WO2003002463A1

WO2003002463A1 - Method and apparatus for water purification by uvc-irradiation

Info

Publication number: WO2003002463A1
Application number: PCT/HU2002/000059
Authority: WO
Inventors: József Nagy
Original assignee: Nagy Jozsef
Priority date: 2001-06-27
Filing date: 2002-06-26
Publication date: 2003-01-09

Abstract

The invention relates to a water purifying apparatus which consists of at least one subassembly comprising of a housing and a light-source producing UVC light. The light-source (5) in the subassembly (6) is surrounded by a casing (15) which is suitable for transmission of UVC light and is provided with an aperture-in (13) and an aperture-out (14) for making airflow possible around said light-source (5). The housing (4) is provided with an air inlet (16) and an air outlet (17). The air inlet (16) and the aperture-in (13) of the casing (15) as well as the air outlet (17) and the aperture-out (14) of the casing (15) are at least partially overlapped.The invention also relates to a method for purifying water, in which the aforementioned apparatus is utilized.

Description

METHOD AMD APPARATUS FOR WATER PURIFICATION BY UVC- IRRADIATION

The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying water having an inlet for inflow of water and an outlet for outflow of water, the apparatus consists of at least one subassembly comprising of a housing and a light-source producing UVC light, the housing is provided with a first opening for inflow of water and a second opening for outflow of water and a third opening for introducing power supply for the light-source, and the water to be purified is directed through the subassembly in pipes preferably by means of a pump. The invention further relates to a method for purifying water using the apparatus, in which method the water to be purified is directed through a space illuminated by a UVC light-source.

It is well known that solar radiation due to UV (ultra-violet) radiation being in the spectrum of solar rays has an obstructive effect on infection. UV radiation can be divided into the following three parts. UVA radiation which reaches the surface of the Earth as a part of solar radiation. It causes different photochemical processes, its embrowning effect is perceptible, but does not burn the skin. Its sphere of application is cosmetic industry. UVA radiation permeates through glass. UVB rays have embrowning, pigmentary effect and contribute to formation of vitamin D in our organism. This radiation is used for therapeutic radiation treatment. Its intensity is lower at sea level than in high mountains. This explains the fact that the same amount of solar radiation in the mountains will cause more powerful browning. This radiation permeates through the air-space of the Earth but does not permeate through glass. UVC short-wave radiation covers the biggest part of UV radiation. It has strong antiseptic, bactericidal effect. This wave-length is absorbed by cell-building materials which are shattered at the same time. Researches have proved that bactericidal effect is attributable to that part (UVC part) of solar radiation which has a wave-length under 320 nm, and which kills viruses, bacteria, micro-organisms, saccharomyces. In 1878 it was discovered by Downes and Blunt that growth of micro-organisms can be stopped entirely as a result of solar radiation. Following researches have proved that the most powerful effect of this kind is provided by rays having a wave-length between 250-270 nm. When a cell is subjected to UVC radiation then selective changes will occur in certain groups of molecules of nucleic acid, which will terminate transfer of information and with this it will terminate copying of DNS. In a protozoan only one copy of DNS exists, and when it is ruined, the micro-organism, the bacterium, the virus is destroyed, because the absorbed energy hinders cell division in the photochemical process of inheritance, resulting in destruction of the micro-organism. Artificial production of UVC has been possible for a long time. Antiseptic effect of it is used in various ways for disinfecting air, water and different surfaces.

There are several proposals for disinfecting of water by means of individual components of ultra-violet light. German patent application DE 19803073 describes a unit for disinfecting of water which is based on an UV lamp surrounded by a filter preventing radiation of UVC rays. Patent application GB 2260132 describes a water treatment apparatus in which a channel is provided for flow of water and water is subjected to UVC radiation while flowing through the channel. WO 9736825 describes a method and apparatus, including combined pre-and post- purification, for the purpose of providing a finally purified water which is O3 influenced, free from micro-organisms, free from colorants. Water is subjected to a very intense and time optimized UVC irradiation. According to this document contaminated water is directed under an appropriate pressure to a pre-chamber comprising one or more UVC sources for the production and dosage of O₃, the O -containing water is passed to one or more particle filters adapted for removing particles, micro-organisms and colorants from the water, and the basically processed water is passed along a plurality of guiding means having intermediate further UVC sources for prolongation of the flowpath of the water and further UVC irradiation. None of the known solutions utilises the purifying and disinfecting effect of ozone producible from air by means of UVC irradiation.

The inventors have realised that if air is also illuminated by UVC light while illuminating water, and this air is led into the water, then purifying and disinfecting effect can be increased, and ozone getting into the water enters into reaction with contaminants and it can be removed easily as solid contamination.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for purifying water having an inlet for inflow of water and an outlet for outflow of water, the apparatus consists of at least one subassembly comprising of a housing and a light-source producing UVC light, the housing is provided with a first opening for inflow of water and a second opening for outflow of water and a third opening for introducing power supply for the light-source, and the water to be purified is directed through the subassembly in pipes preferably by means of a suction pump. In the subassembly the light-source is surrounded by a casing which is adapted for transmission of UVC light and which is provided with an aperture-in and an aperture-out for making airflow possible around the light-source, further, the housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet of the housing and the aperture-in of the casing as well as the air outlet and the aperture-out of the casing are at least partially overlapped. Preferably, an ozone pump is coupled between the second opening and/or first opening and the aperture-out.

Advantageously, several subassemblies are coupled parallel to each other, so that their second openings as well as their first openings are coupled to each other respectively, or several subassemblies are coupled series to each other, so that a second opening of a subassembly being more forward with respect to flow of water is coupled to the first opening of a following subassembly. In this case air outlets of the subassemblies are in communication with the inlets of the ozone pump, and outlet of the ozone pump is in communication with the second and/or the first opening. Preferably, a suction pump is coupled between the outlet of the ozone pump and the second and/or the first opening.

Advantageously, the outlet of the water purifying apparatus is directed into a filtering plant, for example a sand filter. Advantageously the ozone pump is a blast-pipe, whose intake is coupled to the aperture- out of the casing, and whose outtake is installed in the pipe. An other aim of the present invention is to provide a method for purifying water, in which the aforementioned apparatus is utilized, during the method water to be purified is directed through a space illuminated by a UVC light-source. The UVC light-source is separated from the water by a casing which is adapted for transmission of UVC light, ozone originating in the air being between the light-source and the casing is introduced into the water to be purified either before or after illumination of the water.

Preferably, ozone is introduced into the water flowing in and/or flowing out by means of a blast-pipe. A detailed description of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows the side view of the subassembly, partly in cross-section. Figure 2 is a schematic view of the water purifying apparatus where several subassemblies are parallel coupled.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the water purifying apparatus where several subassemblies are series coupled, having an ozone suction pump coupled to its outlet. Figure 4 is a schematic view of the water purifying apparatus where several subassemblies are series coupled, having an ozone suction pump coupled to its inlet. Figure 5 shows a water purifying apparatus provided with a tank and filtering system. Figure 6 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the water purifying apparatus. Water purifying apparatus 1 according to the invention can be connected to water- supply systems being under overpressure (e.g. water conduit, reservoirs, etc.) or to water systems being under atmospheric pressure (basins, wells, etc.) by means of inlet 2 and outlet 3 which serve for inflow of water and outflow of water respectively. Water purifying apparatus 1 consists of one or more subassemblies 6. Subassembly 6 is made up of a housing 4 and a light-source 5 producing UVC light. The housing 4 is provided with a first opening 7 for inflow of water and a second opening 8 for outflow of water and a third opening 9 for introducing feeder 35 for the light-source. Third opening 9 through which feeder 35 of light-source 5 is introduced is sealed with a stuffing box 10. Water to be purified is directed through the subassembly 6 in pipes 11 preferably by means of a suction pump 33. Light-source 5 in subassembly 6 is surrounded by a casing 15. The material of casing 15 is adapted for transmission of UVC light (e.g. quartz casing). The inner diameter of casing 15 exceeds the overall measurement of light- source 5 to such an extent that free flow of air is made possible. Casing 15 has an aperture-in 13 and an aperture-out 14, actually it is shaped as a simple tube. Casing 15 is placed in housing 4 having an air inlet 16 and an air outlet 17, in a manner that aperture-in 13 at⁽least partially overlaps air inlet 16, and air outlet 17 at least partially overlaps aperture-out 14. Casing 15 is isolated from water by means of a gasket ring 27 which fits into edge 26 and onto casing 15. When subassembly 6 is not placed in delivery conduit, then gasket ring 27 must be installed inversely or, preferably a pair of gasket rings 27 must be placed in edge 26 opposite to each other. Housing 4 is sealed with gasket lock 25 and cap 24, which are made waterproof by means of O-rings 19. Gasket lock 25 and cap 24 can have threaded joints in order to make replacement of light-source possible when necessary (Figure 1). In this manner light-source 5 can be changed without dewatering subassembly 6 or water purifying apparatus 1. Water flows to inlet 2, and inlet 2 or second opening 8 is coupled to the first opening 7, or in another case, first openings 7 are coupled to each other and to inlet 2 by means of pipe 1 1. Second opening 8 is coupled to outlet 3 or first opening 7, or second openings 8 are coupled to each other and to outlet 3 also by means of pipe 11. Application of the described formations depends on the fact whether subassemblies 6 are parallel coupled (Figure 2) or series coupled (Figure 3 and 4) to each other. Ozone-pipe 28 is coupled between air outlet 17 and ozone pump 18 or blast-pipe 21. When ozone pump 18 is applied for example for connecting air outlets 17 of several subassemblies 6, then also, ozone-pipe 28 is installed between outlet of ozone pump 18 and ozone suction pump 12. A simple embodiment of ozone suction pump 12 implemented as a blast-pipe 21 is shown in Figure 6. Ozoniferous air is transferred to blast-pipe ^'21 through intake 22, and due to the water flowing before outtake 23, this air leaves through outtake 23 and gets mixed up with the water. Naturally, blast-pipe 21 can be provided with more than one intake 22 and outtake 23 respectively. This is not shown in the drawings. Via air inlet 16 air flows into the system through ozone pump 18 or blast-pipe 21 due to the suction effect of the flowing water. Generally, it is not necessary to connect ozone-pipe 28 to this inlet, because it has direct contact with the air. For whatever reason air flow is hindered at this point, the pipe being in direct contact with the air can be connected also to air inlet in a suitable manner. Implementing of this can not be a problem for those skilled in the art. In Figure 5 water purifying apparatus 1 is shown implemented with a tank 34 and a filtering plant 20 comprising a sand filter and an active carbon fine filter. In this embodiment cleaning of filtering plant 20 can be performed through sewage disposal 32 by opening valve 29. Between filtering plant 20, tank 34 and suction pump 33 one-way valves are installed for ensuring correct water flow. In Figure 4 an embodiment of the water purifying apparatus 1 for example for purifying drinking water is shown to which a filtering plant 20 provided with a sand filter is coupled. Filtering plant 20 is further provided with purging valve 31 and sewage disposal 32 which can be opened and closed by means of valve 29. One-way valve 30 is installed between water purifying apparatus 1 and filtering plant 20. In Figure 3 an embodiment of the water purifying apparatus 1 for example for purifying the water of a pool is shown to which active carbon filtering plant 20 is connected, and ozone suction pump 12 is installed between water purifying apparatus 1 and filtering plant 20. The method for purifying water according to the invention utilizes the apparatus according to the invention. During this method water to be purified is directed through a space being between the housing 4 and the casing 15 which is adapted for transmission of UVC light, the space is illuminated by UVC light-source 5. Ozone originating in the air being between the light-source 5 and the casing 15 is introduced into the water to be purified, for example by means of an ozone pump 18 or a blast-pipe 21 installed between air outlet 17 and the flowing water. Blast-pipe 21 or ozone pump 18 can be connected either to inlet 2 or outlet 3 of water purifying apparatus 1. Oxygen molecules of the air are transmuted due to UVC light-source 5 and a mixture of ozone' and air is injected into the flowing water by subassembly 6 of water purifying apparatus 1 consequently water is enriched with the mixture of ozone and air. This ozoniferous air mixture injected into the water dissolves and brings about an intensive oxidizing effect. As a result of this, filtering plant 20 installed following the water purifying apparatus 1 or its subassembly 6 filters out oxidized iron and other contaminants so that they can be removed. After disinfecting of water and filtering out contaminants, remaining ozone will again turn into oxygen in subassembly 6 due to UVC radiation.

Any number of subassemblies 6 may be coupled series or parallel, depending on the required amount of water, pressure and diameter. Water purifying apparatus according • to the invention is applicable in systems having a pressure up to 10 bars. Changing of the light-source 5 (20-160 W) is also very simple. After cutting off the current and loosening of the stuffing box, cap 24 can be unscrewed and light-source 5 can be pulled out from the housing 4. Feeder 35 can be pulled down from light-source 5 . by means of a socket being at the end of the feeder. Replacing of the new light-source 5 is performed in the same order, and after screwing back the cap 24 and stuffing box 10 the apparatus is again operable. The average working life of light-source 5 is generally 6-8000 hours.

Ozone is an effective means for purifying air as well as drinking water arid bath water. Ozone used in due concentration is a safe and efficient cleaning agent without side effects. It has the advantage as opposed to other disinfectants that its decomposition product is oxygen. It does not only kill bacteria and viruses rapidly, but shatters and neutralizes a great part of toxic materials, consequently besides its disinfecting effect it is very suitable for detoxication, deodorization and decolourization. Ozone is an oxygen molecule of three atoms which excellently dissolves in water. Oxygen releasing from ozone molecule is a chemically active oxygen atom, which in its dissolved, state will directly provide the skin with active oxygen necessary for cell regeneration during metabolism of cells. 90% of the produced ozone dissolves in water immediately, and the remaining small part will degrade in air and freshen it. The very small amount of ozone getting into the air has a beneficial effect on keeping respiratory passages clear, prevents or efficiently terminates inflammation (influenza, sore throat, etc.). Ozone dissolved in water, again, getting back into the UVC device will degrade. Ozone dissolved in water accelerates self-renewal process of the skin, improves processes of metabolism, helps degradation of lipids being under the skin, therefore the skin becomes more resilient, more youthful. It contributes to curing smaller injuries, superficial wounds, or makes psoriasis symptom-free, and it is very effective in treatments of herpes, bacterial, mycotic and viral diseases. Apparatus and method according to the invention can be applied to production of inodorous water free from bacteria, viruses and alga, since bacteria, viruses and protozoan organisms are killed. The apparatus and method according to the invention is applicable for disinfecting, sterilizing of water of mini waterworks, establishments, swimming pools and households, and for separating of dissolved metals and other contaminants, for example iron, manganese and arsenic. At the same time filtering out of contaminants becomes possible. It prevents swimming pools from growth of algae or it is suitable for destroying of algae. The fine dust of dead algae is filtered out by the sand filter, or if there is any left, it can be vacuumed. With the use of the apparatus and method according to the invention the use of chlorine and other chemicals that have been applied up to now becomes unnecessary.

Claims

1. Water purifying apparatus having an inlet for inflow of water and an outlet for outflow of water, said apparatus consists of at least one subassembly comprising of a housing and a light-source producing UVC light, said housing is provided with a first opening for inflow of water and a second opening for outflow of water and a third opening for introducing power supply for said light-source, and the water to be purified is directed through said subassembly in pipes preferably by means of a suction pump, wherein said light-source (5) in said subassembly (6) is surrounded by a casing (15) which is adapted for transmission of UVC light and which is provided with an aperture- in (13) and an aperture-out (14) for making airflow possible around said light-source (5), further, said housing (4) is provided with an air inlet (16) and an air outlet (17), and said air inlet (16) and said aperture-in (13) of the casing (15) as well as said air outlet (17) and said aperture-out (14) of the casing (15) are at least partially overlapped.

2. Water purifying apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an ozone pump (18) is coupled between said second opening (8) and/or first opening (7) and said aperture-out

(14).

3. Water purifying apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 wherein several subassemblies (6) are coupled parallel to each other, so that their second openings (8) as well as their first openings (7) are coupled to each other respectively.

4. Water purifying apparatus according to claims 1-3 wherein several subassemblies (6) are coupled series to each other, so that the second opening (8) of a subassembly (6) being more forward with respect to flow of water is coupled to the first opening (7) of a following subassembly (6).

5. Water purifying apparatus according to claims 1-4 wherein said several subassemblies are coupled to each other parallel or series with respect to flow of water, and said air outlets (17) of said subassemblies (6) are in communication with the inlets of said ozone pump (18).

6. Water purifying apparatus according to any of the claims 1-5 wherein outlet of said ozone pump (18) is in communication with said second opening (8) and/or said first opening (7).

7. Water purifying apparatus according to any of the claims 1-6 wherein a suction pump (33) is coupled between the outlet of said ozone pump (18) and said second opening (8) and/or said first opening (7).

8. Water purifying apparatus according to any of the claims 1-7 wherein said outlet (3) of the water purifying apparatus (1) is directed into a filtering plant (20), for example a sand filter.

9. Water purifying apparatus according to any of the claims 1-8 wherein said ozone pump (18) is a blast-pipe (21), whose intake (22) is coupled to said aperture-out (14) of said casing (15), and whose outtake (23) is installed in the pipe (11).

10. Method for purifying water, in which method the apparatus according to claims 1-9 is utilized,, during the method water to be purified is directed through a space illuminated by a UVC light-source wherein the UVC light-source is separated from the water by a casing which is adapted for transmission of UVC light, the ozone originating in the air being between the light-source and the casing is introduced into the water to be purified either before or after subjecting the water to UVC radiation.

11. Method according to claim 10 wherein ozone is introduced into the water flowing in. and/or flowing out by means of a blast-pipe.