Patent Application
20090044328
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to reducing bubble size in a fluid circulation circuit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for reducing the size of air bubbles in a fluid circulation circuit for a spa, or whirlpool, where an air induction circuit for the spa has an ozone generator. The present invention also relates to a device that improves the efficacy of ozone bubbles to disinfect the water introduced and circulating in the spa.
2. Related Art
Spas and whirlpools tubs are well know in the art and are becoming increasingly popular for their therapeutic and recreational attributes. These devices include a tub to contain a volume of water that is usually large enough to accommodate at least one seated occupant. In such devices a fluid, most often water, and more particularly heated water, is circulated by a large volume capacity pumping system in which a portion of the circulated water is directed through a plurality of fluid jets disposed at various locations throughout the tub. The jets may be selectively positioned by the user so that a pressurized water flow is directed towards a particular part of the occupant's body so that the desired therapeutic effect can be obtained.
To improve the therapeutic efficiency and effects of the directed water flow, the fluid circuit for the jets will normally have an air induction circuit. The air induction circuit will include an orifice having an adjustable opening that can be varied to selectively restrict or permit a desired airflow through the circuit. The air induction circuit will generally connect with the fluid circulation circuit via a venturi so that the air may be entrained in the circulating water in the fluid circuit.
Due to the substantial volume of water carried in such systems it desirable that the water be retained in the tub for subsequent use, much like a swimming pool. Consequently, it is necessary that provisions be made for treating the water to avoid the growth of bacteria, algae, and other organisms, as well as to remove particulates such as dirt, leaves, grass and other contaminants that tend to accumulate in the water if left untreated. Gross contaminants are normally removed by circulation of the water through a filtration system. Fine contaminants and organism growth are generally treated chemically, such as by chlorine for disinfecting, pH stabilizers and adjusters, flocculants, and the like.
Chemical treatment of the water presents its own issues. For example the costs associated with the chemicals can become prohibitive. Chemically treated water can present dermatologic issues for certain users. In addition, should it become necessary to drain the tub, disposal of the chemically treated water can potentially present environmental issues. Consequently, alternative water treatment regimens have been sought.
One such alternative water treatment method includes the introduction of ozone (O3) into the air induction circuit so that when circulated in the water, the ozone will treat organism growth and disinfect the water. While these systems are generally effective, current systems are inefficient in application due to the often large size of the bubbles containing the ozonized air. Moreover, when the oversized ozonized air bubbles rise to the surface and remain contained within an enclosure, such as a cover frequently used for spas, the ozone can have deleterious effects on the parts associated with the spa, particularly those made of plastics such as pads, pillows, and the cover itself. Accordingly, there remains a need for improving the efficiency of water treatment systems utilizing ozone generators and for reducing, if not eliminating the deleterious effects of ozone on the spa components.
Briefly, the present invention includes a method and apparatus of treating water circulated through the pump and conduit system of a spa, whirlpool, or similar device. Ozonized air is entrained with the water circulating through the system. Embodiments of the invention include structures for reducing the bubble size of the ozonized air to improve its efficacy
The invention includes an apparatus comprising a bubble reducer placed in line with a conduit in the system. The bubble reducer includes a hollow chamber, an inlet at an upstream end of the hollow chamber, and an outlet at a downstream end of the chamber. The apparatus includes at least one axial flow diverter and at least one annular flow diverter contained within said chamber. The axial flow diverter has a generally dome shaped or conical first surface section axially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the hollow chamber. This first surface section directs flow through the device outwardly for passage through an aperture around the periphery of the first surface section. The annular flow diverter has a second surface comprising an annular flange having a first end proximal the inner surface of the chamber and a second end that extends inwardly and towards the inlet end of the apparatus. Additional turbulence is induced in the fluid stream when fluid directed by the first surface encounters the annular flange, with the creation of eddies in the flow near the annular flange. Fluid flow continues through an orifice defined through an axial portion of the annular flow diverter.
To reduce backpressure and maintain flow through in the system, the diameter of the chamber is approximately twice that of the inlet. Similarly, the surface area of the aperture through the axial flow diverter and the orifice through the annular diverter are substantially the same as that of the inlet.
A simplified water circulation circuit for a spa, whirlpool or similar apparatus is depicted in
One or more air inlet valves 14 are provided to in communication with the output circuit for selectively introducing air B into the pressurized fluid stream F, via an air conduit 15 and a venturi 16 connected to pressure conduit 13. Valve 14 is variably operable between an open, air communicating position, and a closed, air restricting position, to control the volume of air introduced into the fluid stream F.
An ozone generator 17, or ozonizer, is positioned along air conduit 15 and is operable to ozonize the air communicated through air conduit 15 such that ozonized air is entrained in the pressurized fluid flow F. The in-line bubble reducer 20 of the present invention is positioned along output conduit 13 intermediate venturi 16 and a jet 18 directing fluid F into tub 10. As will be appreciated, the above described components are usually contained within an enclosure 19 extending from tub 10.
In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
While the bubble reducer of the present invention may be made of any suitable material, plastics, such as for an illustrative example PVC, provide a convenient, cost effective means for producing the same. In the embodiment shown, casing 23 is comprised of a elongated hollow cylindrical member in which a barbed inlet 21 is integrally formed to provide a watertight seal. The outlet port 22 may comprise a barbed fitting 25 that may be sealingly attached to reducer 20 by any suitable means, such as adhesives, sonic welding, or even threaded engagement.
At least one axial flow diverter 30 having a first surface 31 disposed in alignment with inlet 21 such that fluid flow F encounters first surface 31 and is directed radially outwardly towards an inner surface 24 of casing 23 and at least one aperture for passage of fluid F through axial flow diverter 30. As may best be seen in reference to
Support members 32 may be vertically disposed in substantial alignment with a longitudinal axis A of reducer 20, so as limit disruptions fluid flow F. Alternatively, support members may be angled with respect to axis A, so as to present a lateral surface 36 in the fluid flow F, to provide additional fluid flow F disruptions. For ease of assembly, support members 32 may be interconnected by an annular support 33. More preferably, annular support 33 can have an elongated sidewall 37 having an outer surface that is substantially parallel to and dimensioned to fit in abutment with inner surface 24. Sidewall 37 should have a length corresponding to the height of conic surface 31, such that axial flow diverter 30 is substantially disc shaped. The disc shaped axial flow diverter 30 is readily insertable within casing 23, as depicted in
As may best be seen in reference to
For ease of assembly, an annular sidewall 45 surrounds flange 41 at its first downstream end 42 and extends upstream, substantially parallel with axis A, towards inlet 22, such that annular flow diverter 40, like axial flow diverter 30, is essentially disc shaped and easily insertable within chamber 23, as depicted in
Referring back to
It will be appreciated that each additional pair of axial 30 and annular 40 flow diverters will tend to increase the back pressure in the system. Accordingly, for optimum performance, the selection of the number and flow characteristics of the bubble reducer 20 should be appropriately matched to the respective circulation system.
While certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, by way of illustration and for clarity of understanding, a number of modifications, adaptations, and changes will be recognized to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the appended claims.
