U.S. patent application number 11/810540 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for water treatment system.
Invention is credited to Rudolph R. Hegel, Robert K. Sorensen.
Application Number | 20070284245 11/810540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38820782 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070284245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hegel; Rudolph R. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
Water treatment system
Abstract
A system for the treatment of water to remove metals and
undesirable substances from well and groundwater so as to render
the water potable is disclosed. The system employs microbubbles of
oxygen, which remain suspended in water at a concentration above
100% of the calculated saturated concentration at a particular
temperature and pressure. These microbubbles oxidize undesirable
substances in the water, which substances include iron manganese,
arsenic, antimony, chrome, aluminum, reduced sulfur compounds,
pesticide residues, drug metabolites and/or bacteria. Microbubbles
are produced by electrolysis or by sparging through a microorifice.
A control system for the electrolytic system is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Hegel; Rudolph R.;
(Richfield, MN) ; Sorensen; Robert K.; (Champlin,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER, 80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
38820782 |
Appl. No.: |
11/810540 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60813267 |
Jun 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/283 20130101;
C02F 2101/206 20130101; C02F 2201/4613 20130101; C02F 1/4672
20130101; C02F 2201/46125 20130101; C02F 2101/101 20130101; C02F
2101/203 20130101; C02F 2201/4617 20130101; C02F 2201/46145
20130101; C02F 2101/306 20130101; C02F 1/001 20130101; C02F
2101/103 20130101; C02F 2101/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/280 |
International
Class: |
C25C 7/02 20060101
C25C007/02 |
Claims
1. A water treatment system comprising one or a plurality of
emitters in one or a plurality of electrolysis chambers through
which water flows, operably connected to a power source controlled
by a controller comprising a flow switch which senses water flow
and directs the controller to apply voltage to the emitters
whereupon microbubbles of oxygen are evolved.
2. The emitters of claim 1 wherein the emitters comprise cathodes
and anodes in aqueous communication with each other and separated
by a critical distance of 0.005 to 0.75 inches.
3. The emitters of claim 2 wherein the cathodes and anodes are
separated by a critical distance of 0.65 inches.
4. The emitters of claim 1 wherein the cathodes and anodes are
formed from the same material, the material being titanium,
ruthenium, iridium, nickel, iron, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt,
tungsten; manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, platinum,
palladium, osmium or oxides thereof.
5. The water treatment system of claim 3 wherein the cathode and
anode are formed from titanium coated with iridium oxide.
6. A control system for the water treatment system of claim 1
comprising a flow switch capable of sensing water flow above a set
point, with electrical communication to a power source causing
alternating current to be transformed to direct current, the direct
current thereafter passing through relays to activate the emitters
to cause the evolution of microbubbles, which activation continues
as long as water is flowing.
7. The control system of claim 6 further comprising a pressure
switch and/or a temperature switch operably connected to a control
valve so that when the pressure and/or temperature rises above a
set point, a control switch terminates the application of current
to the emitters.
8. The control system of claim 6 further comprising a means to
reverse polarity of the direct current at a predetermined set
signal.
9. The set signal of claim 8 which is an increase of pressure from
a well pump, initiation of water flow, a timed interval or
manual.
10. A water treatment system comprising a chamber with static mixer
through which water flows, a source of oxygen, and a microorifice
through which oxygen is sparged into the bottom of the chamber
thereby forming microbubbles of oxygen.
11. The source of oxygen which is a tank of oxygen or PSA
technology.
12. The water treatment systems of claims 1, 6 and 10 further
comprising a final filter, through which the water treated in the
chamber flows.
13. The filter of claim 11 comprising Birm filter, Greensand,
Pyrolux, Filtersand, Filter-Ag, activated carbon, anthracite and/or
garnet.
14. A water treatment system comprising a source of microbubbles of
oxygen for oxidizing undesirable substances in water.
15. The undesirable substances of claim 14 which are iron
manganese, arsenic, antimony, chrome, aluminum, reduced sulfur
compounds, pesticide residues, drug metabolites and/or
bacteria.
16. The undesirable substances of claim 14 which are iron,
manganese and/or hydrogen sulfide.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/813,267, filed Jun. 13, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to treatment of water to remove
metals and undesirable substances from well and groundwater so as
to render the water potable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Water for domestic, industrial and farm use frequently is
contaminated with minerals, organic substances, and bacteria that
render the water unpotable and even dangerous to health. Among
these contaminants is ferrous iron, which forms a colloidal mass
with water and fouls plumbing. Manganese and arsenic, both toxic
metals, are frequently found in water. Another is hydrogen sulfide,
which imparts a rotten egg smell to the water. Organic substances
may include pesticide residues, drug metabolites and other
contaminants that are released into the groundwater. Harmful
bacteria such as Salmonella sp., E. coli, Shigella sp. and
Clostridia sp. have been implicated in outbreaks of illness with
significant mortality.
[0004] These contaminants generally have one thing in common: they
are inactivated, killed or transformed to innocuous substances when
oxidized. Municipalities have long treated their water supplies
with oxidants such as chlorine to control contamination. Chlorine
is not totally harmless. For those small municipalities or
individual farms or homes, it is impractical to use chlorine to
treat water.
[0005] A widely used treatment system employs the chemical oxidant
potassium permanganate to oxidize contaminants. Basically, running
water is passed through a bed of permanganate to convert the
fouling ferrous iron to the soluble ferric iron and the odorous
hydrogen sulfide to non-odorous sulfate. Other contaminants are
likewise oxidized to harmless chemicals and bacteria are killed.
This system, though effective, is difficult and expensive to
maintain and requires periodic backflushing and replacement of the
permanganate. Permanganate being a toxic and reactive chemical,
service of the system can be hazardous.
[0006] Oxygen may be used. Oxygen content of water may be raised by
several means: bubbling with air; spraying the water into the air;
applying pressure to increase the dissolved oxygen, or by the
electrolysis of water.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,469 described raising the oxygen content
of water by passing the water through a set of electrolysis cells.
In order to raise the oxygen content to the desired 13-17 ppm, it
is necessary to recirculate the water past the cells 15 to 55
times.
[0008] None of these methods except the permanganate system deliver
treated water on demand, but require the construction of a
retention tank and thus are not convenient for home or farm
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides one or a plurality of
emitters contained in one or a plurality of electrolysis chambers
through which water flows. When activated, the emitters cause the
evolution of microbubbles of oxygen. The emitters are connected to
a power source controlled by a controller containing a flow switch.
When the flow switch senses water demand, that is, when a spigot is
opened, the controller causes voltage to be applied to the
electrolysis cells. The electrolysis cell or cells comprise
electrodes separated from each other by a critical distance as more
fully described in co-pending patent application Ser. No.
10/732,326 (the "'326" application), the teachings of which are
incorporated by reference. Briefly, the anode and cathode are
separated by 0.005 to 0.140 inches. The most preferred critical
distance is 0.065 inches. Any cathode or electrode known in the art
may be used. Any number of emitters may be arranged in the
electrolysis chamber; the following examples show a typical array
of three rectangular emitters, but it is understood that the
invention is not limited to three, but may comprise one to several
or hundreds of emitters, depending on the volume of running water
to be treated. Likewise, it may be convenient to pass the water
through a plurality of chambers, arranged in series or in parallel,
in order to make a more compact unit or to treat large quantities
of flowing water.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the cathode and electrode are
formed of the same material and the controller causes the polarity
to be reversed at a set signal. Many cathodes and anodes are
commercially available. U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,609 discloses cathodes
comprising a metal or metallic oxide of at least one metal selected
from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, iron,
rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum,
molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium and osmium or
oxides thereof. Anodes are preferably formed from the same metallic
oxides or metals as cathodes. Electrodes may also be formed from
alloys of the above metals or metals and oxides co-deposited on a
substrate. The cathode and anodes may be formed on any convenient
support in any desired shape or size. The most preferred electrode
is titanium coated with iridium oxide.
[0011] Polarity of the electrodes is reversed in order to clean the
electrodes of deposited minerals. The time of reversal may be set
for any convenient interval or be activated by any convenient
means. The means for reversal include: reversal each time the well
pump turns on; when the water flow is initiated; at timed intervals
from 45 seconds to 24 hours or more; or manually. When the water
flow is intermittent, it is convenient to program the controller to
change polarity each time the flow switch detects a flow of water.
The preferred embodiment is self-cleaning; mineral residue tends to
build up on the cathode when current is flowing. When the current
is reversed, the anode and the cathode change polarity. The mineral
buildup on the former cathode is repelled and starts to form on the
new cathode. This reversal of polarity limits the amount of buildup
and the emitter is essentially self-cleaning.
[0012] The system is supplied with valves to direct the water flow.
The water may be directed to bypass the electrolysis chamber, to
pass through the chamber to be oxygenated, or a separate line is
provided to backflush the electrolysis chamber to remove any
minerals that may have accumulated in the vicinity of the
electrodes.
[0013] Any embodiment is preferably supplied with fail-safe
sensors, valves and the like, devices known to those in the art.
When the flow switch senses that there is no water flow, the power
is turned off. A temperature sensor in the electrolysis chamber
shuts off current if the current is applied but no water is
flowing. In that case, the temperature in the chamber rises and the
temperature sensor will instruct the controller to cut the voltage.
Likewise, relief valves to release fluid in case of liquid or gas
pressure buildup may be located at any point in the system. A gas
relief valve is best vented to the outside.
[0014] The system includes an electrical circuit to control the
activation of the emitters, to reverse polarity and to inactivate
the emitters when water is not flowing.
[0015] In an alternate embodiment, the oxygen is provided by
bubbling it into a chamber. In this embodiment, the oxygen can be
supplied by tank or generated on the site by PSA technology. The
embodiment that comes closest to approximating the result of the
present invention is sparging oxygen through a microorifice in
order to produce microbubbles of oxygen.
[0016] Water may contain many undesirable substances, such as iron,
manganese, arsenic, antimony, chrome and aluminum. The reduced
salts are generally soluble, while oxidized metals, such as
Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 or MnO.sub.2 are insoluble and form fine
precipitates. Reduced sulfur compounds, such as H.sub.2S, have a
noxious odor, while oxidized sulfur compounds are generally
odorless. Other undesirable substances include pesticide residues,
drug metabolites and bacteria. In all embodiments, it is
recommended to pass the effluent of treated water through a final
filter bed in order to remove fine precipitates and to improve the
clarity of the water. Such filter beds are well known in the art
and include: Birm filter, Greensand, Pyrolux. Filtersand,
Filter-Ag, activated carbon, anthracite and garnet.
[0017] When the water is hard, that is, contains divalent metals
such as calcium and magnesium, the portion of the effluent intended
to be heated, may pass through a water softener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a simple water treatment system.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a water treatment system with added safety
devices and a bypass.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the electric circuitry.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a representation of various emitters.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment with two electrolysis chambers in
series and a final filter.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows the preferred embodiment in a case with the
electrolysis chambers arranged in parallel.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment with oxygen bubbling or
sparging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In the following discussion, a water treatment system with
three emitters in one chamber is used as an example. The voltages
and flow rates below are suitable for this example, but it should
be understood that more or fewer cells can be used, depending on
the needs of the installation. It may be convenient to pass the
water to be treated through a plurality of chambers to make a more
compact system or to treat large volumes of water. The chambers may
be arranged in series or in parallel. One of the pressing needs is
the removal of ferrous hydroxide, which has an odor, stains and
fouls plumbing. Oxidized iron is non-reactive and will not stain or
foul plumbing, nor does it have an objectionable odor. The
microbubbles evolved by the emitters are effective in rapid
oxidation of contaminants both because of the high oxygen content
achieved in the water and because of the large surface area for
reaction. A final filter is preferred in order to remove fine
precipitates of oxidized iron and other oxidized metals and to
improve the clarity of the water. In the following examples,
specific conditions of power supply, size and flow rates are
provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art
can readily make adjustments in power supply, size and flow rates
to provide the benefits of this invention.
Example 1
Experimental Model
[0026] Turning to FIG. 1, the intake 1 is attached to the water
supply to be treated. Valve 2 is shut; valve 3 is open to allow
water into the electrolysis chamber 4. When the flow switch 5
connected to the controller 6 senses the water flow, the power
supply 7 supplies voltage to the plates 8a, 8b and 8c, causing
oxygen to be evolved. The oxygenated water passes valve 9 to exit
by the outlet 10. Water pressure relief valve 11 and gas relief
valve 12 will relieve pressure in the system. When the temperature
sensor 13 senses an increase in temperature, the controller 6
inactivates the plates 8a, 8b and 8c.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 2 the intake 1 is attached to the water
supply to be treated. Valve 2 is shut; valve 3 is open to allow
water into the electrolysis chamber 4. Valves 14 and 15 are closed.
When the flow switch 5 connected to the controller 6 senses the
water flow, the power supply 7 applies voltage to the plates 8a, 8b
and 8c, causing oxygen to be evolved. The oxygenated water passes
by valve 9 to exit by the outlet 10. Pressure relief valve 11 and
gas relief valve 12 will relieve fluid pressure in the system when
excess pressure is generated and detected by pressure gauge 16, a
pressure switch 16a is activated. When the temperature sensor 13 or
pressure switch 16a senses an increase in temperature or pressure,
the controller 6 inactivates the plates 8a, 8b and 8c. Connector 17
is provided for ease of installation. Intake 18 is connected to the
water supply. When valve 14 and 15 are open and valves 3 and 9 are
closed, water may be sent in a backflush direction through the
electrolysis chamber 4 and out outlet 19.
[0028] Either the embodiment in FIG. 1 or the embodiment in FIG. 2
may be operated in several modes: [0029] 1. Bypassing the system:
Valve 2 is open; valves 3 and 9 are closed. Water flows from intake
1 to outlet 10, bypassing the emitters. [0030] 2. Through the
system: Valves 3 and 9 are open; valves 2, 14 and 15 (FIG. 2 only)
are closed. Water flows from intake 1 through electrolysis chamber
4. The flow switch 5 senses flow and controller 6 activates power
source 7 to supply current to the emitters. [0031] 3. Through the
system with self-cleaning feature activated. Valves 3 and 9 are
open; valves 2, 14 and 15 (FIG. 2 only) are shut. The flow switch 5
senses flow and controller 6 activates power source 7. Controller 6
switches polarity as programmed. For intermittent use, it may be
convenient to program the controller to switch polarity each time
water flow is started. [0032] 4. Backflush cycle, the model of FIG.
2 only: Valves 14 and 15 are open, valves 3 and 9 are closed. Water
is introduced to the electrolysis chamber through intake 18, flows
in a retro direction through the chamber and out the outlet 19. The
electric circuitry is bypassed and adjustments are not programmed,
but are made manually.
Example 2
Description of Circuit Operation
[0033] This description is based on a example system with three
emitters and the self cleaning polarity reversal on each initiation
of water flow. Adjustments can be made for bigger or smaller
systems. Circuit operation starts with applying line voltage, 120 V
AC, to the power supply 26, which transforms the line voltage to 12
V DC. The controller circuit is in electrical communication with
flow switch 23, temperature sensor 22 and push button switch 21
which activates the circuit, if the temperature sensor 22 indicates
cool, thereby allowing 12 volts to be applied to the push button
switch 21. When this push button switch is pushed, it energizes
relay 24 K1A. The connections on this relay are such that it
remains energized after the push button is released. The other
contacts on this relay look at the flow switch to see if water is
flowing. If so, the next relay 25 K1B is energized, applying 120 V
AC to the second power supply 20 and relay 27 K2. K2 is a
sequencing relay, the contacts of which will change state when
energized and remain in an energized state when power is removed.
The next time the relay is energized, the contacts change state and
then stay in that position.
[0034] When 120 V AC power is supplied to the power supply 20, it
sends DC voltage onto its output connections. Relays 28K3, 29K4,
and 30K5 send the current through terminal boards 31, 32 and 33 to
the emitters. If K2 is in one position, the voltage applied to the
emitters is "forward" biased. The next water flow detection will
change the state of K2 and the relays will change state, resulting
in a reversal of polarity on the emitters. Oxygen will be produced
during either state.
[0035] The action will continue indefinitely if the temperature
sensor detects no increase in temperature. If the sensor sees an
increase in temperature above its set point, it will open the
circuit and remove the 12 V DC power to the relays, thereby
shutting down the circuit. The circuit can be restarted only by
activating the button switch again. When the spigot is turned off,
there is a slight temperature rise until the flow switch turns off
the controller. This rise is not enough to trigger the much higher
set point on the temperature switch. Hence the system will turn on
again once the flow switch detects flow. The temperature switch is
a safety device and preferably, once the temperature switch
inactivates the power system, manual intervention is required to
reactivate the system.
Example 3
Emitter Configurations
[0036] Depending on the volume of fluid to be oxygenated, the
emitter of this invention may be shaped as a circle, rectangle,
cone or other model. One or more may be set in a substrate that may
be metal, glass, plastic or other material. The substrate is not
critical as long as the current is isolated to the electrodes by
the nonconductor spacer material of a thickness from 0.005 to 0.140
inches, preferably 0.030 to 0.075 inches, most preferably 0.065
inches. Within this distance, micro- and nanobubbles of oxygen are
evolved. These bubbles are so small that they cannot escape and
build up into what may be termed a colloidal suspension of oxygen
in an aqueous medium. Oxygen concentrations of 260% of calculated
saturation at a particular temperature and pressure have been
achieved in a stationary container. The oxygen suspension in a
flow-through unit can be so concentrated with oxygen that the water
appears milky. In addition to the high oxygen content achieved, the
microbubbles have a larger surface area for reaction than
ordinary-sized bubbles. While any configuration may be used in the
water treatment system, a funnel or pyramidal shaped cell was
constructed to treat larger volumes of fluid. FIG. 4 shows a simple
flat emitter 4A; a cone-shaped emitter 4B; and a rod shaped emitter
4C. FIG. 4D depicts the most favored configuration, a triple set of
emitters arranged in a pyramidal configuration in a conduit. This
flow-through embodiment is suitable for treating large volumes of
water rapidly and is selected as the best mode for use in water
treatment. It should be understood that any configuration will be
useful in the water treatment system and the system is not limited
to the pyramidal configuration nor to three emitters nor to one
chamber. In each of these configurations, the anode 34 and cathode
35 are separated by 0.040 to 0.75 inches.
Example 4
Operation of Experimental Systems
[0037] A. An experimental system, such as that in FIG. 1, was
tested at a home drawing water from a well 220 feet deep. The
dissolved oxygen was 28.9% and iron content was between 2 and 2.5
ppm. The water had an unpleasant smell and taste due to the iron
and hydrogen sulfide content. The system was activated and oxygen
content of the outlet water was near 100% saturation. Iron was
reduced to less than 0.5 ppm and there was no unpleasant taste or
smell.
[0038] Calculations of power expended and cost thereof were made.
The current varied between 3.3 and 3.8 amps. At 12 volts, the power
used was about 48 Watts for each emitter or about 144 watts. The
system was activated for about two hours each day, at a daily cost
(current electric company rates) of about 3.4 cents per day.
[0039] This experimental system did not feature the self-cleaning
reverse polarity feature. The system was run for six days, during
which time 1400 gallons of water was drawn. At this time, the
electrodes began to show some mineral deposits.
[0040] B. The first polarity-reversing experimental system, with
three emitters, was installed in a home provided with well water,
containing 2 to 3 ppm iron. The flow rate in the system was 6
gallons/minute. Polarity of the emitters was reversed every time
the flow was started, that is, when a faucet was opened, about 70
times per day. This unit was equipped with a Birm filter. Tests
showed complete removal of iron, down to 0 detectable ppm.
[0041] C. The second polarity-reversing experimental system was
installed at a site where the effluent was also used for
irrigation. The water contained 12.75 ppm iron and operated at a 15
gallon/minute rate. Polarity was reversed every time the well pump
was started, which varied between 14 and 18 times a day.
[0042] As for the prototype in Example B, the iron in the effluent
was undetectable and the effluent was passed through a Birm filter
and the results showed that iron levels were undetectable. These
results were verified by an independent testing laboratory.
[0043] D. The third polarity-reversing experimental system was
installed at a site where the water contained both 10 ppm iron and
2.25 ppm hydrogen sulfide. Flow rate was 7 gallons per minute, and
the polarity was reversed each time the well pump was started,
about 14 times per day. The effluent was passed through a greens
and filter. Iron and hydrogen sulfide levels in the effluent were
undetectable.
Example 5
Laboratory Testing of 4.0-5.0 ppm Iron
[0044] A. Seventy gallons of well water testing 4 to 5 ppm were
passed through conduit equipped with a three plate, twelve-inch
emitter at 12 Volts. The flow rates were varied and the iron
content was measured after the effluent passed through a 9 by 48
inch Birm filter. The first flow rate tested was two gallons per
minute. Iron content was below 0.5 ppm (the practical lower limit
of measuring). When the flow rate was increased to 2.7 gallons per
minute, the iron content was less than 0.5 ppm. The flow was
increased to 4.87 gallons per minute and then to six gallons per
minute. The iron content of the effluent was 0.5 ppm or below.
[0045] B. Trailer testing. A special 5 ft. by 8 ft. trailer was
outfitted in order to conduct water testing at various sites and to
verify results before units were installed. The trailer was
equipped with two polarity-reversing oxygenator chambers, a power
supply, and two Birm filters. A 14 inch by 65 inch Birm filter for
lower flow rates and a 21 inch by 54 inch Birm filter for higher
rates were used. The trailer had its own power generator and large
flow pump so iron, hydrogen sulfide and manganese removal can be
tested immediately on site.
[0046] With this trailer, the ability of the system to remove
manganese was tested. At the City of Brooklyn Park, Minn., various
wells tested between 1.3 ppm to 2.7 ppm manganese. With the two
chambers, powered on the trailer, and at flow rates up to 10
gallons/minute, the manganese was oxidized and 100% removed by the
21 by 54 inch Birm filter.
Example 6
Compact Unit with Self-Cleaning Feature
[0047] New embodiments have been developed that are suitable for
factory assembly into a compact unit within a case for convenient
installation. The improved features include a self-cleaning
feature. FIG. 5 shows a typical system for assembly on site. In
this example, six sets of emitters are provided, three in each of
two electrolytic chambers 36 A and 35B, with a 12 V DC power
source. The chambers in this embodiment are arranged in series. In
this embodiment, when raw or untreated water enters the chamber 36A
at the water input 37, a flow switch connected to the control box
38 is activated. The control box is shown in detail in FIG. 3. The
flow switch is calibrated to sense water flow at or above a preset
flow, preferably 0.5 gallons per minute. When flow is sensed, the
flow switch sends a signal to the power supply box in the control
box 38, which in turn applies 12 V DC power to the emitters in the
chambers 36A and 36B. The effluent leaves chamber 36A and enters
chamber 36B. Following oxygenation, the effluent then passes by
control and safety devices 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 and thence into
the filter 44. As water passes down to the bottom of the filter 44,
it is drawn up through an internal conduit (not shown) and to the
output 45.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows a compact system that can be factory-assembled.
The system has two chambers 46A and 46B, arranged in parallel and
fitted into a case 47. The case is a compact enclosure containing
both plumbing and electrical components. The water enters at input
48 and then passes by the input side of a backflow preventer 49,
splitting into parallel paths and through the electrolytic chambers
46A and 46B where it is oxygenated. The oxygenated water then
recombines in the upper manifold 50 and is routed out of the output
side 51 of the bypass valve 52. The effluent is finally passed out
of the case into a final filter as in FIG. 5.
[0049] It should be noted that the details of the elements of the
water treatment system are more fully described in examples 1 to 4.
The embodiments described in this example 6 are equipped with a
polarity reversing control. The process continues as long as the
water flow exceeds the preset flow.
Example 7
Bubbling or Sparging with Oxygen
[0050] As mentioned above, it is well-known to attempt to improve
the quality of water by aeration. Previous techniques of bubbling
air or oxygen were not effective in reducing metals and sulfur
compounds. While the embodiments described above produce the most
improvement in quality of water, other means may produce an
approximation of those results. Technology exists to bring pure
oxygen to a site and inject it into the water in the form of
microbubbles, which raises the oxygen content of the water and also
presents a greater surface area for reaction with undesirable
substances. A tank of oxygen may be used. The PSA methods passes
air through a filter that removes the dinitrogen, leaving pure
oxygen. FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a simple bubbling embodiment.
Oxygen from tank 53 is sparged into a simple chamber 54 with a
static mixer 55 through a microorifice 56 in order to produce
microbubbles to raise the oxygen content above the content
calculated to be 100% saturation at the pressure and temperature of
the chamber. Metals and other contaminants are oxidized.
Microbubbles, with increased surface area for reaction, can be
produced by sparging air or oxygen through a microorifice. Oxygen
is preferred. Such a microorifice is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,394,429, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference.
The bubble chamber is preferably provided with a means to direct
the bubbles throughout the chamber rather than rising in a stream
to the outlet. The means can be inert particles or more preferably,
a static mixer, such as that sold by Koflo Corporation (Cary, Ill.)
or Chemineer (Dayton, Ohio). A static mixer is, generally, a series
of vanes or paddles that disrupt the flow of bubbles to ensure
mixing. In this schematic diagram, the outflow from the chamber 54
is shown entering through connection 57 to the top of filter 5 59.
In practice, the effluent enters at the top of the filter tank and
an internal conduit (not shown) draws it down through the filter.
Water enters the system at inlet 59.
Example 8
Activation of Polarity Reversal
[0051] Various embodiments of emitter were tested. Round, flat or
pyramid configuration emitters were tested in the laboratory for
over 30 days. The emitters chosen were of titanium. The current was
switched at varying intervals from five seconds to three hours. No
buildup of mineral deposits was observed. Depending on the site and
the user's preference, in the functioning water treatment system,
the polarity can be set to reverse:
[0052] each time the well pump turns on and the water pressure
increases;
[0053] when the water flow is initiated;
[0054] at timed intervals from 45 seconds to 24 hours or more;
[0055] or manually.
[0056] Each choice has its advantages with the purpose of
minimizing the frequency of reversing polarity in order to prolong
the useful life of the electrodes while maintaining the efficacy of
water treatment. In general, if the water use is constant, the
timing mode can be selective. When water use is intermittent, as is
generally the case with home use, a mode based on pump or water
flow is preferred.
[0057] Those skilled in the art may readily make insubstantial
changes or additions. Such changes or additions are within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *