When the proper lateral distance
between the housings is reached, the corresponding channels of the
first and second housings may be detachably secured to each other
by any conventional means, such as but not limited to threaded
screws, nut and bolt assemblies, etc.
[0013] The cross support structures are also provided with openings
for receiving and supporting either the ultraviolet lamps
themselves, or radiation pervious protective sleeves with the
corresponding ultraviolet lamps contained therein. Securement of
the cross support structure to the tubular support structures,
protective sleeves and/or ultraviolet lamps may be undertaken by
locking devices, for example, compression fittings, grommets or
resilient O-rings incorporated into the cross support structure
openings and having a resistance fit relative to the tubular
support structures, protective sleeves and/or ultraviolet
lamps.
[0014] Depending on the size of the HVAC duct in question, more
than one air disinfection module may be utilized. Accordingly, an
array of air disinfection modules described above is contemplated
wherein the modules are arranged laterally with respect to each
other, preferably with the modules laterally adjacent to each
other. The first and second housings of the adjacent modules may be
connected to each other or may be common to each other. For
example, a first and second module are disposed laterally of each
to form an array wherein the second housing of the first module is
adjacent to and communicates with the first housing of the second
module. Another embodiment is simply to have the second housing of
the first module and the first housing of the second module common
to each other, i.e., act as one housing.
[0015] The array may also include an arrangement whereby the
individual modules are stacked. In this embodiment, the first
module will overly the second module, in which case, the first
housing of the first module may overlie the first housing of the
second module, or the first housing of the first module may overlie
the second housing of the second module.
[0016] The array according to the invention may also comprise more
than two modules, with each module being disposed laterally to its
adjacent module. As with the dual modules recited above, the first
and second housings of the adjacent modules may be connected to
each other or combined to function as one common housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the following specification when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein certain
preferred embodiments are illustrated and wherein like numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a fluid disinfection module
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 1A is an exploded fragmentary isometric view of detail
A illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an elevated cross-sectional plan view of the
quartz sleeve illustrated in FIG. 1 surrounding an ultraviolet lamp
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention herein.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of detail B illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment
for detail B illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an enlarged segmented isometric view of
compression fitting 52 illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 5A is an enlarged segmented isometric view of
compression fitting 52b illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of detail C illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view of detail D illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of detail D illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view of yet another
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded isometric view of detail E
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a fluid disinfection module
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of detail F
illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0033] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the
fluid disinfection module illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0034] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a pair of the fluid
disinfection modules illustrated in FIG. 1, each module being
assembled to each other to form an array in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a plurality of the modules
illustrated in FIG. 1, each module being assembled to each other
with a common housing to form an array in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
THEREOF
[0036] Throughout the following description, the preferred
embodiments and examples are intended as exemplars rather than
limitations on the apparatus of the present invention.
[0037] The present invention provides an apparatus for the
germicidal treatment of a fluid, and more specifically to an
apparatus that disinfects air passing through a HVAC duct utilizing
one or more radiation sources. The apparatus described herein has
the advantage of being adaptable to HVAC ducts of various
cross-sectional dimensions such as those found in commercial and
industrial buildings that employ large heating/air conditioning
equipment for moving high magnitudes of air. The apparatus
typically takes the form of a module that employs at least one,
generally a plurality, of ultraviolet lamps whose disposition
within the HVAC duct is configured for maximum exposure to the
passage of air therethrough.
[0038] Referring to the drawings, specifically FIG. 1, there is
shown for illustrative purposes only, an fluid disinfection module
10 constituting one embodiment of the invention herein. Module 10
is structured for adaptation to HVAC ducts of varying dimensions
for the disinfection of air, and has a framework-type configuration
comprising a first elongate housing 12 having a generally
rectangular cross-section. As better shown in FIG. 3, housing 12 is
provided with at least one opening 14 on one elongate side 16
thereof, preferably a plurality of such openings, for receiving
therein for mounting with housing 12 a corresponding number of
ultraviolet radiation sources in the form of elongate tubular
ultraviolet ("UV") lamps 18, whose details are illustrated in FIG.
2. Referring to FIG. 4, module 10 also comprises a second elongate
housing 20 similar to housing 12 in that it also has a generally
rectangular cross-section provided with at least one opening 22 on
one elongate side 24 thereof, preferably a plurality of openings. A
corresponding number of ultraviolet radiation sources in the form
of tubular UV lamps 26 are received in the respective openings 22
for mounting with housing 20. In forming the framework-like
configuration of module 10 (see FIG. 1), housing 12 is provided
with a pair of tubular support members 28,28a having a circular
cross-section, one end of each member being secured to elongate
side 16 by means of compression fittings 52,52a, respectively, the
detail of which is partially illustrated in FIG. 5. Tubular support
members 28,28a are arranged to laterally project from side 16
(shown in FIG. 3) in a substantially perpendicular direction
towards housing 20.
[0039] In similar fashion, a second elongate housing 20 is provided
with a pair of tubular support members 30,30a, one end of each
being secured to elongate side 24 of housing 20 in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 1A FIG. 1A enlarges on the area defined by
Detail A shown in FIG. 1. While other configurations may be
employed, the manner of the joinder of tubular support members
28,28a to housing 12 is identical to the joinder of tubular support
members 30,30a to housing 20, i.e., by the use of compression
fittings 52,52a. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 5, compression fittings
52,52a have exteriorly threaded annular extensions 53,53a and
58,58a projecting from either side of a hexagonal-shaped nut
54,54a, respectively. Annular extensions 58,58a are configured for
slidable insertion through openings 33,33a provided in elongate
side 24. Once hexagonal-shaped nuts 54,54a interface with the
exterior surface of elongate side 24, locking nuts 46,46a
positioned on the interior side of elongate side 24 are engaged
with annular extensions 58,58a for the securement of compression
fittings 52,52a to housing 20. Hexagonal-shaped nuts 54,54a and
locking nuts 46,46a therefore function as flanges for the
containment of elongate side 24 therebetween. As shown in greater
detail in FIG. 5, annular extension 58 (as well as extension 58a)
is sized to be smaller in diameter than annular extension 53 (and
53a), which results in the provision of an annular seat 57 located
within the confines of compression fittings 52,52a. Therefore, when
the ends of tubular support members 30,30a are inserted through
compression nuts 55,55a and annular split rings 37,37a into
compression fittings 52,52a, respectively, they will come to rest
against annular seat(s) 57, the annular seat 57 being axially
located in FIG. 5 within the confines of hexagonal-shaped nut 54.
Annular split rings 37,37a, formed from a metal or plastic
construction, are respectively sized to fit within compression nuts
55,55a which are configured for threaded engagement with annular
extensions 53,53a. The engagement of compression nuts 55,55a with
compression fittings 52,52a will cause split rings 37,37a to be
compressed about the ends of tubular support members 30,30a,
respectively, thereby securing the tubular support members to
housing 20. In this manner, tubular support members 30,30a are
enabled to laterally project from side 24 in a substantially
perpendicular manner towards housing 12. The utilization of
properly sized compression fittings 52,52a with tubular support
members 28,28a also enables securement of those tubular support
members to housing 12 in the same manner.
[0040] While other locations along the length of elongate sides 16
and 24 are possible, tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a are
positioned about and secured to the ends of their respective
housings with compression fittings 52,52a such that they are in
axial alignment with respect to each other. Each of the tubular
support member pairs are sized in diameter for slidable insertion
within the other. This arrangement allows the lateral distance x
between housings 12 and 20 to be varied for enabling the placement
and securement of module 10 within the HVAC duct. Either pair of
tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a may have the smaller
diameter and thereby serve as the male segment in their mateable
relationship with each other. Alternatively, tubular support
members 28 and 30a may have the smaller diameter and serve as the
male components of the mateable relationship. Tubular support
members 28,28a and 30,30a are maintained in fixed relationship with
each other by the employment of a locking device 32 as identified
by the circled Detail D in FIG. 1, and the details of which are
described below and illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0041] Equipped with the foregoing framework-like structure, the
lateral distance x of module 10 can be varied to adapt to the
corresponding dimension of a HVAC duct. Accordingly, depending on
the internal dimensions of the HVAC duct for which the module is
intended, UV lamps 18 and 26 can vary in length. For example, UV
lamps 18 and 26, which include a lamp base 38 that supports
electrical terminal pins 48,50 at one end of the lamp (see FIG. 2)
for engagement with an appropriate socket retained by housings 12
and 20, are generally manufactured in variety of lengths by
different manufacturers. Typical approximate lengths are 12 inches,
16 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, and 61
inches, although any length can be ordered. For most industrial and
commercial applications which employ large HVAC duct systems, the
longer length UV lamps will be utilized, e.g., lengths of
33{fraction (1/4)} (referred to as G-36 lamps) and 61{fraction
(3/16)} inches (referred to as G-64 lamps). When longer length UV
lamps are utilized (such as the UV lamps 18 and 26 illustrated in
FIG. 1.), it may become necessary to add structural support and
rigidity to the framework-like module 10, and a cross support
member may optionally be included with the module. As shown in FIG.
1, a cross support member 34 is included and configured to be
mounted to tubular support members 30,30a and the quartz sleeves
surrounding UV lamps 18 and 26. The implementation of cross support
member 34 with tubular support members 30,30a is specifically
identified by Detail D in FIG. 1, which is illustrated in greater
detail in FIGS. 7-8. Detail E in FIG. 1 identifies the coupling of
cross support member 34 with UV lamps 18 and 26 and is expanded
upon in FIG. 11. And in Detail B in FIG. 1, which is expanded upon
in FIGS. 2 and 4, UV lamps 18 and 26 may optionally be encased with
quartz sleeves 60 to balance the operating temperature of the lamp
and prevent it from being subjected to extreme temperatures that
the air passing through an HVAC duct may exhibit.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of UV lamps 18 and 26
projects from their respective housings 12 and 20 along a
longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the
opposing housing. The axes of UV lamps 18 are offset relative to
the axes of UV lamps 26 in order to avoid contact of the lamps with
each other when UV lamps 18 and 26 overlap. UV lamps 18 and 26 will
always have a slight to moderate overlap in order to avoid the
creation of a zone within which the air passing through the HVAC
duct will not be fully exposed to the effects of radiation
emanating from the UV lamps. Detail B of FIG. 1 illustrates the
manner of attachment of the UV lamps with their respective housings
which is expanded upon in FIGS. 2-4.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates UV lamps 18 and 26 in greater detail. UV
lamps 18 and 26 are conventional, low pressure, ultraviolet lamps
whose multiple electrical terminal pins are contained at one end
thereof for electrical connection with a power supply preferably
contained within housings 12 and 20, respectively. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, a two pairs of electrical
terminal pins 48 and 50 are secured to and emanate from lamp base
38. The UV lamp of FIG. 2 comprises a vacuumed, quartz tubular
portion 36, i.e., a "hard glass" lamp, that is sealed at the
collapsed ends 6 and 7 thereof. It will be noted that in place of a
"hard glass" lamp, a two- or four-pin "soft glass" UV lamp
manufactured by the Phillips Corporation may be used which has a
tubing that is permeable to ultraviolet light in the wavelength
range that includes 254 nanometers. Each end of tubular portion 36
is respectively retained and supported by lamp bases 38 and 39
which may be formed from a suitable ceramic or plastic material,
preferably molded plastic. Ends 6 and 7 contain respective
electrode filaments 45 and 42. Lamp base 39 houses the ends of a
pair of wires 40,41 emanating filament 42 through the sealed end 7
of tubular portion 36. A pair of lead wires 7a,7b connects
respectively with wires 40,41 and extend along the outside of
tubular portion 36 for connection with a pair of electrical pins 48
axially extending from lamp base 38. Filament 45 at the opposite
end of tubular portion 36 is electrically coupled with conductor
wires 6a,6b extending through collapsed end 6 which in turn are
connected to the remaining pair of terminal pins 50 also axially
extending from lamp base 38. When filaments 45,42 are supplied with
electrical power, they serve to energize and vaporize mercury
contained within vacuumed tubular portion 36. UV lamp 26
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 10, and 15-16 have an identical
construction for mounting with its respective housing 20, and like
UV lamp 18, may be a "hard glass" or "soft glass" lamp. UV lamps 18
and 26 can optionally be provided with a protective quartz sleeve
60 whose purpose and function is described in greater detail
below.
[0044] UV lamps 18 and 26 may be secured to their respective
housings 12 and 20 in any number of ways, an example of which is
illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5A, a threaded
compression fitting 52b has exteriorly threaded annular extensions
53b and 58b projecting from either side of and integral with a
hexagonal-shaped nut 54b. As detailed in FIG. 5A, annular extension
58b is configured to be of the same diameter as extension 53b
thereby providing a common annular opening 53a. Referring once
again to FIG. 3, the diameter of annular extension 58b is sized to
slidably extend through opening 14 of housing 12, and once inserted
therein, the mounting of compression fitting 52b to elongate side
16 is undertaken by the threaded engagement of annular coupling
member 64 with extension 58b. Annular coupling member 64 is
configured in size to be greater than opening 14 and may take any
shape or form to act as a flange for contact with the interior
surface of elongate side 24. The coupling member may be
manufactured from, for example, a hardened plastic material such as
polyvinylchloride, although any metal construction of brass, steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, cast zinc, etc. may be utilized.
Hexagonal-shaped nut 54b and coupling member 64 therefore embrace
elongate side 16 therebetween to fix compression fitting 52b to
housing 12.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, annular coupling member 64 is provided
with two threaded openings 65,66, for receiving a pair of
fasteners, e.g., correspondingly threaded bolts 67,68,
respectively, that are designed to pass through a pair of openings
69,70 contained within wing extensions 72,73 of electrical socket
74 (see FIG. 6) to secure the socket to coupling member 64.
Electrical socket 74 connects with electrical terminal pins 48,50
by receiving them into electrical receptacles 76,78. As already
noted above, annular coupling member 64 is configured in size to be
substantially larger than opening 14 to act as a flange against the
interior of elongate side 24, and in addition to provide a suitable
support for wing extensions 72,73 of socket 74.
[0046] Once compression fitting 52b is secured to housing 12 along
with the coupling of electrical socket 70 to coupling member 64,
the mounting of UV lamp 18 follows. An annular O-ring 56b is
provided and sized to fit within an internally threaded compression
nut 55b. Compression nut 55b is configured for threaded engagement
with annular extension 53b. The annular openings of the O-ring and
compression nut are configured for slidably receiving lamp base 38
therethrough. Lamp base 38 of UV lamp 18 is then inserted through
compression nut 55b, O-ring 56b, and into opening 53a of
compression fitting 52b. Once inserted, the terminal pins 48,50 of
lamp base 38 are engaged with their corresponding female electrical
receptacles 76,78. The engagement of compression nut 55b with
annular extension 53b will then cause O-ring 56b to be compressed
about lamp base 38 for the securement of UV lamp 18 to compression
fitting 52b and to housing 12. In this fashion, UV lamp 18 is
enabled to laterally project from its respective housing 12 towards
its opposite housing 20. UV lamp 26 may be secured to housing 20 in
the same fashion.
[0047] As noted herein, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4,
each of UV lamps 18 and 26 may optionally be provided with a
transparent protective sleeve, typically a quartz sleeve 60 that is
pervious to the ultraviolet light emitted by UV lamps 18 and 26, or
a sleeve constructed of ultraviolet light pervious materials such
as Kynar.RTM. or Teflon.RTM.. Encasing the UV lamps with a
transparent protective sleeve has several advantages. HVAC duct
systems generally function by admitting air from an outside
environment and then subjecting it to filtration, cooling and/or
heating, and/or humidification, and finally transporting it through
the HVAC duct system to a plurality of domestic rooms or commercial
and industrial spaces, and even vehicles such as automobiles and
public transport vehicles, e.g., airplanes, buses, trains, etc.
Temperature variations of the air passing through a HVAC duct,
depending on the air's treatment, are therefore inevitable and
become one of the factors that determine the longevity and
efficiency of a radiation lamp used for air disinfection. For
example, as cooler duct air temperatures lower the skin temperature
of the lamp's tubing, the operating temperature of the mercury
vapor contained within the lamp's tubing will tend to drop. If the
operating temperature is sufficiently lowered, the mercury vapor
pressure will also be lowered and less ultraviolet radiation will
be produced. Therefore, when heat is drawn away from the lamp by
the cooler HVAC duct air, the ultraviolet light output of the lamp
will decrease. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the utilization of UV
lamps 18 and 26 that are encased with quartz sleeves 60 serves to
balance the operating temperature of the UV lamps and prevent them
from being subjected to extreme temperatures of the air passing
through an HVAC duct in which module 10 is disposed. Optimum
performance of the lamps, accompanied by an increased longevity, is
therefore provided.
[0048] As best shown in FIG. 2, quartz sleeve 60 has an open end 61
for receiving UV lamp 18 (as well as UV lamp 26) therein, and is
closed at its opposite end with a dome-shaped end 62. The open end
61 is sized to slidably fit about the circumference of lamp bases
39 and 38. In addition, the length of quartz sleeve 60 is
configured to allow the end of lamp base 39 to butt against the
dome-shaped end 62 of quartz sleeve 60 with the open end 61
terminating at approximately the midpoint of lamp base 38. The
foregoing will have the effect of concentrically centering the
tubular portion 36 of UV lamp 18 within quartz sleeve 60 to avoid
its contact with the sleeve's inside surface. UV lamps 18 and 26
may be fixed within their respective quartz sleeves 60 by the
application of an appropriate fixative and sealant between the
inside surface of the open end 61 of sleeve 60 and the outside
surface of UV lamp base 38. An example of a fixative and sealant is
an ultraviolet light curative epoxy cement available from Norland
Products Inc. under the name of Norland Electronic Adhesive.
[0049] The mounting of the UV lamp and protective sleeve assemblies
to their respective housings is accomplished in much the same way
as the mounting of UV lamp 18 to housing 12 illustrated in FIG. 3.
The exception is that a compression fitting of the type illustrated
in FIG. 5 is used. Referring to FIG. 5, compression fitting 52,
like compression fitting 52b, includes two annular extensions 53,58
axially extending from hexagonal-shaped nut 54. The annular opening
58a of extension 58 is smaller in diameter than the annular opening
53a of extension 53. Extension 58 terminates approximately
internally of hexagonal nut 54 to provide an annular seat 57.
Annular extensions 53,58 and hexagonal-shaped nut 54 combine to
form an integrated compression fitting constructed of, for example,
a metal material such as brass, steel, stainless steel, cast zinc,
aluminum, etc. The annular opening 58a of extension 58 is sized to
receive lamp base 38 therethrough, but not quartz sleeve 60. Only
the opening 53a of annular extension 53, compression nut 55, and
O-ring 54 is sized to receive the larger diameter quartz sleeve 60
therein. The annular seat 57 acts as a stop for the open end 61 of
quartz sleeve 60 when the sleeve is mounted over UV lamp 26 and
inserted into compression fitting 52.
[0050] FIG. 4 expands upon Detail B shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates
the mounting of UV lamp 26 and its quartz sleeve 60 to housing 24.
As with compression fitting 52b, the mounting of compression
fitting 52 to housing 20 (see FIG. 4) is undertaken by inserting
annular extension 58 through opening 22 of elongate side 24 and
securing it to side 24 by the threaded engagement of interiorly
threaded annular coupling member 64. The coupling of electrical
socket 70 with coupling member 64 is the same as that described for
the mounting of UV lamp 18 to housing 12 illustrated in FIG. 3.
Once compression fitting 52 is secured to housing 20 along with the
coupling of electrical socket 70 to coupling member 64, lamp base
38 containing quartz sleeve 60 mounted thereto (in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 2) is inserted through compression nut 55,
O-ring 56, and into the annular opening 53a of extension 53. The
length of quartz sleeve 60 is such that lamp base 39 of UV lamp 26
(see FIG. 2) will interface against the dome-shaped end 62 of the
sleeve. Once the lamp and its quartz sleeve are positioned in
compression fitting 52, and its electrical terminal pins 48,50
subsequently connected to electrical socket 70, the engagement of
compression nut 55 with annular extension 53 causes O-ring 56 to be
compressed about quartz sleeve 60 for the securement of the lamp
and sleeve to compression fitting 52 and to housing 20. As a
result, UV lamp 26 and its protective quartz sleeve 60 are enabled
to laterally project from their respective housing 20 towards its
opposite housing 12. It will be understood that both UV lamps 18
and 26 may utilize protective sleeves as is illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0051] As described hereinbefore and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7,
housings 12 and 20 are formulated into a framework configuration by
means of the slidable engagement of tubular support members 28,28a
and 30,30a with each other which are held in place by locking
devices 32,32a, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, locking
devices 32,32a comprise compression fitting adaptors 90,90a,
compression rings 92,92a and 94,94a, and compression nuts 96,96a
and 98,98a, respectively. Each of compression fitting adaptors
90,90a, which is an integral fitting that can be formed from a
plastic or metal material, e.g., polyvinylchloride, brass,
galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., has exteriorly
threaded annular extensions 100,100a and 102,102a extending in
opposite directions from common members 104,104a, respectively.
Annular extensions 100,100a necessarily have a smaller annular
opening relative to annular extensions 102,102a for slidably
receiving therethrough tubular support members 28,28a. Annular
extensions 102,102a, on the other hand, have a larger opening for
receiving tubular support members 30,30a therein the ends of which
will come to rest against an annular stop (not shown, but similar
to annular seat 57 of compression fitting 52 illustrated in FIG. 5)
created by the respective termination of annular extensions
100,100a at or within the confines of common members 104,104a. Each
of annular extensions 100,100a and 102,102a are respectively
provided with correspondingly threaded compression nuts 96,96a and
98,98a which are respectively configured for slidable engagement
with their corresponding tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a
Together with concentric split rings 92,92a and 94,94a,
corresponding compression nuts 96,96a and 98,98a will clamp the
split rings about the exterior surface of their tubular support
members 28,28a and 30,30a when the compression nuts are threaded
onto their respective annular extensions for locking the tubular
support members in place. With this arrangement, the lateral
distance x between housings 12 and 20 (see FIG. 1) can be adjusted
to the corresponding inner lateral dimensions of a HVAC duct by
sliding tubular support members 28,28a within tubular support
members 30,30a and locking them in place with locking devices
32,32a.
[0052] An alternative locking device for maintaining tubular
support members 28,28a and 30,30a in place is illustrated in FIG.
9. In this embodiment, each of tubular support members 28,28a and
30,30a is provided with a series of openings 106,106a and 107,107a,
respectively, on opposite sides of and along the length thereof for
receiving therethrough threaded bolts 108,108a for engagement with
correspondingly threaded nuts 110,110a. This has the effect of
securing the respective tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a
to each other. Openings 106,106a and 107,107a are incrementally
spaced apart along each of their respective tubular support members
28,28a and 30,30a such that openings 106,106a will be in alignment
with openings 107,107a when the insertion of tubular support
members 28,28a into tubular support members 30,30a is varied by a
predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is established
by the spacing of openings 107,107a along the length of tubular
support members 30,30a identically with the spacing of openings
106,106a along tubular support members 28,28a. This facilitates the
insertion of threaded bolts 108,108a into openings 106,106a and
107,107a.
[0053] Another embodiment for varying the lateral distance x
between housings 12 and 20 is illustrated in FIG. 10 wherein in
place of tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a, or in
conjunction therewith, channel support members 114 and 116,
disposed at both ends of housings 12 and 20, are used as the first
and second housing support structures, respectviely, for
establishing a framework-like module 10a Accordingly, the width of
the channel of channel support member 114 is configured in size for
placement over and for encompassing the end of housing 12 as shown
in FIG. 10. In like manner, one end of channel support member 116
is placed over and encompasses the end of housing 12. The
respective ends of channel support members 114 and 116 may be
fastened to their housing ends by any conventional means, for
example, by the use of threaded sheet metal screws, bolts, or the
like, inserted through the sides of the channel members into
elongate sides 14 and 24 of housings 12 and 20, respectively. Sheet
metal screws 118 are illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0054] Channel support members 114 and 116 are configured in size
such that one will be slidably received within the channel of the
other. As shown in FIG. 10, channel support member 114 is slidably
disposed within channel support member 116. As with tubular support
members 28,28a and 30,30a, the respective side walls 114a and 116a
of channel support members 114 and 116 are provided with a
plurality of spaced-apart openings 120,121, respectively, along the
length thereof for receiving threaded bolts 124 when the openings
120,121 are in alignment with each other. In order to adjust the
lateral distance between housings 12 and 20, channel support
members 114 on both ends of housing 20 are slid into the
corresponding channel support members 116 of housing 12 to a
desired depth. Once openings 120,121 are aligned, channel support
members 114 and 116 are fastened to each other by the insertion of
threaded bolts 124, preferably in more than one openings 120,121
along the length of channel support member 116 to add rigidity to
the combined channel support members 114,116.
[0055] It will be understood that any number and variety of
mechanisms may be used to detachably secure the first and second
housing support structures to each other, including, for example, a
locking device that utilizes an annular compression fitting such as
that identified by reference numerals 32 or 32a illustrated in FIG.
7 when the support structures are of a tubular construction, or a
threaded screw or nut-and-bolt assembly when slidably engaged
channels are used as illustrated in FIG. 9. It will also be
appreciated that tubular support members 28,28a and 30,30a, as well
as channel support members 114 and 116, may be secured to each
other in other ways. For example, once the mating of the respective
support members is undertaken and the lateral distance x between
housings 12 and 20 is fixed, they can be fixed to each other by
simply drilling one or more holes through the members, and
inserting through the hole(s) an appropriate locking device, such
as a nut and bolt combination, locking pin, etc.
[0056] As indicated hereinbefore, when it is desired to utilize
longer length UV lamps within module 10, a cross support member may
optionally be incorporated for adding rigidity and structural
support to the framework-like configured module 10. The cross
support member 34 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8 and 11 is of an
elongate rigid construction formed from metal or plastic and
provided with a plurality of openings 128,128a to accommodate the
slidable receipt therethrough of tubular support members 30,30a.
Openings 130,130a are also provided for slidably receiving
therethrough the corresponding quartz sleeves 60 of UV lamps 18 and
26, respectively, or simply the lamps themselves. As shown in
greater detail in FIG. 8, openings 128,128a are sized to slidably
receive therethrough exteriorly threaded annular extensions
132,132a emanating from a hexagonal-shaped nut 134,134a of
compression fittings 136,136a, respectively. The annular
compression fittings 136,136a, along with correspondingly threaded
compression nuts 138,138a and compression rings 140,140a, are sized
to be slidably mounted onto tubular support members 30,30a on
either side of cross support member 34, and when it is desired to
secure the cross support member in place to tubular support members
30,30a, compression rings 140,140a are placed over annular
extensions 132,132a, respectively, followed by the mounting of
compression nuts 138,138a thereto. The completed assembly is
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, cross support member 34 may also
be secured to quartz sleeves 60 of UV lamps 18 and 26 in a similar
fashion by securing compression nuts 138,138a to compression
fittings 136,136a mounted about the quartz sleeves 60 on either
side of cross support member 34. Instead of using compression rings
140,140a, which are usually made of metal for compression about
tubular support members 30,30a, resilient O-rings 141 may be used
for interfacing between the surface of quartz sleeve 60 and
compression fittings 136,136a in the same as manner described for
O-ring 56 used for securing the quartz sleeve/UV lamp assembly to
housing 12 illustrated in FIG. 3. It is preferable that the
resilient O-rings described herein be impervious to the deleterious
effects of ultraviolet light, and as such can be of a Teflon.RTM.
construction.
[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, cross support
member 35 may take the form of a channel when it is desired to
utilize longer length UV lamps within module 10a. The ends of side
walls 126 of cross member 35 are provided with an opening (not
shown) that is in alignment with openings 120,121 of channel
support members 114 and 116, respectively, so that the same
threaded bolts 124 can be used to secure cross member 35 and
channel support members 114 and 116 to each other. Openings
identical to openings 130,130a for cross support member 34
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11, along with locking devices in the
form of compression fittings 136,136a and compression nuts
138,138a, are also provided in cross member 35 for the receipt
therethrough and support of the quartz sleeve/UV lamp assemblies
projecting from housings 12 and 20.
[0059] It will be understood that if quartz sleeves 60 are omitted
from the air disinfection module, along with compression fittings
136,136a used to secure the quartz sleeves to cross support members
34 and 35 (see FIG. 11), the openings 130 in cross support members
34 and 35 will be in direct contact with the tubular portion 36 of
UV lamps 18 and 26. Moreover, if cross support members 34 and 35
are of a metallic construction, such as aluminum or stainless
steel, the contact of the lamp tubing with the metal cross support
member may contribute to "cold spots" on the surface of the lamp's
tubing which may lead to a condensation of mercury vapor in that
area of contact with the lamp. Since ultraviolet light is created
by the vaporization of the lamp's mercury, any compromise in
vaporization will lead to an inefficient operation of the lamp and
contribute to its shortened operating life.
[0060] As a result, and in place of compression fittings 136,136a,
openings 130 in support members 34 and 35 may be provided with a
resilient grommet whose construction is preferably impervious to
the deleterious effects of ultraviolet light, e.g., EPDN
(Viton.RTM.). The resilient grommet is configured for slidably
receiving and maintaining in place UV lamps 18 and 26, and will
typically have a slight resistance fit with the tubular portion 36
of the UV lamps for their stationary positioning relative to cross
support members 34 or 35 as the case may be.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the electrical terminal
pins 48,50 of UV lamps 18 and 26 are electrically connected to one
or more sources of electrical power, such as ballast 80, via
electrical socket 74 provided with electrical wires 82 and 84. It
will be appreciated that the longer length UV lamps can accommodate
commercial duct sizes that are relatively large, usually
encountered in large office buildings. Generally, for lamps greater
than about 33 inches in length, one ballast will be required to
power one lamp, but for UV lamps that are less than about 33 inches
in length or much less, one ballast can supply power to two or more
UV lamps depending on the size of the lamp. The electrical
characteristics of the ultraviolet lamp and ballast should
complement each other in order to contribute to the lamp's
operational efficiency and longevity. In one embodiment, and for
economy of space within a HVAC duct, it is desirable to position
and fix the ballasts on or within the respective housings 12 and
20, preferably therein utilizing appropriate wiring or cables to
connect the ballasts 80 to a power source exterior of modules 10 or
10a The power source for connecting the wiring and cables is
typically located exterior of the HVAC duct within which the fluid
disinfection module is disposed.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, access to the interior of housings 12
and 20 may be gained by providing appropriate openings and/or
removable covers therefor in the elongate side 17 opposite to side
16 of housing 12. A similar arrangement can be provided for housing
20. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the entire or partial length
of elongate side 17 can be arranged in a "hinge" configuration with
housing 12 whereby the respective entire or partial length of
elongate edge 17a of elongate side 17 is hinged to the housing with
hinges 17b to provide an access panel to the interior thereof.
[0063] In place of the straight length UV lamps illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, or in combination therewith, "twin-tube" radiation
sources can be utilized for formulating an fluid disinfection
module 10b as illustrated in FIG. 12. Module 10b is essentially the
same as module 10 with the exception that twin tube UV lamps 150
are utilized in place of the UV lamps 18 and 26 illustrated in FIG.
1. Moreover, because of the rigidity of twin tube UV lamps 150 and
their manner of attachment to housings 12 and 20, no cross support
member 34 is usually required for support these types of lamps. As
shown in greater detail in FIG. 13, twin tube UV lamp 150, which
may have a "hard glass" or "soft glass construction, comprises two
hollow elongate tubes 152,153 that are parallel to each other along
their longitudinal lengths, and joined together about end portion
154 of lamp 150 by a short hollow connecting tube 155. The
electrodes 157,158 of respective tubes 152,153 are disposed about
end 156 opposite to end 154 of the lamp tubes, and are connected
respectively, via lead wires (not shown), with terminal pins
159,160 disposed in and extending from a common lamp base 162. Lamp
base 162 contains a slight indentation 163 in the top-middle and
bottom-middle portions thereof to form respective lips 164 at the
end of the lamp base 162. The lips 164 and terminal pins 159,160
are configured for engagement with corresponding catches 165 and
terminal pin receptacles 167,168 of socket 170 which is mounted to
elongate side 16 of housing 12 by the threaded engagement of
threaded bolts 172, inserted through flanges 173 disposed on either
side of socket 170, with openings 174 provided in elongate side 16
for that purpose. Elongate side 16 is provided with a rectangular
opening 176 to accommodate the receipt therethrough of electrical
transmission means in the form of connecting wires 178,179 leading
from terminal pin receptacles 167,168, respectively, to a ballast
(not shown) that may be located within or without housing 12 or
disposed about another part of module 10b.
[0064] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a twin tube
ultraviolet lamp in the form of U-shaped UV lamp 182 which closely
resembles twin tube UV lamp 150. As the name implies, U-shaped UV
lamp 182 has a U-shaped tubing portion 184 at the end of the lamp
opposite to lamp base 170 that connects elongate tubes 152,153, and
in all other respects is identical to twin tube UV lamp 150. As
shown in FIG. 14, socket 170 has been mounted and secured to
elongate side 16, and the terminal pins 159,160 projecting from
lamp base 170 of U-shaped UV lamp 182 has been inserted into socket
170 for secure mounting of the lamp to housing 12. It will be
appreciated that socket 170 can be mounted interiorly of housing 12
to the opposite side of elongate side 16 provided that an
appropriate opening is provided in elongate side 16 for mounting
the lamp to socket 170.
[0065] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a
multiplicity of modules 10, 10a and/or 10b can be used to form an
array in which the modules are disposed and assembled laterally of
each other. An array of modules, i.e., two or more, is generally
used in the circumstance when the lengths of the UV lamps contained
in a single module, e.g., module 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, and the
resulting lateral distance x will not be sufficient for extending
across the entire cross section of a given HVAC duct. Accordingly,
in another aspect of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 15, an
array 190 of two fluid disinfection modules 192 and 194 is formed
by securing the adjacent housings of each module to each other, in
this case, second housing 20 of module 192 and first housing 12 of
module 194. These housings may be secured to each by any
conventional means (not shown), for example, by using brackets or
clamps, by securement to a common brace, rail or support, or by
simply fastening the housings to each other using a nut/bolt
arrangement or screws.
[0066] The array of modules may also include an arrangement whereby
the individual modules are stacked, one over the other. In one
embodiment, module 192 as shown in FIG. 15 will overlie the module
194, in which case, housing 12 of module 192 will overlie housing
12 of module 194. Another arrangement is to have housing 12 of
module 192 overlie housing 20 of module 194, which in effect
provides a lateral arrangement of the modules in which they are
"staggered". In the latter arrangement, the overlapping of the
housings 12 and 20 reduces the creation of any "blind" spaces
within the HVAC duct to which the ultraviolet light emanating from
UV lamps 18 and 26 would not be exposed to.
[0067] FIG. 16 illustrates another array 200 in which a greater
number of fluid disinfection modules may be used to extend across
exceptionally large ducts generally found in industrial plants and
complexes. In the illustration shown, array 200 comprises three
fluid disinfection modules 202, 203,204, although it will be
understood that a greater number of modules may be utilized to
formulate array 200 if circumstances warrant. Array 190 differs
from array 200 in that air disinfection modules 202, 203 and 203,
204 share the same housings 206,208, respectively. In all other
respects, modules 202,203,204 are the same as module 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1. Housing 206 has one end of tubular members 28,28a of
module 203 secured to one side thereof with the opposite ends being
slidably engaged and secured with tubular members 30,30a projecting
from housing 208. In like manner, one end of tubular members 30,30a
are secured to the opposite side of housing 206 while the opposite
ends of tubular members 30,30a are slidably engaged and secured
with tubular members 28,28a projecting from housing 12. Housing 208
has the same kind of arrangement. One end of tubular members 28,28a
of module 204 are secured to and project from one side of housing
208 with the opposite ends of tubular members 28,28a being slidably
engaged and secured with tubular members 30,30a projecting from
housing 20. Cross support members 34 of modules 202,203,204 are
engaged with and secured to tubular members 30,30a and quartz
sleeves 60 in the same manner illustrated for module 10 in FIGS. 7,
8 and 11. Also, each of housings 206 and 208 receive and support
either the UV lamp by itself or the UV lamp and protective sleeve
assemblies on either sides thereof in the same manner illustrated
for housings 12 and 20 in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
[0068] Inasmuch as housings 206,208 will contain an increased
number of ballasts, electronics and wiring for powering both UV
lamps 18 and 26, the physical capacity of these housings will be
increased, either in the direction of the lateral plane of array
200 or in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane. It is
preferable to have the lateral width of housings 206 and 208 the
same as housings 12 and 20 in order to avoid the creation of a
space within the HVAC duct to which the ultraviolet light emanating
from UV lamps 18 and 26 would not penetrate. Access to the
increased size of housings 206,208 may be gained by arranging the
entire or partial length of their respective elongate sides 207,209
in a "hinge" configuration whereby the respective entire or partial
length of elongate edges 207a,209a of respective elongate sides
207,209 are hinged to housings 206,208 to provide an access panel
to the interiors thereof.
[0069] The ultraviolet light modules or arrays thereof may be
installed in a variety locations in a HVAC duct system depending on
access thereto, preferably before or after the evaporator coils of
the system's air conditioning unit(s). In addition, the modules or
arrays may be stacked or placed in a series-type arrangement within
the HVAC duct for treating the air passing therethrough.
[0070] The apparatus and module according to the invention herein
also has application to systems other than the treatment of air. It
may be used, for example, for the treatment of a fluid that
includes wastewater or potable water passing through a conduit,
provided that the necessary precautions are taken for water
proofing the housings to protect the electronics contained therein
and using protective sleeves for insulating the UV lamps from
moisture.
[0071] Since other modifications and changes may be varied to fit
the particular operating requirements and environments of the
invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the
invention is not considered to be limited to the embodiments chosen
for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and
modifications which do not constitute departures from the true
spirit and scope thereof:
* * * * *