U.S. patent application number 15/870638 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for modular fluid purification system and components thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is SELECTO, INC.. Invention is credited to Ehud LEVY, John W. TADLOCK, Peter WANG.
Application Number | 20180134598 15/870638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37103171 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180134598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVY; Ehud ; et al. |
May 17, 2018 |
MODULAR FLUID PURIFICATION SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREOF
Abstract
This invention relates to a modular purification system having a
disposable sump assembly and an improved flow distribution plate.
The system is readily adaptable to a variety of configurations
without the need for repiping or replumbing of the installation,
and lends itself to the use of multiple purification
techniques.
Inventors: |
LEVY; Ehud; (Atlanta,
GA) ; TADLOCK; John W.; (West Chicago, IL) ;
WANG; Peter; (Lilburn, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SELECTO, INC. |
Suwanne |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
37103171 |
Appl. No.: |
15/870638 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12631547 |
Dec 4, 2009 |
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15870638 |
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11169855 |
Jun 29, 2005 |
7673756 |
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12631547 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 35/303 20130101;
C02F 9/005 20130101; B01D 2201/302 20130101; C02F 2201/006
20130101; F16L 37/144 20130101; B01D 29/114 20130101; B01D 29/114
20130101; B01D 2201/44 20130101; B01D 29/906 20130101; B01D
2201/305 20130101; B01D 29/906 20130101; B01D 2201/4015 20130101;
C02F 1/004 20130101; F16L 37/56 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C02F 9/00 20060101
C02F009/00; C02F 1/00 20060101 C02F001/00; B01D 29/11 20060101
B01D029/11; F16L 37/56 20060101 F16L037/56; F16L 37/14 20060101
F16L037/14; B01D 35/30 20060101 B01D035/30; B01D 29/90 20060101
B01D029/90 |
Claims
1. A purification system comprising: a disposable sump comprising:
a longitudinal side wall; a distal bottom portion integral with the
longitudinal side wall; a disposable purification media cartridge
disposed within the sump, displaced from the longitudinal side wall
to create a gap through which unfiltered fluid can flow, and having
a longitudinal central opening through which filtered fluid can
flow; a purification head assembly detachably connected to the
sump, comprising: an inlet in fluid communication with the gap; an
outlet in fluid communication with the longitudinal central
opening; a flow dispersal plate disposed between the inlet and the
gap comprising flow diversion elements that direct fluid flow
longitudinally along the gap, circumferentially around the gap, or
both.
2. The purification system of claim 1, further comprising a
mounting bracket comprising: a mounting surface that substantially
corresponds to a surface supporting the purification system, and a
support ring rigidly attached to the mounting surface and extending
therefrom at an angle to the mounting surface, wherein the support
ring comprises an opening therein adapted to receive the
purification head assembly, wherein the purification head assembly
can be rotated within the support ring to different circumferential
positions.
3. A flow dispersal plate for distributing fluid to an outer
annular opening and returning fluid from an inner opening,
comprising a substantially planar flow distribution portion having
a circumferential outer edge; a plurality of flow diverting members
adapted to direct fluid flow longitudinally away from the flow
dispersal plate and optionally provide a circumferential velocity
component to the fluid; a central opening and conduit that is not
in direct fluid communication with the substantially planar flow
distribution portion.
4. The flow dispersal plate of claim 3, wherein the flow diverting
members comprise a plurality of radial angled vanes
circumferentially spaced on the circumferential outer edge of the
substantially planar flow distribution portion.
5. The flow dispersal plate of claim 3, wherein the flow diverting
members comprise a plurality of angled holes through the
substantially planar flow distribution portion, circumferentially
spaced near the circumferential outer edge of the substantially
planar flow distribution portion.
6. A sump assembly for a fluid purification system, comprising: the
flow dispersal plate of claim 3; a fluid purification media
cartridge having an outer surface and a central inner opening,
wherein the outer surface is in fluid communication with the
substantially planar flow distribution portion of the flow
dispersal plate, and wherein the central inner opening is in fluid
communication with the central opening and conduit of the flow
dispersal plate; a sump housing disposed around the sides and
bottom of the fluid purification media cartridge, and along with
the outer surface thereof, defining a gap in fluid communication
with the substantially planar flow distribution portion of the flow
dispersal plate; a housing end cap adapted to form a water tight
seal with the sump housing, and comprising a central opening
adapted to receive untreated fluid flowing toward the substantially
planar flow distribution portion of the flow dispersal plate and to
receive the central opening and conduit of the flow dispersal
plate.
7. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises activated carbon.
8. The sump assembly of claim 8, wherein the activated carbon is
immobilized by a polymeric binder resin.
9. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises a zeolite.
10. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises a reverse osmosis membrane.
11. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises a titanium oxide.
12. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises alumina.
13. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the fluid purification
media cartridge comprises silica.
14. The sump assembly of claim 6, wherein the sump assembly is made
of disposable materials.
15. A purification apparatus comprising: the sump assembly of claim
6; a purification head assembly detachably connected to the sump
assembly, and comprising: an inlet opening in fluid communication
with the housing end cap and substantially planar flow distribution
portion of the flow dispersal plate; an outlet opening in fluid
communication with the central opening and conduit of the flow
dispersal plate.
16. A purification system comprising: at least two purification
apparatuses of claim 15 connected in series.
17. A purification system comprising: at least two purification
apparatuses of claim 15 connected in parallel.
18. A clip for securing flow conduits to a device, comprising: a
main body section having two end portions and a middle portion; a
pair of flexible extending sections extending from each of the end
portions of the main body section substantially normal thereto; a
central extending section extending from the middle portion of the
main body section substantially normal thereto; wherein each of the
flexible extending sections and the central extending section
define an opening adapted to receive an outer surface of a
conduit.
19. The clip of claim 18, wherein the flexible extending sections
are longer than the central extending section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/631,547, filed Dec. 4, 2009, which is a
divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/169,855,
filed Jun. 29, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,756, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a fluid purification system that is
modular, easily modified and adapted to different installations,
and can be serviced in a sanitary manner, without the need for
service personnel to have contact with the filter media or filtered
material thereon. The invention is particularly suitable for
filtering water used in the beverage and food industries, e.g., for
water purification at restaurants, hotels, and the like.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Conventional water purification installations for the food
and beverage industry contain inflow piping, a purification head
and sump, purification media disposed within the sump, and outflow
piping. The purification head directs the inflowing water to a flow
path typically between the sump and the purification media (often a
cylindrical block of activated carbon particles bonded together
with a polymeric binder resin, and having an opening along the
longitudinal axis thereof). Water is forced through the
purification media, and removed (e.g., by flow through the central
opening thereof) through the outflow piping.
[0004] Typically, the sump and purification head are threaded
together. Changing of the purification media cartridge is done by
unscrewing the sump, pulling out the cartridge, inserting a new
cartridge, and screwing the sump back on the purification head.
This requires contact with the used cartridge, a potentially
unsanitary condition, since these purification cartridges often
remove microorganisms and heavy metals from the water. Moreover,
improper replacement of the sump makes the system prone to leaking.
Special tools are necessary to remove and replace the sump without
leakage.
[0005] With conventional systems, the use of multiple purification
media requires the use of multiple manifolds and purification heads
and sumps, connected by piping and plumbing fittings, all of which
are prone to leak, particularly as the system is stressed during
maintenance and cartridge replacement. In addition, these systems
are typically wall mounted, and require robust wall mounting
hardware to support their weight and the stresses imposed by flow
through the system, maintenance, etc. Parallel flow systems
typically require a large number of pipe fittings and connections,
which increase pressure drop in the system and decrease the maximum
flow rate through the system. Often, these fittings are metallic,
and can leach metal into the water, creating health and safety
issues.
[0006] Conventional sump/purification head designs also are
deficient in that they do not make full use of the purification
media cartridge. Flow into the sump creates "dead zones" in the
sump where flow does not reach, and concentrates flow in other
areas of the sump. As a result, large areas of the purification
media remain unused because unfiltered water does not contact them,
while other areas become clogged or saturated with contaminants
very rapidly, because all of the flow passes through them. This
phenomenon significantly decreases the life of the filter media
cartridge, requiring an increased level of maintenance, increased
cost, and increased risk of health or safety issues to
consumers.
[0007] Conventional purification systems also are designed with
multiple and different internal diameters for various fittings,
inlets, outlets, internal flow conduits, and other openings within
the system. Typically, this inconsistency results in fluid passing
from a larger diameter conduit, opening, or chamber, to a lower
diameter opening; in effect, conventional purification systems
require that the fluid pass through internal "orifices." These
orifices reduce the fluid conductance of the system, since each
additional "orifice" added in series lowers the overall conductance
of the system, in accordance with the formula:
1 C total = 1 C 1 + 1 C 2 + + 1 C n ##EQU00001##
where C.sub.total is the fluid conductance of the entire apparatus,
C.sub.1 is the fluid conductance of the first orifice in the
system, and C.sub.n is the fluid conductance of the nth orifice in
the system. Each orifice therefore reduces the flow rate through
the system for a given pressure drop, according to the formula:
Q=C.sub.total(P.sub.final-P.sub.initial)
where Q is the flow rate through the system, C.sub.total is the
fluid conductance of the entire apparatus, and
P.sub.final-P.sub.initial is the pressure drop across the
apparatus. Currently available filtration systems have sufficiently
low fluid conductance that water filtration flow rates of only
about 10 gpm (for a pressure drop of 10 psi) are obtained.
[0008] There remains a need in the art for a purification system
that is flexible (e.g., that allows both serial and parallel flows
through the same system without undue piping and pipe fittings),
that is modular (e.g., that allows easy change out of purification
media cartridges without the need for service personnel to have
contact with contaminated purification media), that has a reduced
pressure drop and increased maximum flow rate, and that does not
suffer from the "dead zone" phenomenon (i.e., has increased
cartridge life). Further, there is a need for systems that are
easily assembled, require few or no metallic fittings or solder to
corrode or leak, and are unlikely to leak. Finally, there is a need
in the art for purification systems that can deliver much higher
flow rates at acceptable pressure drops than are currently
available in existing, conventional fluid purification systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention relates, in its broad aspects, to a
purification system and various components thereof, that avoid some
or all of the deficiencies noted above, and which typically occur
with conventional purification systems.
[0010] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a purification
system comprising: [0011] a disposable sump assembly comprising:
[0012] a longitudinal side wall; [0013] a distal bottom portion
integral with the longitudinal side wall; [0014] a disposable
purification media cartridge disposed within the sump, displaced
from the longitudinal side wall to create a gap through which
unfiltered fluid can flow, and having a longitudinal central
opening through which filtered fluid can flow; [0015] a
purification head assembly detachably connected to the sump,
comprising: [0016] an inlet in fluid communication with the gap;
[0017] an outlet in fluid communication with the longitudinal
central opening; [0018] a flow dispersal plate disposed between the
inlet and the gap comprising flow diversion elements that direct
fluid flow longitudinally along the gap, circumferentially around
the gap, or both.
[0019] An important feature of the system of the invention is the
use of flow paths in the filtration head that have diameters close
to, or the same as, those of the inlet and outlet opening, and
desirably, as the inlet and outlet piping. This increases the
conductance of fluid flowing through the device, and allows greater
throughput at lower pressure drop.
[0020] In addition to the disposability of the sump assembly, the
modularity of the system allows it to be disposed in a variety of
flow patterns, including both series and parallel, without
modifying the existing piping of the system, simply by rotating the
purification head/sump within a mounting bracket. To this end, in
one embodiment, the invention also includes a mounting bracket
comprising:
[0021] a mounting surface that substantially corresponds to a
surface supporting the purification system, and
[0022] a support ring rigidly attached to the mounting surface and
extending therefrom at an angle to the mounting surface, wherein
the support ring comprises an opening therein adapted to receive
the purification head assembly, wherein the purification head
assembly can be rotated within the support ring to different
circumferential positions.
[0023] An important part of the purification system of the
invention is the flow dispersal plate. This plate contains
essentially three features: a substantially planar fluid
distribution portion, which takes incoming fluid to be filtered and
spreads it out, moving it outward toward the circumference of the
purification sump assembly; a flow diverting portion, for directing
the fluid flow at least longitudinally along the gap between the
fluid purification media and the sump wall, and desirably providing
a circumferential velocity component as well; and a central opening
for returning purified fluid to the system without contact with the
fluid in the substantially planar flow distribution portion. These
flow diverting portions may include a plurality of angled vanes
around the outer edge of the flow distribution portion, or a
plurality of angled, substantially longitudinal, holes in the outer
edge of the flow distribution portion.
[0024] The purification system of the invention is highly modular
and readily adaptable to a variety of configurations without the
need for repiping or doing significant plumbing at the site of the
installation when the configuration of the system is changed.
Moreover, the purification system lends itself to the use of a
variety of purification techniques: the fluid purification media
can contain a variety of different purification materials.
Nonlimiting examples include activated carbon (either granular or
in the form of a carbon block with polymeric resin binder),
zeolite, titanium oxides, reverse osmosis membranes, and the like.
Two or more of these may be combined into a single cartridge or
they may be disposed in separate cartridges in separate
purification apparatuses that are connected in series or parallel,
or some combination thereof.
[0025] An optional feature of the purification system of the
invention is the flexible clips used to secure system piping and/or
adapters to the purification head assembly. These clips help to
provide a water-tight connection, while at the same time providing
easy change-out of system components. They contain a main body
section having two end portions and a middle portion;
[0026] a pair of flexible extending sections extending from each of
the end portions of the main body section substantially normal
thereto;
[0027] a central extending section extending from the middle
portion of the main body section substantially normal thereto;
[0028] wherein each of the flexible extending sections and the
central extending section define an opening adapted to receive an
outer surface of a conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
purification system of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 1B is a side plan view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIG. 1A.
[0031] FIG. 1C is a front plan view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0032] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIG. 1 taken along
section line A-A in FIG. 1B.
[0033] FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIG. 1-2 taken along
section line B-B in FIG. 1C
[0034] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIG. 1-2.
[0035] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the embodiment of the
purification system of the invention shown in FIG. 1-2 taken along
section line C-C in FIG. 1B.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting
bracket, which optionally forms a part of the purification system
of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing
end cap that forms a part of one embodiment of the purification
system of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of the housing end cap of FIG.
5A.
[0039] FIG. 5C is side sectional view of the housing end cap taken
along section line A-A of FIG. 5B.
[0040] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flow
dispersal plate that forms a part of one embodiment of the
purification system of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 6B is a side plan view of the flow dispersal plate of
FIG. 6A.
[0042] FIG. 6C is a top plan view of the flow dispersal plate of
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0043] FIG. 6D is a bottom plan view of the flow dispersal plate of
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C.
[0044] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
flow dispersal plate of one embodiment of a purification system of
the invention.
[0045] FIG. 7B is a side plan view of the flow dispersal plate of
FIG. 7A.
[0046] FIG. 7C is a sectional view of the flow dispersal plate of
FIGS. 7A and 7B, taken along section line A-A in FIG. 7B.
[0047] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are a plan view and a perspective view,
respectively, of one embodiment of a clamp used to secure inflow
and outflow line adapters to the purification head, in one
embodiment of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are a perspective view and a side plan
view, respectively, of a one embodiment of a connector according to
the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an assembled
purification system according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of two arrangements of
purification apparatuses according to the invention. FIG. 11A shows
the apparatuses arranged for parallel flow, while FIG. 11B shows
the apparatuses arranged for series flow.
[0051] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are a top, side sectional, and
bottom view, respectively, of a spacer ring for disposing
undersized purification media cartridges in the purification
apparatus of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0052] The purification system of the invention will be described
with respect to certain specific embodiments, which description is
intended to aid in understanding of the invention, and not to limit
the scope of the claims.
[0053] FIG. 1A is a perspective view, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are side
and front plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the
purification system of the invention. Sump 101 is adapted to
contain a purification media cartridge (not shown), and is
typically made of polymer (such as polyolefins (e.g., LDPE, HDPE,
polypropylene, polybutylene, etc.), polyamides (e.g., nylons),
polyesters (e.g., PET), and the like) or other lightweight,
disposable material. The sump is designed to be disposable along
with the purification media cartridge, so that maintaining the
purification system does not require disassembly of the media from
the sump, handling of the media, etc. This eliminates the need for
maintenance personnel to handle unsanitary, contaminated media.
Sump 101 is detachably connected to purification head 103, which
contains inlet openings 105 and outlet openings 107. FIG. 1 shows
optional clip insertion slots 109, adapted to receive retaining
clips (not shown) for securing fittings (not shown) that connect
piping or conduits to the purification system. The retaining clips
and fittings are described in more detail herein. Purification head
103 also contains circumferential detents 111, which are designed
to allow purification head 103 (and attached sump 101) to be
rotated within a mounting bracket by a fixed angular distance
(usually multiples of 90.degree.).
[0054] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the purification assembly
shown in FIG. 1, taken along section line A-A in FIG. 1B. FIG. 2B
is a sectional view of the purification assembly shown in FIG. 1
taken along section line B-B in FIG. 1C. Sump 201 contains a
longitudinal side wall 213 and a bottom portion 215 located
distally from purification head assembly 203 and integral with
longitudinal side wall 213. Sump 201 contains purification media
cartridge 217, which is displaced from the longitudinal side wall
213 a sufficient distance to create gap 219, through which
unfiltered water can flow. Purification media cartridge 217
contains purification media 221, and defines a longitudinal central
opening 223 through which filtered water can flow. As described
above, sump 201 is detachably connected to purification head 203,
and is designed and constructed so that sump 201 and purification
media cartridge 217 can be disposed of together, without the need
for separate handling of purification media cartridge 217.
[0055] Purification head 203 contains an inlet opening 205 that is
in fluid communication with a chamber defined by housing end cap
225 and flow dispersal plate 227. Flow dispersal plate 227, which
is a plate closely fitting between annular housing end cap 225 and
purification media cartridge 217, contains openings therethrough
that direct fluid into gap 219. These openings may be angled holes
extending through the thickness of the plate, or angled vanes, in
order to give the fluid both a circumferential velocity component
and/or a radial velocity component, as well as a longitudinal
velocity component. The circumferential and/or radial velocity
components are believed to force fluid flow across more of the
surface of the purification media cartridge, and to remove surface
debris therefrom, reducing the dead zone phenomenon as well as
reducing clogging of the purification media. Unfiltered fluid
flowing into the gap 219 flows through the purification media
cartridge 217, which is typically a porous monolithic or
particulate material. Filtered fluid leaves the purification media
217 and flows toward the purification head 203 through longitudinal
central opening 223, and leaves the purification system through
outlet 207, which is connected to conduits that carry the water to
its intended use, or to another purification step. Purification
head 203 also contains circumferential detents 211, which
correspond to circumferential detents 111 shown in FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 3A is a top plan view and FIG. 3B a bottom sectional
view along section line C-C of FIG. 1B of purification head 303.
Unfiltered fluid is conducted to inlet 305 by conduits and
connectors (not shown) held in place via clips (not shown) in slots
309. Similarly, filtered water exits the purification system
through outlet 307. Detent 311 allows purification head 303 to
rotate between fixed positions in a mounting bracket. Bottom
sectional view FIG. 3B shows more detail of the flow paths inside
purification head 303. Semicircular cutout 308 is in fluid
communication with fluid inlet 305, and allows incoming unfiltered
fluid to flow between fluid inlet 305 and gap 219, as explained in
more detail herein. Longitudinal central opening 310 is in fluid
communication with outlet 307, and allows filtered fluid to flow
between longitudinal central opening 223 and outlet 307.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting
bracket 429 which forms an optional part of the purification system
of the invention. Mounting bracket 429 contains a mounting surface
431 that will correspond substantially to the surface that will
support the purification assembly. If the supporting surface is
flat, e.g., a flat wall, then the mounting surface 431 should be
substantially flat. Curved supporting surfaces can be used, but the
mounting surface should be curved as well. Mounting surface 431 is
rigidly attached to support ring 433, which extends at an angle
from mounting surface 431. Typically, support ring 433 will extend
perpendicularly from mounting surface 431, but other angles are
possible. Within support ring 433 are a plurality of spaced detents
435. These cooperate with detents 111 on purification head assembly
to allow the purification head and sump to be rotated within the
mounting bracket to different fixed positions.
[0058] This ability to rotate the purification head and sump
between fixed positions without removal of the mounting bracket,
combined with the presence of multiple available inlet and outlet
openings in the purification head, allows maximum flexibility in
configuring and modifying the purification system of the invention.
For example, referring to FIG. 3B, the purification head can be
configured for single device use by connecting an inlet flow pipe
to inlet opening 305a and an outlet flow pipe to outlet opening
307b, and by plugging the other two available inlet and outlet
openings (305b and 307a, respectively). This forces all of the
fluid to pass through the purification media cartridge and be
purified by the system. The fluid exiting outlet opening can be
conducted to the inlet opening of a second purification system
configured in the same way. All of the fluid will be purified by
the second purification system, and the first and second systems
are essentially connected in series.
[0059] Alternatively, a second purification system can be disposed
after the first system in the fluid flow path, but not be used to
purify fluid at a particular point in time. Such an arrangement
might be desirably where it is necessary to have a back-up or
reserve system ready for use if there is a problem with a primary
system, or during changing of the sump/purification cartridge of
the primary system.
[0060] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a housing end cap 525 that
forms a part of one embodiment of the invention. The housing end
cap 525 fits tightly onto the top of sump 101 (shown in FIG. 1) and
seals within the sump 101 both purification media cartridge 221 and
flow dispersal plate 227. Housing end cap 225 also helps to
maintain separate flow paths for the unfiltered and filtered
fluids, and helps to distribute and convey unfiltered fluid over
the fluid dispersal plate. Housing end cap 525 contains a central
opening 537, which permits unfiltered water to flow through the
endcap and along its underside, and also accommodates a flow
conduit from the longitudinal central opening 223 of the
purification media cartridge 217 (as shown in FIG. 2). The housing
end cap 525 also contains a generally cylindrical wall portion 539
and a substantially planar portion 541 extending from a collar 543
that defines a portion of central opening 537. Along the underside
of the substantially planar portion 541 are a series of
circumferentially spaced radial vanes 545, which channel and
distribute influent unfiltered fluid to the flow dispersal
plate.
[0061] FIG. 6A provides a perspective view, and FIGS. 6B, 6C, and
6D provide side plan, top plan, and bottom plan views,
respectively, of one embodiment of a flow dispersal plate 627
according to the invention. Flow dispersal plate 627 contains a
central opening 647 adapted to be in fluid communication with
central longitudinal opening 223 of purification media cartridge
217, and to fit within central opening 537 of housing end cap 525,
thereby conducting filtered fluid from the purification media
cartridge to the outlet 307 of purification head 303 (as shown in
FIG. 3). Flow dispersal plate 627 also has a substantially planar
flow distribution portion 649, which forms a flow channel with the
underside of housing end cap 525 and the radial vanes 545 disposed
thereon, conducting in flowing unfiltered fluid toward the gap 219
between the purification media cartridge 217 and substantially
cylindrical wall 213 of sump 201. Unfiltered fluid passes over the
edge of flow distribution portion 649, where it is directed into
the gap by one or more flow dispersal members 651. As illustrated
in FIG. 6A, these flow dispersal members may be angled vanes
circumferentially spaced around the periphery of flow distribution
portion 649. The vanes are angled so as to direct fluid flow both
circumferentially around and axially (in the longitudinal
direction) along the periphery of the purification media
cartridge.
[0062] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that
imparting a multidirectional flow to the unfiltered fluid reduces
the occurrence of dead spots in the purification media cartridge,
and prolongs its useful life. It is believe that the
circumferential velocity component of the fluid causes it to scour
the surface of the purification media cartridge, thereby preventing
portions closest to the inlet from becoming unduly clogged with
debris. In addition, it is believed that directing the flow along
the longitudinal axis of the purification media cartridge helps to
improve the flow characteristics of the sump, and to distribute the
unfiltered fluid over more surface area of the purification media
cartridge, again helping to avoid the formation of dead spots, as
well as more efficiently utilizing the adsorption capacity of the
purification media, and thereby extending its useful life. As the
purification media capacity is used more efficiently (i.e., as
unfiltered fluid is passed through a larger portion of the
purification media cartridge), it will take a longer time before
the purification media becomes completely loaded and must be
discarded. This increase in purification media lifetime will more
than offset any increase in cost (over existing purification
apparatus) entailed by using a fully disposable sump.
[0063] Alternative designs for the flow dispersal plate are also
contemplated and are within the scope of the invention. Any
geometry that is capable of conducting fluid from the housing end
cap to the gap 219 (shown in FIG. 2), and of then imparting at
least a longitudinal, and desirably also a circumferential,
velocity component to the fluid, is within the scope of the
invention. Representative alternative geometries include a
perforated plate, such as that show in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, which
are perspective, side plan, and sectional views of an alternative
flow dispersal plate 727. Filtered water is conducted away from the
longitudinal central opening 223 of purification media cartridge
217 (shown in FIG. 2) by central opening 747, which fits into
central opening 537 of housing end cap 525 (shown in FIG. 5).
Inflowing, unfiltered fluid is conducted toward gap 219 (shown in
FIG. 2) by substantially planar portion 749. As the fluid
approaches the periphery of substantially planar portion 749, it is
conducted through a series of circumferentially spaced angled
perforations 751, which direct the fluid downward into gap 219. The
perforations can be angled outwardly, as shown in FIG. 7C,
inwardly, laterally, or some combination of these, so as to impart
multiple velocity components to the fluid as it enters gap 219.
These different velocity components help to scour debris from the
region of the purification media cartridge close to the inlet, as
well as to direct the fluid toward otherwise underutilized regions
of the purification media. As with the embodiment of the fluid
dispersal plate shown in FIG. 6, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7
helps to more efficiently utilize the capacity of the purification
media, and to increase its useful life, offsetting the costs
involved in using a fully disposable sump and purification
cartridge combination.
[0064] An additional feature of certain embodiments of purification
assembly according to this invention is the use of consistent inner
diameter openings throughout the apparatus. This reduces the
effective number of orifices in the system, greatly increasing the
fluid conductance of the system, and thus the flow rates achievable
for a given pressure drop. For example, using3/4 inch openings
throughout the apparatus allows the purification system of the
invention to achieve flow rates as high as 30 gpm for a pressure
drop of no more than 10 psi (without purification media
cartridge).
[0065] The purification system of the invention possesses a high
degree of modularity. First, as mentioned above, the sump,
purification media cartridge, flow dispersal plate, and housing end
cap fully replaceable and disposable as a single unit.
Additionally, in one embodiment of the system, connection to inflow
and outflow lines can be made by a series of connectors and
adapters secured to the purification head by special flat clips,
shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8A shows a plan view of the clip 853, which
is designed to slide into clip insertion slots 109 in FIG. 1. Clip
853 contains main body portion 855 and extending portions that
extend transverse to the main body portion. In the illustrated
embodiment, these extending portions include two long extending
portions 857, which are flexible, extend from the ends of main body
portion 855, and are adapted to receive and hold connectors or
adapters, connected to the inflow and outflow piping, into openings
859. Clip 853, as illustrated, also contains short extending
portion 861, which also extends from the central region of main
body portion 855, and which also helps to receive and hold
connectors or adapters connected to the inflow and outflow piping.
Also included within the scope of the invention are clips having a
single long extending portion extending from the central region of
main body portion 855, and two short extending portions that extend
from the ends of main body portion 855. The clips are easy to
engage and disengage, as they are typically made from a flexible
polymeric material. To engage the clips, the connector or adapter
is inserted into the purification head and the clip is inserted
into the clip insertion slots. The extending portions are displaced
outwardly until they spring back into place around the connector or
adapter. The curvature of opening 859 of the clip matches the outer
curvature of the connector or adapter, so that once the clip has
been inserted, it secures the connector or adapter to the
purification head in a water-tight fit. Disconnection of the
connector or adapter is accomplished by simply pulling on the main
body of the clip, again forcing extending portions around the
adapter or connector, then removing the adapter or connector from
the purification head.
[0066] The function of the connector or adapter and its interaction
with the clip and the purification head can be understood better by
reference to FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are
perspective and side plan views of a particular adapter or
connector 963 according to one embodiment of the invention. This
adapter contains a threaded portion 969, adapted to connect to
inflow or outflow piping. The adapter also contains an insertion
portion 965 to be inserted into the purification head. Portion 965
contains an annular indent 967 adapted to fit into opening 859 of
clip 853. Adapter 963 also contains a flange 970, and annular
openings 971 suitable to receive polymeric O-rings, both of which
function to help create a water-tight seal with the purification
head. Other forms of connector or adapter can also be used,
including those having insertion portions 965 at both ends and
illustrated in FIG. 10 as connector 1073, or those having a barrier
within the adapter to prevent water from flowing therethrough, as
described in more detail below. Such connectors can be used to link
multiple purification apparatus in series or parallel, as described
in more detail below.
[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates how the purification head 1003, sump
1001, clip 1053, adapters 1063 and 1073, and mounting bracket 1029
are used together in an embodiment of a purification system
according to the invention.
[0068] As described above, the purification system according to the
invention is highly modular, and can be readily adapted to service
a variety of water purification installations. Often, it will be
necessary or desirable to use multiple purification media
cartridge/sump assemblies to treat water. This may be because
different purification cartridges are better adapted to remove
specific impurities, and the inflowing water contains multiple
impurities to be removed. Multiple treatments may also be necessary
when the inflowing water is so highly contaminated that several
passes through a purification apparatus are necessary to achieve a
desired purity level. It may also be necessary to use several
purification media cartridges when the Volume of water to be
purified is so high that a single purification media cartridge
could not process it at an acceptable flow rate. Examples of two
simple methods for linking multiple purification assemblies are
shown schematically in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B.
[0069] FIG. 11A illustrates a parallel flow arrangement, which
might be desirable for treating large volumes of water for moderate
contamination. One or more inlet pipes 1181 and 1183 bring water to
be purified to first purification system 1175. A portion of this
incoming water passes through the purification media cartridge
contained in purification system 1175 and passes out of the system
through outlet pipe 1187. The portion of water that does not pass
through the purification media cartridge of first purification
system 1175, i.e., a bypass stream, will leave the system through
outlet pipe 1185. Both outlet pipe 1187 and outlet pipe 1185 pass
water to second purification system 1177, where a portion of the
water coming from pipe 1185 passes through the purification media
cartridge of purification system 1177, and a portion bypasses the
cartridge and flows out of the system. Water leaves purification
system 1177 through outlet pipes 1189 and 1191, and is conveyed to
third purification system 1179, where a portion of the incoming
water passes through the purification media cartridge of that
purification system and a portion flows out of the system bypassing
the cartridge. Water leaves the purification system through outlet
pipes 1193 and 1195.
[0070] FIG. 11B illustrates a series flow arrangement, which would
be suitable for treating heavily contaminated water, or water where
high levels of purity are required, or water contaminated with
species best removable using a variety of different purification
media. Water enters first purification system 1175 through inlet
1181. Inlet pipe 1183 may or may not be used. Outlet 1185 is
blocked with a blocking connector 1197. This forces all of the
incoming water through the purification media cartridge of
purification system 1175 and out through outlet 1187. This water
then flows into the inlet of second purification system 1177, where
it passes through the purification media cartridge of second
purification system 1177 and out through outlet 1189, because
outlet/bypass 1191 is blocked by blocking connector 1199. The water
then flows into third purification system 1179, where it is forced
through the purification media cartridge and out through outlet
1195 (because outlet/bypass 1193 is blocked with a blocking
connector). The modularity of the purification system of the
invention allows it to be easily converted from one flow scheme to
another simply by rotating the sump/purification head assembly of
second purification system 1177 within the mounting bracket, as
described above, and inserting or removing a blocking connector
using the flexible clips, also described above.
[0071] Although both flow scheme embodiments have been illustrated
in FIG. 11 using three purification systems, it will be recognized
by those skilled in the art that the same flow schemes could be
carried out using fewer or more purification systems. The
purification media cartridges in each may be the same or different.
Moreover, other arrangements can be easily imagined and implemented
by suitable introduction of blocking connectors and rotation of the
purification head/sump assemblies. These arrangements are also
considered to be within the scope of the invention.
[0072] An optional element of the purification system of the
invention is the filtration media cartridge spacer ring, shown in
FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, and FIG. 12C, and which functions as an adapter
collar, allowing undersized purification media cartridges to be
used in a sump designed for a larger purification media cartridge.
The spacer ring fits between the outer surface of the purification
media cartridge and the inner surface of the sump wall,
immobilizing the purification media cartridge in the proper
position to maintain flow stream integrity and allow the
purification assembly to function with a smaller cartridge. FIG.
12A shows a top view of the spacer ring 1201 having inner surfaces
1203 adapted to contact the outer surface of the purification media
cartridge, which fits within inner space 1205. Lugs 1211 disposed
on outer surface 1207 of spacer ring 1201 contact the inner surface
of the sump. Flexible flap 1209 exerts outward pressure against the
sump wall, helping to keep the spacer ring 1201 positioned
properly. FIG. 12B shows a side sectional view taken along line A-A
in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B is a bottom view of spacer ring 1201.
* * * * *