U.S. patent application number 16/616204 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for fluid disinfection apparatus and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACUVA TECHNOLOGIES INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ACUVA TECHNOLOGIES INC. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. Invention is credited to Babak ADELI-KOUDEHI, Ashkan BABAIE, Fariborz TAGHIPOUR.
Application Number | 20200140291 16/616204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64395140 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200140291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BABAIE; Ashkan ; et
al. |
May 7, 2020 |
FLUID DISINFECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS
Abstract
Aspects of exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus and methods
are described. One aspect is a disinfection apparatus comprising a
body comprising a reflecting chamber, a fluid channel to direct a
fluid into reflecting chamber, and radiation source positioned to
output a disinfecting radiation into the chamber. The body may
include an inlet and outlet. For example, the inlet may extend
through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity; the
reflecting chamber may extend along an axis of the body; and the
outlet may extend through an end of the reflecting chamber to
discharge the fluid from the body. In this example, the fluid
channel may direct the fluid from the inlet into the reflecting
chamber at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity; and
the radiation source may be positioned to output the disinfecting
radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outlet.
Inventors: |
BABAIE; Ashkan; (Vancouver,
CA) ; ADELI-KOUDEHI; Babak; (Vancouver, CA) ;
TAGHIPOUR; Fariborz; (Burnaby, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ACUVA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA |
Burnaby
Vancouver |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
ACUVA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Burnaby
BC
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver
BC
|
Family ID: |
64395140 |
Appl. No.: |
16/616204 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
May 25, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2018/050616 |
371 Date: |
November 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62511955 |
May 26, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2201/328 20130101;
C02F 2303/04 20130101; C02F 1/725 20130101; A61L 2202/11 20130101;
C02F 2201/3222 20130101; C02F 2201/3221 20130101; C02F 2201/3228
20130101; A61L 2202/122 20130101; C02F 1/325 20130101; A61L 2/10
20130101; A61L 2/26 20130101; A61L 2202/121 20130101; C02F 2305/10
20130101; A61L 9/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/32 20060101
C02F001/32; A61L 2/26 20060101 A61L002/26; A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10 |
Claims
1. A reactor apparatus comprising: a body including an inlet
extending through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity,
a reflecting chamber extending along an axis of the body, and an
outlet extending through an end of the reflecting chamber to
discharge the fluid from the body; a fluid channel in the body to
direct a fluid from the inlet into the reflecting chamber at a
second velocity smaller than the first velocity; and a radiation
source positioned to output a disinfecting radiation into the
reflecting chamber toward the outlet.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least an opening of the
inlet is generally transverse with the axis.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least an opening of the
outlet is generally parallel to the axis.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least an opening of the
outlet is coaxial with the axis.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the radiation source is
coaxial with the axis so that a portion of the disinfecting
radiation is discharged from the outlet with the fluid.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the portion of discharged
radiation further disinfects the fluid downstream of the
apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the
reflecting chamber across the axis is circular.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body and the reflecting
chamber include a similar shape or volume along the axis.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the similar shape or volume is
cylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, spherical, or
prismatic.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein dimensions of the reflecting
chamber and the radiation source are configured to distribute the
disinfecting radiation throughout the reflecting chamber.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axis extends between a
first end of the body and a second end of the body, the radiation
source is disposed at the first end, the reflecting chamber is
disposed between the first and second ends, and the outlet extends
through the first end.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the inlet is adjacent the
first end.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein interior surfaces of the
reflecting chamber include a UV reflective material.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reflecting chamber has a
length and a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter is
equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the length divided by the
diameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately
3.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid channel at least
partially surrounds the reflecting chamber.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reflecting chamber is
defined by an internal structure extending along the axis in the
body.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiation source includes
one or more point sources.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the one or more point sources
emit the disinfecting radiation in a direction generally parallel
to the axis.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a window disposed
between the radiation source and the reflective chamber, wherein
the disinfecting radiation passes through the window.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the window seals the
radiation source from the fluid.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting radiation
includes a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm to
approximately 320 nm.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting radiation
includes a peak wavelength of between approximately 230 nm to
approximately 300 nm.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiation source is a
UV-LED.
25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiation source has a
lens.
26. A method comprising: directing a fluid from an inlet of a body
at a first velocity into a reflecting chamber at a second velocity
less than the first velocity; and exposing the fluid to a
disinfecting radiation output into the reflecting chamber toward
the outlet; and discharging the fluid from the body out of an
outlet extending through an end of the reflecting chamber.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the body comprises a fluid
channel and directing the fluid comprises directing the fluid
through the fluid channel.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein the reflecting chamber has a
length and a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter is
equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.
29. The method of claim 26 wherein the reflecting chamber has a
length and a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter is
equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein the inlet and outlet are
disposed at one end of the body, and directing the fluid further
comprises: directing the fluid from the inlet in a first direction
along the axis; and directing the fluid into reflecting chamber in
a second direction along the axis, wherein the first direction is
different from second direction.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein directing the fluid further
comprises directing the fluid from the first direction to the
second direction.
32. The method of claim 27, wherein directing the fluid through the
fluid channel comprises causing the fluid to at least partially
surround the reflecting chamber.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein directing the fluid through the
fluid channel comprises directing the fluid between an interior
surface of the body and an exterior surface of the reflecting
chamber.
34. The method of claim 27, wherein the second velocity is less
than 50% of the first velocity.
35. The method of claim 26, wherein exposing the fluid to the
disinfecting radiation comprises outputting the disinfecting
radiation from a radiation source disposed on the body.
36. The method of claim 26, further comprising diverting the fluid
from the fluid channel into the reflecting chamber with an internal
surface of the body disposed adjacent the radiation source.
37. The method of claim 26, further comprising outputting the
disinfecting radiation towards the outlet.
38. The method of claim 37 further comprising outputting the
disinfecting radiation from one or more point sources of the
radiation source.
39. The method of claim 37 wherein the inlet is generally
transverse with the outlet, further comprising discharging at least
a portion of the disinfecting radiation out of the outlet with
fluid.
40. The method of claim 26, further comprising causing the
disinfecting radiation to be reflected off of reflective surfaces
of the reflecting chamber.
41. The method of claim 26, wherein exposing the fluid to the
disinfecting radiation comprises outputting the disinfecting
radiation through a window disposed between the radiation source
and reflecting chamber.
42. The method of claim 26, further comprising causing the
disinfecting radiation to have a wavelength of between
approximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm.
43. The method of claim 26, further comprising causing the
disinfecting radiation to have a peak wavelength of between
approximately 230 nm to approximately 300 nm.
44. The method claim 26, wherein exposing the fluid to the
disinfecting radiation comprises outputting a UV radiation.
45. An apparatus comprising: a body including an inlet extending
through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity, a
reflecting means extending along an axis of the body, and an outlet
extending through an end of the reflecting means to discharge the
fluid from the body, a flow means in the body for directing a fluid
from the inlet into the reflecting means at a second velocity
smaller than the first velocity; and a radiation means for
outputting a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting means
toward the outlet.
46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein at least an opening of the
inlet is generally transverse with the axis
47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein at least an opening of the
outlet is generally parallel to the axis.
48. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein at least an opening of the
outlet is coaxial with the axis.
49. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the radiation source is
coaxial with the axis so that a portion of the disinfecting
radiation is discharged from the outlet with the fluid.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the portion of discharged
radiation further disinfects the fluid downstream of the
apparatus.
51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein a cross-section of the
reflecting means across the axis is circular.
52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the body and the reflecting
means include a similar shape or volume along the axis.
53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the similar shape or volume
is cylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, or spherical.
54. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein dimensions of the reflecting
means and the radiation means are configured to distribute the
disinfecting radiation throughout the reflecting means.
55. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the axis extends between a
first end of the body and a second end of the body, the radiation
means is disposed at the second end, the reflecting means is
disposed between the first and second ends, and the outlet extends
through the first end.
56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the inlet is adjacent the
first end.
57. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein interior surfaces of the
reflecting means include a UV reflective material.
58. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the reflecting means has a
length and a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter is
equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.
59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the length divided by the
diameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately
3.
60. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the flow means at least
partially surrounds the reflecting means.
61. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the reflecting means is
defined by an internal structure extending along the axis in the
body.
62. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the radiation means includes
one or more point sources.
63. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein the one or more point sources
emit the disinfecting radiation in a direction generally parallel
to the axis.
64. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a transmitting
means disposed between the radiation means and the reflecting
means, wherein the disinfecting radiation passes through the
transmitting means.
65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the transmitting means seals
the radiation means from the fluid.
66. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the disinfecting radiation
includes a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm to
approximately 320 nm.
67. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the disinfecting radiation
includes a peak wavelength of between approximately 230 nm to
approximately 300 nm.
68. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the radiation means
comprises a UV-LED.
69. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the radiation means
comprises a lens.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to fluid disinfection apparatus and
methods. Particular aspects may comprise an ultraviolet ("UV")
photo-reactor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fluids such as air and water may be exposed to a dose of
disinfecting radiation in order to kill microbes and decompose
organic contaminants. For example, the fluids may be directed into
a chamber, and a UV radiation may be output from a point source in
a chamber, such a UV LED or similar radiation source. The dose may
be defined as an amount of energy "Q" (mJ per cm.sup.2) to which
the fluids are exposed from the disinfecting radiation; and
calculated as the product of irradiance "I" (mW per cm.sup.2)
multiplied by a fluid residence time "r" (s). Aspects of dose Q may
be tuned. For example, a more powerful point source of UV radiation
may be used to obtain a dose Q of UV radiation by increasing the UV
irradiance.
SUMMARY
[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure is an exemplary
disinfection apparatus. This apparatus may comprise a body. The
body may include an inlet extending through the body to receive a
fluid at a first velocity; a reflecting chamber extending along an
axis of the body; and an outlet extending through an end of the
reflecting chamber to discharge the fluid from the body. The
apparatus may comprise a fluid channel in the body to direct a
fluid from the inlet into the reflecting chamber. For example, the
fluid may be directed into the reflecting chamber by the fluid
channel at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity. The
apparatus also may comprise a radiation source positioned to output
a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the
outlet. For example, the source may be a UV LED. The inlet may be
generally transverse with the axis, and the outlet may be generally
parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the outlet may be coaxial
with the axis; and the radiation source may be coaxial with the
axis so that a portion of the disinfecting radiation is discharged
from the outlet with the fluid. For example, a portion of
discharged radiation may further disinfect the fluid downstream of
the apparatus. A cross-section of the reflecting chamber across the
axis may be circular. The body and the reflecting chamber may
include a similar shape or volume along the axis. Any shape or
volume may be used. For example, the similar shape or volume may be
cylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, spherical, or
prismatic.
[0004] Dimensions of the reflecting chamber and the radiation
source may be configured to distribute the disinfecting radiation
throughout the reflecting chamber. For example, the reflecting
chamber may have a length and a diameter, and the length divided by
the diameter may be equal to between approximately 0.5 and
approximately 2; or between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.
In some aspects, the axis may extend between a first end of the
body and a second end of the body; the radiation source may be
disposed at the first end; the reflecting chamber may be disposed
between the first and second ends; the outlet may extend through
the first end; and the inlet may be adjacent the first end.
[0005] Interior surfaces of the reflecting chamber may include a
reflective material. Any type of reflective material may be used,
including UV reflective materials. For example, the fluid channel
may at least partially surround the reflecting chamber, and the
reflecting chamber may be defined by an internal structure
extending along the axis in the body. As a further example, the
radiation source may include one or more point sources; and the one
or more point sources may emit the disinfecting radiation in a
direction generally parallel to the axis.
[0006] The apparatus may comprise a window disposed between the
radiation source and the reflective chamber. The disinfecting
radiation may pass through the window. And the window also may seal
the radiation source from the fluid. For example, the disinfecting
radiation may include a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm
to approximately 320 nm; or may include a peak wavelength of
between approximately 230 nm to approximately 300 nm. The radiation
source may be a UV-LED, and may include various optical components,
such as a lens.
[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an exemplary
fluid disinfection method. This method may comprise: directing a
fluid from an inlet of a body at a first velocity into a reflecting
chamber at a second velocity less than the first velocity; exposing
the fluid to a disinfecting radiation output into the reflecting
chamber toward the outlet; and discharging the fluid from the body
out of an outlet extending through an end of the reflecting
chamber. In some aspects, the second velocity may be less than 50%
of the first velocity.
[0008] The body may comprise a fluid channel and directing the
fluid may comprise directing the fluid through the fluid channel.
The reflecting chamber may have a length and a diameter, and the
length divided by the diameter may be equal to between
approximately 0.5 and approximately 2; or between approximately 0.5
and approximately 3. The inlet and the outlet may be disposed at
one end of the body, and directing the fluid may comprise:
directing the fluid from the inlet in a first direction along to
the axis; and directing the fluid into reflecting chamber in a
second direction along the axis, wherein the first direction is
different from the first direction. For example, directing the
fluid may comprise directing the fluid from the first direction to
the second direction. As a further example, directing the fluid
through the fluid channel also may comprise causing the fluid to at
least partially surround the reflecting chamber. For example, the
fluid may be directed between an interior surface of the body and
an exterior surface of the reflecting chamber.
[0009] Exposing the fluid to the disinfecting radiation may
comprise outputting the disinfecting radiation from a radiation
source disposed on the body. For example, the method may comprise
diverting the fluid from the fluid channel into the reflecting
chamber with an internal surface of the body disposed adjacent the
radiation source. The method may comprise outputting the
disinfecting radiation towards the outlet, such as from one or more
point sources of the radiation source. The inlet may be generally
transverse with the outlet, and the method also may comprise
discharging at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation out of
the outlet with fluid. The method also may comprise causing the
disinfecting radiation to be reflected off of reflective surfaces
of the reflecting chamber. In some aspects, exposing the fluid to
the disinfecting radiation may comprise outputting the radiation
through a window disposed between the radiation source and
reflecting chamber. For example, the disinfecting radiation may
have a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm to approximately
320 nm; or between approximately 230 nm to approximately 290 nm,
such that exposing the fluid to the disinfecting radiation may
comprise outputting UV radiation.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is another
disinfection apparatus. This apparatus may comprise: a body
comprising an inlet extending through the body to receive a fluid
at a first velocity; a reflecting means extending along an axis of
the body; and an outlet extending through an end of the reflecting
means to discharge the fluid from the body. The apparatus may
comprise a flow means in the body to direct a fluid from the inlet
into the reflecting means. The fluid may be directed by the flow
means at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity. The
apparatus also may comprise a radiation means positioned to output
a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting means toward the
outlet.
[0011] The inlet may be generally transverse with the axis, and the
outlet may be generally parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the
outlet may be coaxial with the axis; and the radiation means may be
coaxial with the axis so that a portion of the disinfecting
radiation is discharged from the outlet with the fluid. For
example, a portion of discharged radiation may further disinfect
the fluid downstream of the apparatus. A cross-section of the
reflecting means across the axis may be circular. The body and the
reflecting means may include a similar shape or volume along the
axis. Any shape or volume may be used. For example, the similar
shape or volume may be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal,
spherical, or prismatic.
[0012] Dimensions of the reflecting means and the radiation means
may be configured to distribute the disinfecting radiation
throughout the reflecting means. For example, the reflecting means
may have a length and a diameter, and the length divided by the
diameter may be equal to between approximately 0.5 and
approximately 2; or between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.
In some aspects, the axis may extend between a first end of the
body and a second end of the body; the radiation means may be
disposed at the first end; the reflecting means may be disposed
between the first and second ends; the outlet may extend through
the first end; and the inlet may be adjacent the first end.
[0013] Interior surfaces of the reflecting means may include a UV
reflective material. Any type of reflective material may be used,
including UV reflective materials. For example, the flow means may
at least partially surround the reflecting means, and the
reflecting means may be defined by an internal structure extending
along the axis in the body. As a further example, the radiation
means may include one or more point sources; and the one or more
point sources may emit the disinfecting radiation in a direction
generally parallel to the axis.
[0014] The apparatus also may comprise a transmitting means
disposed between the radiation means and the reflective means. The
disinfecting radiation passes through the transmitting means. And
the transmitting means may seal the radiation means from the fluid.
For example, the disinfecting radiation may include a wavelength of
between approximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm; or a peak
wavelength of between approximately 230 nm to approximately 300 m.
The radiation means may comprise a UV-LED, and may comprise optical
means, such as a lens.
[0015] Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure is
another disinfection apparatus. This apparatus may comprise: a cap
attached to a body; an inlet extending through the body to receive
a fluid; a reflecting chamber extending along an axis of the body;
and an outlet extending through the reflecting chamber to discharge
the fluid from the body. The cap may comprise a radiation source
positioned to output a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting
chamber toward the outlet when attached to the body. The body
and/or the cap may be composed of a thermally conductive material.
For example, the cap may be thermally coupled to the body and the
radiation source so that heat from the source may be transferred
into the body through the cap. As a further example, the body
and/or the cap may be thermally coupled to the fluid (e.g., in
contact therewith) so that at least a portion of the heat may be
transferred to the fluid to cool radiation source.
[0016] Aspects of related kits and systems are also disclosed. It
may be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following
detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only, neither
being restrictive of the inventions claimed below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
aspects that, together with the written descriptions, serve to
explain the principles of this disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary fluid disinfection
apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a section view of the FIG. 1 apparatus taken
along a section line A-A depicted in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view of the FIG. 1 apparatus taken
along a section line B-B depicted in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a top-down view of another exemplary fluid
disinfection apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of another exemplary fluid
disinfection apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary fluid velocity contour.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary irradiance distribution.
[0025] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary absolute incoherent
irradiance.
[0026] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagram of total power.
[0027] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary diagram of average dose.
[0028] FIG. 11 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection
apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 12 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection
apparatus.
[0030] FIG. 13 depicts another exemplary irradiance
distribution.
[0031] FIG. 14 depicts another exemplary irradiance
distribution.
[0032] FIG. 15 depicts another exemplary absolute incoherent
irradiance.
[0033] FIG. 16 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection
apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 17 depicts another exemplary irradiance
distribution.
[0035] FIG. 18 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection
apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary fluid disinfection method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with
reference to exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus and methods.
Some aspects are described with reference to a body comprising a
reflecting chamber, a fluid channel to direct a fluid into the
reflecting chamber, and a radiation source to output a dose Q (mJ
per cm.sup.2) of a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting
chamber. Dose Q may be calculated as the product of irradiance "I"
(mW per cm.sup.2) multiplied by a fluid residence time "r" (s)
("Equation 1"). For example, the reflecting chamber and fluid
channel may include interconnecting volumes in the body; the
radiation source may be a UV point source, such as a UV LED; and
the disinfecting radiation may include a UV radiation. Unless
claimed, these examples are provided for convenience and not
intended to limit the present disclosure. Accordingly, the concepts
described in this disclosure may be utilized for any analogous
apparatus or method, using any type of disinfecting radiation.
[0038] Numerous axes are described. In particular, a set of three
directional axes may be described, including an X-X axis, a Y-Y
axis, and a Z-Z axis. Each axis may be transverse with the next so
as to establish a coordinate system. The term "transverse" means:
lying, or being across; set crosswise; or made at right angles to
an axis, and includes perpendicular and non-perpendicular
arrangements. The term "longitudinal" may be used to describe
relative components and features. For example, longitudinal may
refer to an object having a first dimension or length that is
longer in relation to a second dimension or width. These
directional terms are provided for convenience and do not limit
this disclosure unless claimed.
[0039] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any
other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that an apparatus, method, or element thereof
comprising a list of elements does not include only those elements,
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent the
apparatus or method. Unless stated otherwise, the term "exemplary"
is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal." Various
terms of approximation may be used in this disclosure, including
"approximately" and "generally." Approximately means within plus or
minus 10% of a stated number.
[0040] Aspects of an exemplary disinfection apparatus 10 are now
described. As shown in FIG. 1, disinfection apparatus 10 may
comprise hydrodynamic and optical aspects operable with a radiation
source 90 to deliver an optimal energy dose Q of a disinfecting
radiation to a first fluid F.sub.1. Numerous hydrodynamic and
optical aspects of apparatus 10 are described with respect to an
exemplary body 20, shown in FIG. 1 as extending along an axis Y-Y.
As shown, body 20 may comprise: an inlet 30 to a fluid chamber 40,
a cap 50, a reflecting chamber 70 in fluid chamber 40, and an
outlet 80 from chamber 70.
[0041] Inlet 30 may extend through any portion of body 20 to input
first fluid F.sub.1. As shown in FIG. 1, inlet 30 may comprise an
inlet structure 32 extending outwardly from body 20 along an axis
X-X and a lumen 34 extending through body 20 along axis X-X for
communication with fluid chamber 40. For example, first fluid
F.sub.1 may be input to lumen 34 from a first hose or tube
engageable with inlet structure 32.
[0042] Fluid chamber 40 may comprise one or more interior shapes or
volumes. At least two of the interior shapes volumes may be
interconnecting. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, an interior
structure 42 may be located in fluid chamber 40 to define two
interconnected interior shapes or volumes, including a flow channel
44 and reflecting chamber 70. For example, flow channel 44 may be a
first interconnecting shape or volume on an exterior side of
structure 42, and reflecting chamber 70 may be a second
interconnecting shape or volume on an interior side of structure
42. In this example, first fluid F.sub.1 may: (i) enter through
inlet 30; (ii) pass through body 20 in lumen 34; (iii) enter flow
channel 44; (iv) be directed into reflecting chamber 70 by channel
44; (v) be exposed to the disinfecting radiation in chamber 70; and
(v) exit through outlet 80 as a second fluid F.sub.2. Because of
the disinfecting radiation, second fluid F.sub.2 may be different
from first fluid F.sub.1. For example, first fluid F.sub.1 may
contain a first quantity of contaminants (e.g., microbes and
organic contaminants), second fluid F.sub.2 may contain a second
quantity of contaminants (e.g., microbes and organic contaminants),
and the second quantity may be less than the first quantity, making
fluid F.sub.2 disinfected relative to fluid F.sub.1. As described
below, other characteristics of second fluid F.sub.2 also may be
different from first fluid F.sub.1, such as velocity and
temperature.
[0043] The one or more interior shapes or volumes of fluid chamber
40 may include the same or different cross-sectional areas. Any
regular or irregularly shaped area(s) may be used, including
circular, quadrilateral, polygonal, and the like. As shown in FIG.
3, flow channel 44 and reflecting chamber 70 may have circular
cross-sectional areas that are coaxial with axis Y-Y. For example,
flow channel 44 may comprise an open cylindrical volume extending
along axis Y-Y between a first end in communication with lumen 34
and a second end in communication with reflecting chamber 70. In
this example, the open cylindrical volume may be defined by: (i) a
distance between interior surface 23 of body 20 and an interior
elevation 43 in body 20 along axis Y-Y; and (ii) a cross-sectional
area about axis Y-Y between an interior surface 28 of body 20 and
an exterior surface 41 of structure 42 along the distance. As a
further example, flow channel 44 may include a conduit connecting
its first and second ends; and the conduit may extend along axis
Y-Y, wrap around interior structure 42 about axis Y-Y, or take any
other path within fluid chamber 40.
[0044] The second end of flow channel 44 may be configured to
direct first fluid F.sub.1 into reflecting chamber 70. For example,
the second end of channel 44 may direct first fluid F.sub.1 toward
an interior surface 27 of body 20 configured to redirect fluid
F.sub.1 towards axis Y-Y, over interior structure 42 at interior
elevation 43, and into reflecting chamber 70. As shown in FIG. 2,
interior surface 27 may be disposed generally transversely with
axis Y-Y to direct fluid F.sub.1 toward axis Y-Y and into chamber
70. Interior surface 27 may include any number features configured
to direct and/or modify the flow of first fluid F.sub.1, including
curves, protrusions, ridges, and the like.
[0045] Cap 50 may be attached to any portion of body 20 and
configured to seal fluid chamber 40. As shown in FIG. 2, cap 50 may
be attached to a first end 22 of body 20 with any type of sealing
elements, including adhesives, heat treatments, threads, and the
like. Radiation source 90 may be attached to cap 50 and configured
to output a disinfecting radiation into fluid chamber 40. For
example, source 90 may include one or more point sources and
associated electronic components mounted to in interior compartment
54 on an underside of cap 50. The point source(s) may include an
UV-LED, and the disinfecting radiation may include the UV
radiation, including any combination of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. In
some aspects, radiation source 90 and interior compartment 54 may
be coaxial with axis Y-Y, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein radiation
source 90 is positioned to output the disinfecting radiation into
reflecting chamber 70 toward outlet 80 so that a portion of the
radiation is discharged from chamber 70 through outlet 80 with
first fluid F.sub.1. For example, this arrangement may allow one or
more UV LEDs apply a first dose Q of UV radiation in reflecting
chamber 70 and a second dose Q of UV radiation downstream of
chamber 70.
[0046] At least one of cap 50 or first end 22 of body 20 may
comprise a window 56 configured to seal radiation source 90 within
compartment 54 of cap 50. As shown in FIG. 2, compartment 54 may
extend into an underside of cap 50 and window 54 may be attached to
the underside. For example, window 54 may be composed of a
radiation transparent material configured to: (i) seal radiation
source 90 within interior compartment 54 when cap 50 is attached to
first end 22, and (ii) allow the disinfecting radiation to pass
into chamber 40. For example, window 54 may include a quartz or
quartz-like material configured to pass UV radiation there
through.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cap 50 may be composed of a
thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum). Cap 50 also may be
configured to cool radiation source 90 with first fluid F.sub.1.
For example, cap 50 may in conductive communication with first
fluid F.sub.1 and radiation source 90 when attached to body 20,
allowing a temperature of fluid F.sub.1 to cool point source(s) of
radiation source 90. As a further example, the thermally conductive
material of cap 50 also may be in conductive communication with a
thermally conductive portion of body 20, allowing all or portions
of body 20 to provide an additional heat sink.
[0048] Any interior surface of fluid chamber 40 may be reflective.
For example, interior surfaces of reaction chamber 70 may be
defined by interior structure 42, and at least those surfaces may
be made of or coated with the reflective material. As shown in FIG.
2, for example, the interior surfaces of chamber 70 may have a
cylindrical surface area, and at least that surface area inside
fluid chamber 40 may be reflective. Any type of reflective material
may be used, including UV reflective materials. For example, the UV
reflective material may comprise one or more of a
polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), a low density PTFE, aluminum, and
a Teflon or Teflon-like material configured to provide high level
of diffuse reflectance. In some aspects, the interior surfaces of
structure 42 may comprise a semiconducting photo-catalyst material.
For example, the photo-catalyst material may be activated by UV
radiation (e.g., UV-C) and utilized to degrade organic compounds
and deactivate air and/or water borne pathogens. Interior surfaces
of body 20 and/or exterior surfaces of interior structure 42 also
may be reflective. Alternatively still, interior structure 42 may
be transparent to the disinfecting radiation and at least interior
surface 27 of body 20 may be reflective. For example, body 20 may
be composed of aluminum, interior surface 27 may be coated with a
UV reflective material, and interior structure 42 may be composed
of a UV translucent material.
[0049] In some aspects, inlet, 30, flow channel 44, reflecting
chamber 70, and/or outlet 80 may include mixing elements, such as
baffles configured to further adjust the hydrodynamics of first
fluid F.sub.1 within fluid chamber 40. Additional heating elements
(e.g., electric coils) also may be included. For example, the
mixing elements and/or outlet 80 may be configured to heat first
fluid F.sub.1 to a desired usage temperature. As a further example,
various surfaces of interior structure 42 may be configured as a
mixing and/or heating element.
[0050] Outlet 80 may extend through any portion of body 20 to
discharge second fluid F.sub.2 from body 20. As shown in FIG. 1,
outlet 80 may comprise an outlet structure 82 extending outwardly
from body 20 along axis Y-Y and a lumen 84 extending through body
20 along axis Y-Y to discharge second fluid F.sub.2 through
interior surface 23 of body 20 and/or chamber 70. For example,
second fluid F.sub.2 may be discharged from lumen 84, out of body
20, and into a second hose or tube engageable with outlet structure
82. Portions of outlet 80 may be used to modify characteristics of
first fluid F.sub.1. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, lumen 84 may
have a consistent diameter along axis Y-Y, and outlet 80 may
comprise an optional throttling portion 86 with a diameter that
varies along axis Y-Y to modify (e.g., slightly increase) a
velocity of first fluid F.sub.1 before being discharged from body
20 as second fluid F.sub.2.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, at least an opening of lumen 84 may be
coaxial with axis Y-Y, and thus aligned with radiation source 90
along axis Y-Y. Because of this alignment, a larger portion of the
disinfecting radiation may be discharged from reflecting chamber 70
through lumen 84 with second fluid F.sub.2, allowing for further
disinfection downstream of apparatus 10. For example, interior
surfaces of lumen 84 and/or the second hose or tube may be made of
or coated with a reflective material similar to above. As also
shown in FIG. 2, optional throttling portion 86 may have a larger
opening than lumen 84, allowing even more the disinfecting
radiation to be discharged.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, inlet 30 may be generally transverse
with outlet 80 so that the interconnecting volumes of flow channel
44 and interior structure 42 may be used to modify a characteristic
of first fluid F.sub.1. For example, lumen 34 of inlet structure 32
may include a cross-sectional shape extending along axis X-X, lumen
84 of outlet structure 82 may include a cross-sectional shape
extending along axis Y-Y, and axis X-X may be generally transverse
with axis Y-Y. As shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of
lumen 84 and/or outlet structure 82 may be coaxial with axis Y-Y.
Any shapes may be used, including the circular shapes shown in FIG.
3. The characteristic may include a velocity of first fluid F.sub.1
For example, fluid chamber 40 may be configured to receive first
fluid F.sub.1 at inlet 30 at a first velocity and direct fluid
F.sub.1 into reflecting chamber 70 at a second velocity less than
the first velocity. At least the first velocity may be a jet flow
velocity. Interior structure 42 may be configured to transition
fluid F.sub.1 into the second velocity in chamber 70. In this
example, the comparatively slower second velocity of first fluid
F.sub.1 in chamber 70 may increase the residence time for fluid
F.sub.1, allowing for delivery of an optimal dose Q of the
disinfecting radiation to fluid F.sub.1 as it passes through body
20.
[0053] In some aspects, disinfection apparatus 10 may be configured
to realize a reduced velocity in or across fluid chamber 70 and
distribute the disinfecting light throughout reflecting chamber 70,
resulting in an optimal dose Q distribution across disinfection
apparatus 10, as expressed by Equation (1).
[0054] Results from an exemplary computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
simulation are shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the above-described
configurations of fluid chamber 40 (e.g., including interior
structure 42) may significantly reduce the first velocity of first
fluid F.sub.1 at inlet 30 to the slower, second velocity first
fluid F.sub.1 inside reflecting chamber 70, providing a reduced
velocity distribution in chamber 70, where the majority of the
disinfection takes place.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, radiation source 90 may output the
disinfecting radiation into reflecting chamber 70, and at least
interior surfaces 74 of chamber 70 may be configured to maximize
the effectiveness of the radiation by reflecting it within chamber
70. As shown, a portion of the disinfecting radiation may be
emitted from radiation source 90, passed through window 56, and
reflected between interior surfaces 74 of chamber 70. The
cross-section of reflecting chamber 70 may be varied without
affecting functionality. For example, although shown with reference
to apparatus 10, which has a circular shape, FIG. 7 may be likewise
applicable to the quadrilateral shape of apparatus 110 of FIG. 4,
which comprises an inlet 130, a fluid chamber 140, a flow channel
144, a reflecting chamber 170, and an outlet 180 similar to
counterpart elements of apparatus 10; or the polygonal shape of
apparatus 210 of FIG. 5, which comprises an inlet 230, a fluid
chamber 240, a flow channel 244, a reflecting chamber 270, and an
outlet 280 similar to counterpart elements of apparatus 10. An
exemplary irradiance distribution for the disinfecting radiation
within reflecting chamber 70 is shown in FIG. 8. As shown, a
similar irradiance may be achieved across most of reflecting
chambers 70, 170, and 180.
[0056] A performance of disinfection apparatus 10 may be relative
to dimensions of reflecting chamber 70, such as an aspect ratio. As
shown in FIG. 2, an aspect ratio "AR" may be defined as the
quotient of a first dimension or length "L" of reflecting chamber
70 along axis Y-Y divided by a second dimension or depth "D" of
chamber 70 along axis X-X. In FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, where
reflecting chamber 70 has a circular cross-sectional shape, the
second dimension or depth D may be a diameter of the circular
shape. The definition of hydraulic diameter may be used to
determine the AR of non-circular shapes, such as the quadrilateral
shape of reflecting chamber 170 of FIG. 4 or the polygonal shape of
reflecting chamber 270 of FIG. 5, in which the AR may be equal to
the product of four multiplied by an area of the shape "A" and a
wetted perimeter of the cross-section "P".
[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, the AR of interior chamber 70 may
significantly affect power conservation along the length L of
chamber 70. For example, in FIG. 8, it is shown that extending the
length L of chamber 70 along axis Y-Y while maintaining a volume of
chamber 70 causes the total UV power to decrease significantly
along length L, resulting in a minimal dose delivery after a
certain length L. Because this minimal dose may not be sufficient
for disinfection, FIG. 8 also demonstrates the benefit of
optimizing the AR of exemplary geometric configurations to maximize
the delivery of dose Q within reflecting chamber 70.
[0058] An exemplary average distribution of dose Q across
reflecting chamber 70 is depicted in FIG. 9, demonstrating how the
optical and hydrodynamic aspects of disinfection apparatus 10 may
realize an optimal distribution of dose Q.
[0059] Additional aspects of disinfection apparatus 10 are now
described with reference to exemplary processes, including
continuous processes and batch processes. For some continuous
processes, where first fluid F.sub.1 passes continuously through
body 20, dimensions of reflecting chamber 70 including its AR may
be optimized such that a reduced velocity of fluid F.sub.1 is
achieved within chamber 70. In some aspects, an AR greater than or
equal to 1 may be utilized.
[0060] For other continuous processes, where first fluid F.sub.1
likewise passes continuously through body 20, dimensions of
reflecting chamber 70 may be further optimized to conserve power
through body 20 and maximize the dose Q delivered to first fluid
F.sub.1. For example, the dimensions of chamber 70 may be optimized
so that the disinfecting radiation is provided throughout body 20.
For certain shapes or volumes of body 20, such as the cylindrical
volume shown in FIGS. 1-3, an AR of approximately 1 may be utilized
to minimize power dissipation in body 20.
[0061] For the continuous processes, FIG. 7 shows how irradiance
may be affected by optimizing the AR of reflecting chamber 70; and
FIG. 8 shows how increasing the AR may decrease of the total power
within chamber 70 if its volume is kept the same. For some volumes
of reflecting chamber 70, and AR less than or equal to 0.5 and
greater than or equal to 2 may be utilized to maximize dose Q
through body 20 using chamber 70. For example, FIG. 9 shows an
average total distribution of dose Q within the cross-section of
reflecting chamber 70.
[0062] Comparatively, for the batch processes, where a volume of
first fluid F.sub.1 may be temporarily stored inside reflecting
chamber 70, lower ARs may be used if more intense irradiance along
reflecting chamber 70 is desired. For example, an AR of less than 1
may be used if the power of radiation source 90 is increased.
[0063] Additional aspects are now described with reference to a
disinfection apparatus 310, shown conceptually in FIG. 11; a
disinfection apparatus 410, shown conceptually in FIG. 12; a
disinfection apparatus 510, shown conceptually in FIG. 16; and
disinfection apparatus 610, shown conceptually in FIG. 18. Each
variation of disinfection apparatus 10, such as apparatus 110, 210,
310, 410, 510, and 610, may include elements similar to those of
apparatus 10, but within the respective 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or
600 series of numbers, whether or not those elements are shown.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 11, disinfection apparatus 310 may comprise
a body 320, an inlet 330, a fluid chamber 340, a fluid channel 344,
a reflecting chamber 370, an outlet 380, and a radiation source
390. Body 320 may be conical. For example, body 320 of FIG. 11
includes a truncated cone shape, wherein inlet 330 and outlet 380
are at a first or base end of body 320, and radiation source 390 is
at second or truncated end 322 of body 320. Similar to above,
apparatus 310 may comprise an interior structure 342 in fluid
chamber 340 to define at least two interconnected interior shapes
or volumes, including flow channel 344 and reflecting chamber 370.
For example, fluid channel 344 and reflecting chamber 370 also may
include a truncated cone shape similar to that of body 320 along
axis Y-Y.
[0065] As also shown in FIG. 11, a first dimension of reflecting
chamber 370 adjacent radiation source 390 may be smaller than a
second dimension of chamber 370 adjacent outlet 380. The first and
second dimensions may be diameters. In some aspects, the first and
second dimensions may be configured to modify a characteristic of
first fluid F.sub.1 in chamber 370. For example, the larger second
dimension may increase the residence time of fluid F.sub.1 in
chamber 370 by causing vortexes and/or other turbulent flow
conditions to form adjacent a lumen 384 of outlet 380, further
reducing the velocity of first fluid F.sub.1 along axis Y-Y.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 12, disinfection apparatus 410 may comprise
a body 420, an inlet 430, a fluid chamber 440, a fluid channel 444,
a reflecting chamber 470, an outlet 480, and a radiation source
490. Body 420 also may be conical. For example, body 420 of FIG. 13
similarly includes a truncated cone shape, wherein inlet 430 and
outlet 480 are at a first or truncated end 422 of body 420, and
radiation source 490 is at a second or base end of body 420.
Similar to above, apparatus 410 may comprise an interior structure
442 in fluid chamber 440 to define at least two interconnected
interior shapes or volumes, including flow channel 444 and
reflecting chamber 470. For example, fluid channel 444 and
reflecting chamber 470 also may include a truncated cone shape
similar to that of body 420 along axis Y-Y.
[0067] As also shown in FIG. 12, a first dimension of reflecting
chamber 470 adjacent radiation source 490 may be larger than a
second dimension of chamber 470 adjacent outlet 480. The first and
second dimensions may be diameters; and may again modify a
characteristic of first fluid F.sub.1 in chamber 470. For example,
the smaller first dimension may throttle fluid F.sub.1 in chamber
470, increasing its velocity along axis Y-Y before being discharged
a lumen 484 of outlet 480. As a further example, apparatus 410 may
be configure to receive first fluid F.sub.1 at a first velocity at
inlet 430; reduce the first velocity to a second, slower velocity
in a first portion of chamber 470; and gradually transition the
second velocity back to the first velocity in a second portion of
chamber 470, as may be required in a constant velocity system.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, radiation source 390, 490 may
output the disinfecting radiation into reflecting chamber 370, 470;
and interior surfaces 374, 474 of chamber 370, 470 and the geometry
of the chamber 370, 470 may be configured to maximize the
effectiveness of the radiation by reflecting it within chamber 370,
470. In FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, a first portion of the
disinfecting radiation may be emitted from radiation source 390,
490 and reflected between interior surfaces 374, 474 of reflecting
chamber 370, 470 to irradiate first fluid F.sub.1 in chamber 370,
470; and a second portion of the radiation may additionally
irradiate second fluid F.sub.2 in lumens 384, 484 and downstream
thereof. As similarly shown in FIG. 15, a first irradiance may be
achieved across most of chamber 370, 470, and a second irradiance
may be achieved in lumens 384, 484.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 16, disinfection apparatus 510 may comprise
a body 520, an inlet 530, a fluid chamber 540, a fluid channel 544,
a reflecting chamber 570, an outlet 580, and a radiation source
590. Body 520 may be spherical. For example, body 520 of FIG. 16
includes a spherical shape, wherein inlet 530 and outlet 580 are
disposed adjacent a first end of body 520 and radiation source 590
is disposed adjacent a second, opposite end of body 520. Similar to
above, apparatus 510 may comprise an interior structure 542 in
fluid chamber 540 to define at least two interconnected interior
shapes or volumes, including flow channel 544 and reflecting
chamber 570. For example, fluid channel 544 and reflecting chamber
570 may include a spherical shape similar to that of body 520.
[0070] Aspects of disinfection apparatus 510 may be modified to
accommodate the spherical shape of body 520, fluid channel 544,
and/or reflecting chamber 570. For example, radiation source 590
may be spaced apart from an interior surface of body 520. As shown
in FIG. 16, reflecting chamber 570 may include an opening 578 in
communication with fluid channel 544 and radiation source 590 may
be disposed in opening 578. For example, a protrusion 554 may
extend inwardly from a first end at body 520 to a second end in
opening 578. In this example, radiation source 590 may be located
inside of protrusion 554 and configured to output the disinfecting
radiation through a window 556 at the second end of protrusion 554.
In some aspects, protrusion 554 may have a curved exterior surface
and/or a curved transition to body 520 to minimize interference
with first fluid F.sub.1.
[0071] The spherical shape of body 520, fluid channel 544, and/or
reflecting chamber 570 may provide hydrodynamic advantages. For
example, fluid channel 554 may be defined by interior surfaces of
body 520 and exterior surfaces of interior structure 542, and said
surfaces may have a larger surface area than the counterpart
surfaces of apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, or 410 because of the
spherical shape. As a result, body 520 may be smaller than bodies
10, 110, 210, 310, or 410 because a first velocity of first fluid
F.sub.1 at inlet 530 may be more efficiently transitioned to a
second, slower velocity because of additional drag imposed by the
larger surface areas. The spherical shapes of apparatus 510 also
may provide optical advantages. As shown in FIG. 17, spherical
interior surfaces 574 of reflecting chamber 570 may be configured
to maximize the effectiveness of the radiation by reflecting it
within body 520 and/or chamber 570, and concentrating the reflected
radiation upon a volume of first fluid F.sub.1 at a center of
chamber 570. As also shown in FIG. 17, at least a portion of the
disinfecting radiation may be discharged through outlet 580 with
second fluid F.sub.2.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 18, disinfection apparatus 610 may comprise
a body 620, an inlet 630, a fluid channel 644, a reflecting chamber
670, an outlet 680, and a radiation source 690. Except for the
differences now described, these elements of apparatus 610 may be
similar to counterpart elements of apparatus 10. For example,
radiation source 690 may be more powerful than radiation source 90,
causing additional heat. Aspects of apparatus may be modified to
take the heat. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, apparatus 610 may
comprise a cap 650 comprising a thermally insulating layer 652, a
thermally conductive layer 653, and a cooling device 657.
[0073] Thermally insulating layer 652 may be attached to one end
622 of body 620 and configured to seal fluid chamber 640. As shown
in FIG. 18, radiation source 690 may be mounted in an interior
compartment 654 of insulating layer 652, and a window 656 may be
used to seal source 690 in compartment 654 and pass the
disinfecting energy into chamber 670 above. Thermally conductive
layer 653 may be attached to both radiation source 690 and
thermally insulating layer 652. Accordingly, the additional heat
generated by radiation source 690 may be transferred to layer 653
with limited or zero transfer to body 620 because of insulating
layer 652, which provides a thermal break between body 620 and
conducting layer 653.
[0074] Cooling device 657 may be configured to discharge the
additional heat. As shown in FIG. 18, device 657 may comprise a fan
658 and a heat sink 659. Heat sink 659 may be attached to or
integral with thermally conductive layer 653, and may include a
plurality of fins. Fan 658 may include an electric fan that is
attached to or adjacent apparatus 610, and operable to discharge
the additional heat into a surrounding environment by directing a
flow of air over heat sink 659.
[0075] As described herein, any of disinfection apparatus 10, 110,
210, 310, 410, 510, and 610 may similarly utilize disinfecting
radiation to disinfect first fluid F.sub.1 within a corresponding
reflecting chamber 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, or 670.
Hydrodynamic aspects of these chambers may substantially eliminate
jet velocities that might otherwise short circuit fluid F.sub.1,
especially where it has a high flow rate (e.g., greater than 1 gpm)
and the chamber has a small volume (e.g., less than 500 mL).
Accordingly, any of chambers 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, or 670
may be configured such that fluid F.sub.1 receives an optimal dose
Q of disinfecting radiation. For example, dimensions of each
chamber 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 510, 610 may be similarly optimized
based on volume such that the UV power loss due to water and
surface absorption is minimized.
[0076] Numerous variations of apparatus 10 are also described with
reference to apparatus 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610. Any
variation of apparatus 10 may include any radiation source 90,
including any number of point sources in any arrangement. Aspects
of these variations also may be combined, with each combination and
iteration being part of this disclosure. For example, any variation
of body 20 and/or cap 50 made from any thermally conductive
material such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and or other
materials; any of which may be coupled together to cool radiation
source 90 with first fluid F.sub.1. As a further example, any
variation or apparatus 10 may likewise include a thermal break
and/or cooling device similar to those of apparatus 610.
[0077] Any variation of disinfection apparatus 10 also may comprise
a control element operable with radiation source 90 to control a
flow of first fluid F.sub.1 and/or second fluid F.sub.2. For
example, apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, or 610 may comprise
an upstream sensor configured to detect a demand for disinfected
fluid and activate radiation source 90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590, or
690 to meet that demand. As a further example, apparatus 10, 110,
210, 310, 410, 510, or 610 may likewise comprise a downstream
sensor configured to determine a disinfection level of second fluid
F.sub.2, and close an operable valve at outlet 80, 180, 280, 380,
480, 580, or 680 if the disinfection level is unsatisfactory.
[0078] Additional aspects of this disclosure are now described with
reference to an exemplary disinfection method 700. For ease of
description, aspects of method 700 are described with reference to
disinfection apparatus 10, although similar aspects may likewise be
described with reference to any of apparatus 110, 210, 310, 410,
510, and/or 610. As shown in FIG. 19, method 700 may comprise:
directing first fluid F.sub.1 from inlet 30 of body 20 at a first
velocity into reflecting chamber 70 with a second velocity less
than the first velocity (a "directing step 720); exposing the fluid
F.sub.1 to a disinfecting radiation output into reflecting chamber
70 toward outlet 80 (an "exposing step 740); and discharging fluid
F.sub.1 from body 20 out of outlet 80 extending through an end of
the reflecting chamber (a "discharging step 760"). Exemplary
aspects of steps 720, 740, and 760 are now described.
[0079] Directing step 720 may comprise any intermediate steps for
receiving and/or directing first fluid F.sub.1. For example, body
20 may comprise fluid channel 44 (e.g., FIG. 2), and directing step
720 may comprise directing the first fluid F.sub.1 into reflecting
chamber 70 through fluid channel 44. In some aspects, reflecting
chamber 70 may have a length and a diameter, and the length divided
by the diameter may be equal to between approximately 0.5 and
approximately 2; or between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, inlet 30 and outlet 30 may at one of body 20,
and step 720 may comprise: directing first fluid F.sub.1 from inlet
30 in a first direction along to axis Y-Y; and directing fluid
F.sub.1 into reflecting chamber 70 in a second direction different
from the first direction. For example, directing fluid F.sub.1 from
fluid channel 44 into reflecting chamber 70 may comprise directing
the fluid F.sub.1 from the first direction to the second direction.
In some aspects, directing first fluid F.sub.1 through fluid
channel 44 may comprise causing fluid F.sub.1 to at least partially
surround chamber 70. Directing fluid F.sub.1 through fluid channel
44 also may comprise directing first fluid F.sub.1 between interior
surface 28 of the body 20 and exterior surface 41 of reflecting
chamber 70. In some aspects, step 720 may further comprise
activating radiation sensor 90 in response to upstream sensor.
[0080] Exposing step 740 may comprise any intermediate steps for
disinfecting first fluid F.sub.1. For example, step 740 may
comprise outputting the disinfecting radiation from radiation
source 90, which may be disposed at end 22 of body 20. Step 720
and/or 740 may comprise diverting fluid F.sub.1 from fluid channel
44 into reflecting chamber 70 with an internal surface 27 of body
20 disposed adjacent radiation source 90. Step 740 may further
comprise outputting the radiation towards outlet 80, such as from
one or more point sources of radiation source 90. In some aspects,
inlet 30 may be substantially transverse with outlet 80, and the
method may further comprise discharging at least a portion of the
radiation out of outlet 80 with second fluid F.sub.2. Step 740 also
may comprise causing the disinfecting radiation to be reflected off
of reflective surfaces of reflecting chamber 70.
[0081] As a further example, exposing step 740 may comprise
outputting the disinfecting radiation through window 56, which may
be disposed anywhere between radiation source 90 and reflecting
chamber 70. In step 740, the disinfecting radiation may have a
wavelength of between approximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm;
or between approximately 230 nm to approximately 290 nm, such that
step 740 may comprise exposing fluid F.sub.1 to a UV radiation. As
further example, the disinfecting radiation may be output through
an optical component, such as a lens configured to change an
optical quality of the radiation.
[0082] Discharging step 760 may comprise any intermediate steps for
discharging first fluid F.sub.1 from body 20 as second fluid
F.sub.2. For example, step 760 may comprise modifying
characteristics of fluid F.sub.1, such as velocity or temperature;
and/or operating a control valve at outlet 80 responsive to a
downstream sensor.
[0083] While principles of the present disclosure are described
herein with reference to illustrative aspects for particular
applications, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having
ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided
herein will recognize additional modifications, applications,
aspects, and substitution of equivalents all fall in the scope of
the aspects described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure
is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing
description.
* * * * *