U.S. patent application number 13/500150 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for water bagging system.
Invention is credited to Rich Riddle, Rick Streett.
Application Number | 20120192524 13/500150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43857089 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120192524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Streett; Rick ; et
al. |
August 2, 2012 |
WATER BAGGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A water bagging system (1) comprising a trailer-mounted
weatherproof enclosure (10) containing a compartmentalized
automatic bag filling machine (40) feeding in a string of
pre-manufactured water bags out of their carton, a pump/compressor
assembly (4) for pumping potable water in from an external potable
source such as a TWPS, water tank or hydrant, a filtration and
sterilization assembly for filtering and sterilizing the water by a
combination of mechanical, carbon, UV and a filling machine
sanitization system consisting of a water ozonator (48) and an air
ozonator (44). The system is hardened against the harshest
environments by a surrounding tent enclosure (2), and a filtered
air supply (5) that over-pressures the system (1) to keep dust and
sand out. The system (1) is capable of producing a high-volume of
water bags within a range of commercial and specialty sizes, and
the water remains stable for prolonged periods without bacterial
growth and degradation of taste and odor.
Inventors: |
Streett; Rick; (Frederick,
MD) ; Riddle; Rich; (Taneytown, MD) |
Family ID: |
43857089 |
Appl. No.: |
13/500150 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 5, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US10/51497 |
371 Date: |
April 4, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61278277 |
Oct 5, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 9/00 20130101; C02F
1/32 20130101; C02F 1/283 20130101; C02F 1/78 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/79 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/00 20060101
B65B031/00 |
Claims
1. A water bagging system, comprising: an enclosure; a bag filling
machine mounted within said enclosure and connected thereto via a
plurality of multi-directional shock mounts; a supply
pump/compressor for pumping water and compressed air to said bag
filling machine; a dual media carbon filter coupled between said
supply pump and bag filling machine for removing bacteria and
chlorine from water pumped in by said supply pump; an ultra-violet
(UV) light sterilizer coupled between said carbon filter and bag
filling machine for water quality assurance; a HEPA filtered air
blower connected to said enclosure for providing a positive flow of
dust and bacteria free air through said bag filling machine, said
HEPA filtered air blower adapted to overpressurize said enclosure
to at least a few mBar greater than ambient pressure outside said
enclosure; an air ozonator in communication with said HEPA filtered
air system for periodic sanitization of the bag filling machine
external surfaces; and a water ozonator coupled between said UV
light sterilizer and bag filling machine for periodic sanitization
of the bag filling machine during a clean-in-place cycle; a bypass
valve coupled in parallel with said water ozonator for selectively
diverting water around the water ozonator during a normal
bag-filling cycle; whereby said water bagging system provides a
controlled protected environment for the bag filling machine
despite harsh ambient conditions and assures the reliable
production of filled water bags having an extended shelf life.
2. The water bagging system according to claim 1, further
comprising a two-wheeled trailer upon which said enclosure is
mounted.
3. The water bagging system according to claim 2, wherein said
enclosure comprises a hardshell weatherproof enclosure.
4. The water bagging system according to claim 3, further
comprising a tent conjoined to said enclosure.
5. (canceled)
6. The water bagging system according to claim 1, wherein said dual
media carbon filter comprises at least one filter cannister
comprising a fabric mesh filter surrounding activated charcoal.
7. The water bagging system according to claim 6, wherein said dual
media carbon filter comprises a plurality of filter cannisters.
8. (canceled)
9. The water bagging system according to claim 1, further
comprising a water mixing/heating tank having an inlet in fluid
communication with said supply pump/compressor, said water
mixing/heating tank being coupled in a closed-loop recirculation
path with said bag filling machine for recirculating hot water
there through for periodic sanitize-in-place (SIP) sterilization of
said bag filling machine.
10. (canceled)
11. A water bagging system, comprising: a trailer-mounted
weatherproof enclosure; an automatic bag filling machine an
external HEPA filtered air supply for providing a filtered air
supply into said enclosure and filling machine, said HEPA filtered
air supply being adapted to overpressurize said enclosure to at
least a few mBar greater than ambient pressure outside said
enclosure; an automatic bag feeding assembly within the filling
machine for feeding in a string of pre-manufactured empty bags; a
pumping assembly for pumping potable water in from an external
potable water source; a filtration and sterilization assembly for
filtering and sterilizing said water, said filtration and
sterilization assembly including, a carbon filter incorporating a
mesh pre-filter; a UV light sterilization unit; a first ozone
generator for the supply of ozonated water for periodic
sanitization of the filling machine during clean-in-place
operation; a bypass valve coupled in parallel with said first ozone
generator for selectively diverting water around the water ozonator
during normal bag-filling operation; and a second ozone generator
in fluid communication with said enclosure for the supply of
ozonated air therein for periodic sanitization of the external
surfaces of the filling machine.
12. The water bagging system according to claim 11, wherein said
enclosure comprises a hardshell weatherproof enclosure.
13. The water bagging system according to claim 12, further
comprising a tent conjoined to said enclosure.
14. (canceled)
15. The water bagging system according to claim 11, wherein said
carbon filter comprises at least one filter cannister including a
fabric mesh filter surrounding activated charcoal.
16. The water bagging system according to claim 15, wherein said at
least one carbon filter comprises a plurality of filter
cannisters.
17. (canceled)
18. The water bagging system according to claim 11, further
comprising a water mixing/heating tank in fluid communication with
said pumping assembly.
19. The water bagging system according to claim 18, wherein said
water mixing/heating tank selectively recirculates water through
said system to provide periodic sanitize-in-place (SIP)
sanitization of water passages with heated water.
20. A water bagging system, comprising: a trailer-mounted
weatherproof enclosure; an automatic bag filling machine mounted
inside said trailer-mounted weatherproof enclosure; a forced-air
supply comprising a filtered blower unit located remotely from said
enclosure and connected in fluid communication there with; a inlet
for potable water from an external potable water source; a
filtration and sterilization assembly mounted inside said
trailer-mounted weatherproof enclosure and in fluid communication
with said inlet for filtering and sterilizing water there from,
said filtration and sterilization assembly including, a dual-media
filter, a UV light sterilization unit, and a first ozone generator
for supplying ozone to said water for periodic sanitization of the
automatic bag filling machine, a bypass valve coupled in parallel
with said first ozone generator for selectively diverting water
around said first ozone generator during normal bag-filling
operation; and a second ozone generator for the supply of ozonated
air for periodic sanitization of external surfaces of the automatic
bag filling machine.
21. The water bagging system according to claim 20, further
comprising a water mixing/heating tank in fluid communication with
said filtration and sterilization assembly.
22. The water bagging system according to claim 21, wherein said
water mixing/heating tank selectively recirculates water through
said system to provide periodic sanitize-in-place (SIP)
sanitization of water passages with heated water.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention generally relates to liquid food and
beverage packaging systems and, more particularly, to a
field-portable tactical hardened water packaging system for
high-volume packaging of potable water bags in harsh field
environments for military troops and emergency workers.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Until recently the principal method of providing water by
the military for the individual war fighter has been bottled water
that is trucked to the areas of deployment. In 2004 the cost of
this water delivered in Iraq and Afghanistan exceeded $150,000,000.
Although this cost is considerable, the exposure of convoys to
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a more critical
consideration. Currently, tactical potable water in bulk is
supplied by the 1500 TWPS (1500 Gallon per Hour Tactical Water
Purification Units) and the LWPS (Light Weight Water Purifier)
which produces 125 GPH. These units are compact and highly mobile
for forward support of ground forces. Canteen use has largely been
eliminated due to the need to maintain high levels of chlorine in
the drinking water to assure that the canteens do not become
contaminated. The high levels of chlorine render the water
undesirable for drinking.
[0005] Sealed single-use containers would eliminate the need for
chlorine. For this and other logistical reasons there are
significant advantages to using single use containers in the field.
The U.S. Army evaluated a form, fill and seal system to mold
bottles and bottle water at the water point in Iraq. It was large,
complex and not very tactical. A system to fill water bags offers
the possibility of being much simpler, highly mobile and quick to
set up for operation.
[0006] General Packaging and Equipment has supplied their Model
70LCM water bagging machine to the Canadian Army and to the U.S.
Army for specific immediate needs including operations in the
Balkans and Africa. It is configured on a frame that is
approximately 6 feet wide by 6 feet high by 10 feet long. The
machine and its support equipment are mounted within a one side
expandable 8'.times.8'.times.20'' ISO container modified to provide
an air conditioned protective shelter. The equipment includes a
form-fill and seal machine that takes flat plastic sheets with the
water outlet already sealed into the sheet from a roll, folds it
and heat seals the bottom and side, fills the bag through the open
top and then heat seals the top. A 30-kilowatt generator is
required. Water treatment includes filtration, de-chlorination and
re-chlorination. It can produce approximately 25 one-liter bags of
water per minute. Also, it has the capability to produce 5-liter
and 15-liter bags of water. This system takes several hours to be
set up for operation and requires a truck for mobility. Although
this system is field proven, it has not been procured and
introduced as a standard system within the military water supply
network of equipment.
[0007] Several active-duty and Army National Guard light infantry
units have been testing 6-gallon water bags developed by local
contractors. Both 1-liter and 6-gallon bags already have been used
successfully at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). The
ultimate benefit of these water bags is the flexibility they
provide for supporting soldiers in the field. The appeal of
packaged water is not limited to military operations. Water bags
can also serve families and small groups of people or relief
organizations during floods, tornadoes, other natural disasters,
and emergency situations. Seattle developed and procured several
"Emergency Water Provisioning Systems" that utilize puncture seal
bags and manual self service filling with multiple stations for
disaster relief. The system is shipped to location in a wooden
shipping box. Each system consists of a generator, a tent, a table,
chairs, a 3,500-gallon water storage unit called a blivet, and
dispensing/pumping system that enables the users to dispense water
into individual six-quart bags.
[0008] A variety of analogous commercial filling machines exist for
fluid-filling of bags. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,901 to
Schieser et al. (Liqui-Box Corporation) issued Aug. 18, 1981 shows
a continuous rotary machine for uncapping, filling and recapping
flexible bags having separable caps. This is a continuous motion
rotary turret type machine with a plurality of filler heads. As the
turret rotates continuously, an individual bag spout is partially
inserted into the approaching filler head. The filler head removes
the cap, fills the bag, and then replaces the cap.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,059 to Rutter et al. (Packaging Systems,
Inc.) issued Sep. 22, 1998 shows a dual channel bag filling machine
with a clean in place system that cleans one channel while the
other continues to fill bags.
[0010] Japan Patent Application No. JP8169402 published Jul. 2,
1996 shows a portable form, fill and seal machine for drinking
water bags, which can be carried to the vicinity of a water source
or the center of a stricken area regardless of road conditions.
[0011] The Air Water.TM. Bagging Machine is a portable form, fill
and seal machine for emergency deployment. Water is extracted from
the air and is packaged into Water Pouches that can be easily
transported and distributed to locals.
[0012] A simpler and much more tactical approach is to fill
preformed bags with a compact integrated system incorporating water
treatment, environmental control without air conditioning and a
modified commercial filling machine with routine automatic
sanitization of external and internal surfaces. A light-weight
compact system that can be deployed on a High Mobility Multipurpose
Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) trailer would provide excellent
tactical mobility in support of forward area operations as well as
disaster and humanitarian relief.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a compact, light-weight conditioned environment for the
successful utilization of a commercial bag filling machine to
provide bagged potable water under harsh military and disaster
relief environmental conditions. These conditions include
transportation shocks and off-road vibration, blowing rain,
humidity, and high temperatures, blowing sand and dust and
stressful conditions for the operators. Additional advantages,
objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in
the description which follows and in part will become apparent to
those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the
following or may be learned from practice of the invention.
[0014] The invention disclosed herein achieves this and other
objects by combining a compact sheltering enclosure encompassing a
filling machine on multi-directional shock mounts and the support
equipment; a supply pump, manifolded dual media carbon filters to
remove bacteria and chlorine, an ultra-violet (UV) light sterilizer
for water quality assurance; a HEPA filtered air system to provide
positive flow of dust and bacteria free air through the filling
machine and the support equipment area; an air ozonator for
periodic sanitization of the filling machine external surfaces; a
water ozonator for the periodic sanitization; and a hot water
generation sub-system that provides a water heating cycle for
sterilization of the filling machine water system. Taken together
in combination these features provide a protected environment for
the filling machine and assure the reliable production of filled
water bags having an extended shelf life.
[0015] More specifically, a water bagging system is disclosed that
comprises a trailer-mounted weatherproof enclosure containing a
compartmentalized automatic bag filling machine for infeed and
filling a string of pre-manufactured empty bags out of their carton
and for discharging discrete filled water bags into a chute, a
pumping assembly for pumping potable water in from an external
source of potable water such as a TWPS, or municipal water supply,
a filtration and sanitization assembly for filtering and sanitizing
the water by a combination of filter media, carbon filtration, UV
and heat sterilization, a filling machine sanitization system
incorporating both an air ozonator and a water ozonator for
periodic sanitization of the filling machine; and a HEPA filtered
air system to provide a positive flow of purified air through the
filling machine. A deployable curbside tent enclosure envelops the
side and rear of the system, providing a further level of
protection from blowing sand, dust and rain. The trailer-mounted
enclosure includes storage for several components removed at setup,
including the tent enclosure and a diesel-powered generator for
supplying power to the system, a pump/compressor assembly for
supplying pressurized water and air, and a receiving bin for
catching filled water bags. The system is capable of
operator-initiated daily sanitization of the filling machine
external surfaces with ozonated air from an ozone generator mounted
to the inside of the filling machine. It also includes an operator
initiated daily sanitization of the filling machine water system
with source water that is ozonated by drawing ozonated air into the
water from a second ozone generator. For long term storage and
commissioning subsequent to long term storage, the system employs
an integral hot water generation sub-system to sterilize all of the
plumbing within the enclosure. The system is capable of producing a
high-volume of filled water bags per hour and of doing so with a
range of commercial water bag sizes. Due to the heightened
filtration/sterilization, the water in the bags remains stable for
over 45 days exposed to sun and high temperatures without the need
to add chlorine to the water as it is bagged.
[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications
thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a roadside-front perspective view of a water
bagging system 1 according to the present invention in a deployed
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a curbside-front perspective view of the water
bagging system 1 as in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a roadside-rear perspective view of the system 1
with rear access doors, and tent enclosure removed for clarity.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a roadside side perspective view of the system
enclosure 2 with side panels and roof removed for clarity.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a curbside side perspective view of the system
enclosure 2 with side panels and roof removed for clarity.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the filling and capping
station 40 inclusive of the roller assembly 42 and vinyl strip
curtain 45.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0025] The present invention is a field-portable tactical water
bagging system capable of drawing water from a TWPS or other
potable water source, applying secondary filtering and
UV-sterilization, and of auto-feeding empty water bags from a
shipping box of pre-manufactured water bags (pre-equipped with
fitments) placed proximate the system, for producing filled and
sealed water bags for distribution. Specifically, the design and
components used in the invention provide a compact energy efficient
controlled environment for a commercial automatic bag filling
machine that allows it to operate without problems in the harsh
military and disaster relief environments.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a roadside-top perspective view of a water bagging
system 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a
curbside-top perspective view, both in a deployed configuration.
The system 1 generally includes a weatherproof outer enclosure 10
mounted atop a two-wheeled trailer 30. Trailer 30 has a bed size of
only 91'' long.times.56'' wide and a payload of 2760 lb. The
trailer 30 is preferably a Light Tactical Trailer (LTT) constructed
to military specification M1102-MCC, such as model M1102 available
from Schutt Industries of Clintonville, Wis. This particular
trailer employs a single axle torsion-spring suspension and was
designed to be towed by the military fleet of High-Mobility
Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), thereby allowing the entire
system 1 to be transported by a single HMMWV.
[0027] During transport a variety of components are stowed inside
an on-board storage compartment 11 (shown in FIG. 4) and, upon
deployment as seen in FIGS. 1 & 2, are removed and setup around
the trailer 30 for bagging operation. These stowable components
include a dual-compartment tent enclosure 2 that attaches to the
curbside (left) and rear of the system 1 as shown, one
diesel-powered 2 kW generator 3 for supplying power to the system
1, a receiving bin 6 for catching filled water bags, and a source
water pump/compressor assembly 4 with various source water fittings
and hoses. The generator 3 affords self-contained electric power
generation, and may be any suitable diesel-powered generator
preferably rated for 2 kW. The system 1 is alternately operable
from 120 VAC or 24 VDC external sources. The generator 3 and/or
external power sources are plugged into a receptacle located on
panels 12 on the roadside (right) of the system 1.
[0028] Potable water will typically be supplied to the system from
an external water distribution tank, and to inlet connection 13
(FIG. 2) through the source water pump/compressor assembly 4 and
its associated hoses and fittings. The water pump/compressor
assembly 4 is a diesel-powered portable water pump and air
compressor combination unit that is powered by the same model
engine that powers the generator. Alternatively, pressurized
potable water may be supplied directly to the system water inlet
connection 13.
[0029] As best seen in FIG. 2, a shipping box 7 containing a ribbon
string of manufacturer-supplied water bags (with fitments) is
placed proximate the system enclosure 10 on the curbside. The
enclosure 10 opens at a bag entrance area 14 on the curbside to an
automatic filling machine 40 mounted internally for auto-feeding
empty water bags from shipping box 7 into the filling machine 40.
Bulk water bags are readily available in a variety of sizes ranging
from 35 fl. oz. (1 Liter) to 350 fl. oz. (10 Liter) bags with
fitments provided for attachment to drinking tubes. The water bags
are supplied in bulk ribbon form with adjacent bags separable by
perforated tear-lines or the like. Given manual feeding of the
first bag of the string, all subsequent bags may be automatically
loaded therein. The enclosure 10 opens on the roadside side at a
bag exit area 15 (FIG. 1) through which a bag ejection chute 8
dispenses filled water bags into the appropriately-positioned
receiving bin 6. Rollers at the entrance 41 and rollers at the exit
42 facilitate movement of the bags through the filling machine, and
the straight-through configuration (in one side of enclosure 10 and
out the other) contributes to tactical efficiency, purification
effectiveness and economy of manufacture.
[0030] The automatic bag filling machine 40 accepts a variety of
major manufacturer and specialty bags and fitments ranging from
1-10 liters. The empty bags are pulled in a ribbon out of the
shipping box 7, filled, capped, separated and are discharged as
individual filled and sealed bags down the bag ejection chute 8
into the receiving bin 6.
[0031] The entire system 1 is hardened against environmental
contamination from even the harshest environments. The tent
enclosure 2 is a dual-compartment tent that interfaces directly to
the housing 10. Specifically, tent enclosure 2 comprises a
form-fitted fabric enclosure self-supported by a framework of
external poles 33. The tent enclosure 2 is segregated into two
distinct compartments (A) and (B), and each compartment separately
interfaces with the enclosure 10 such that one compartment (A)
protects the inlet side (curbside) and a second compartment (B)
protects the operator position (rear). Tent enclosure 2 provides an
important first barrier to dust and dirt.
[0032] The system 1 internal components are further protected by
the weatherproof enclosure 10, which is closed during operation
with removable side panels 20, 21 over both bag entrance 14 (FIG.
2) and bag exit 15 (FIG. 3) areas, as well as front panels 19 over
the front of the enclosure 10 and rear panels 18 over the rear.
Even when the transit doors of side panels 20, 21 are open, the
openings to the bag entrance 14 and bag exit 15 areas are further
protected by flexible hanging nylon strips or brushes 16 and 17
respectively, which serve as machinery dust and debris covers. This
full enclosure 10 is exploited by a filtered air over-pressure
which further prevents fine powder sand and dirt contamination.
This latter feature is accomplished with an air duct 9 (FIG. 2)
coupled to enclosure 10 on one end, and in fluid communication on
the other end with an external HEPA filter housing and blower unit
5. The air duct 9 leads into the system enclosure 10 and is
internally directed into the filling machine 40 and then into the
adjacent on-board storage compartment 11. This maintains internal
air pressure at a higher-than-ambient level, and the over-pressure
deters fine powder sand and dirt contamination from entering the
weatherproof system enclosure 10 and separately the filling machine
40. The amount of overpressure may vary but is preferably at least
a few mBar (in H2O) greater than ambient.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a roadside-rear perspective view of the system 1
with rear panels 18 removed for clarity. FIG. 4 is a roadside
perspective view of the system 1 with side panel 21 removed, and
FIG. 5 is a curbside perspective view of the system 1 with side
panel 20 and front panels 19 removed. Internally, as seen in FIG.
5, water is pumped in through a system inlet fluid coupling 13 by
the self-priming pump 3 (FIG. 1). The fluid coupling 13 is in fluid
communication with a pressure regulator 22 mounted in storage
compartment 11. Generally, the water cycle continues through carbon
filters, a mixing/heating tank, then UV sterilizer, then ozonator,
and then to the filling machine. More specifically with reference
to FIG. 5, water from pressure regulator 22 is admitted upward to a
manifold set of three parallel carbon filters 24, the parallel
arrangement helping to maximize water flow. The water continues
through to an integral mixing/heating tank 27 within which the
water may be uniformly heated for sterilization, and on through a
hose 23 to a UV-light water sterilizer 25, and selectively through
a water ozonator 48, before flowing to the filling machine 40
filling and capping station 43. The carbon filters 24 are
dual-media cannisters and preferably each include a fine mesh 0.5
micron filter wrap surrounding activated charcoal. The outer
0.5-micron filter wrap is preferred as a first barrier to any
residual bacteria. The charcoal of carbon filters 24 removes
chlorine from the potable water source. The UV-light water
sterilizer 25 provides a final barrier to harmful microorganisms
such as bacteria and viruses, and may be a commercially-available
ultraviolet (UV) water sterilizer of sufficient treatment capacity.
The water ozonator 48 bubbles ozone into the water supply as a
disinfectant, and may be a commercially available ozonator of
sufficient ozone generation capacity. A bypass valve 49 (see FIG.
4) is supplied to divert water around the water ozonator 48 if
desired, and in practice it is envisioned that the water ozonator
48 is switched inline to provide a clean-in-place (CIP) function
for daily CIP sanitization of water passages with ozonated water.
However, during normal filling operation the bypass valve 49 will
switch the water ozonator 48 offline.
[0034] In addition to the foregoing, in accordance with the present
invention, an air ozonator 44 (see FIG. 6) is mounted inside of the
filling machine 40 to provide a flow of ozonated air into the
filling machine 40 for daily sanitization of the external
surfaces
[0035] The combination of the carbon filters 24 with outer
0.5-micron filter wrap serving as a first barrier, and the
ultraviolet light sterilizer 25 as a second barrier, combine to
provide high-quality purification of the water without compromising
output yield. In further combination with the above-described ozone
water purification 48 as a clean-in-place (CIP) function, system 1
ensures highest-quality bagged water regardless of input water
bacteria conditions.
[0036] As yet a further precaution, the system 1 employs hot water
sterilization as a Sanitize-in-Place (SIP) function, and this is
achieved by the integral mixing/heating tank 27. Upon removing the
system 1 from storage for commissioning or upon placing the system
1 into storage, hot water is circulated from the integral
mixing/heating tank 27 to sterilize the internal plumbing
components and assure a true bacterial free environment. Thus, upon
initial activation of the system 1, an inlet valve 29 (FIG. 4)
closes off the water supply incoming from fluid coupling 13, and
heated water in integral mixing/heating tank 27 is closed-loop
recirculated via an on board circulation pump 28. The
mixing/heating tank.27 includes an immersion type resistance heater
that heats up the recirculated water to up to 165.degree. F., thus
killing any bacterial growth that may have formed. The
mixing/heating tank.27 preferably incorporates an internal liquid
level switch to sense sufficient water level to trigger its
activation, thereby safeguarding against accidental activation.
Once sufficient sterilization temperature is met, the system 1 can
then be returned to standard operating mode. It should be noted
that the SIP function can take place anytime during normal
maintenance operations of the system 1 if the operator feels the
system has been compromised with poor product water.
[0037] In addition to the purification barriers and combined CIP
and SIP functions, the further combination of air ozonator 44,
overpressure air supply, and mechanical safeguards including
dual-compartment tent enclosure 2, closable panels 18, 19, 20, 21,
and flexible hanging nylon strips or brushes 16 and 17 ensures that
the entire system 1 is hardened against environmental contamination
from even the harshest environments. This facilitates the
maintenance of sanitized conditions within the filling machine 40
and the overall system 1 without the use of chemicals such as
chlorine that require capture and disposal. The net result is a
substantial reduction not only in water contamination and sickness,
but also of water hardness or unpleasant taste from chemicals.
[0038] The treated bacteria free water flows from bypass valve 49
to the filling machine 40 residing in the rear of the system
enclosure 10. Referring back to FIG. 3 empty bags joined in a
perforated chain are drawn up from their box 7 through the entrance
14 and along a roller assembly 41 to the filling machine 40, where
they are queued into a filling and capping station 43.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the filling machine 40
inclusive of the outlet roller assembly 42 and outlet vinyl strip
curtain 45. The filling machine 40 incorporates a
commercially-available automatic liquid (water, juice, milk,
syrups) capper/filler station (machine) 43 capable of filling pure
drinking water into presealed polyethylene bags. A variety of
suitable fill and cap machines are commercially available through
manufactures distributors such as Aqua Solutions Corp. of Miami
Fla. The capper/filler station 43 is mounted along with other
components within a modular rectangular frame 41. Bags enter from
the far left of FIG. 6 at the bag entrance through a Plexiglas.TM.
cover 47, pass through the fill and seal station 43, and exit via
outlet roller assembly 42 and outlet vinyl strip curtain 45.
[0040] The frame 41 (and entire filling machine 40) is mounted
within the system enclosure 10 on damping springs 46 located on the
four bottom corners and two top forward corners to protect against
shock and vibration. This is an extremely critical aspect of the
invention since it is imperative that the commercial filling
machine 43 be protected. The water ozonator 48 and air ozonator 44
are also mounted inside the frame 41 of the filling machine 40 to
provide a flow of ozonated air and water as previously described
for daily CIP sanitization.
[0041] In addition to the removable side panels 20, 21 of enclosure
10, the bag entrance 14 is substantially covered by the
Plexiglas.TM. cover 47 save for a bag entrance slot. This in
combination with the vinyl strips 45 at the discharge provide a
partial air block to maintain the HEPA filtered air over-pressure
necessary to keep dirt from entering the filling machine 40. The
filling machine 40 operates automatically to move the empty bag
string into the machine along rollers 41 into the capper/filler
station 43 where the snug-fitting cap is removed, the bag is filled
and the cap is pressed firmly and permanently back into place. The
filled bags continue out onto the exit rollers 42 where the bags
are separated and the filled bags discharge onto the output chute 8
(see FIG. 2) which deposits them into the collection bin 6.
[0042] The system 1 is equipped with normal and blackout on-board
lighting.
[0043] Given the above-described configuration, the system 1 is
capable of producing approximately 480 one-liter water bags per
hour (125 gallons/hour), 379 three-liter bags per hour (300
gallons/hour), 313 five-liter bags per hour (413 gallons/hour), and
218 ten-liter bags per hour (575 gallons/hour). Owing to the
heightened filtration/sterilization, the water in the bags remains
stable for over 45 days exposed to sun and high temperatures,
without bacterial growth and without degradation of taste and
odor.
[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0045] There is a significant commercial, military and humanitarian
need for pure potable water, and a commensurate need for a more
tactical approach to purify, package and distribute water in the
field. However, field operations often come with the harshest
environmental conditions including transportation shocks and
off-road vibration, blowing rain, humidity, and high temperatures,
blowing sand and dust and stressful conditions for the operators.
The present invention overcomes these problems and fulfills the
need with a compact integrated system capable of filling and
capping water bags with purified water for distribution in the
field. The system is light-weight and compact, and can be deployed
on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee)
trailer in support of forward area operations as well as disaster
and humanitarian relief.
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