Commercial and residential swimming pools, diving pools, hot tubs, spas, and the like, require circulation systems and chemical treatment systems to sanitize the water, balance the pH, and remove impurities. Many conventional systems utilize chlorine to sanitize the water, however, water treated with chlorine has a chemical taste and odor, and is drying to the skin and hair. In addition, to the cost of the various chemicals needed to maintain the water, chlorine is corrosive and may damage various mechanical elements within the treatment system. As such, traditional chemicals have an impact on the operational costs of pools and spas. Therefore, a reduction in the amount of chemicals needed for sanitizing, pH-balancing and the like, may reduce the operational costs.
A water purification system according to various embodiments of the present technology is configured to regulate the flow rate of the water and infuse the water with oxygen. The water purification system may comprise various valves, fittings, couplings, pumps, and filters configured to remove debris from the water and regulate the flow of the water through various filters. The water purification system may comprise a controller to electrically control various valves and pumps. The water purification system may comprise a device for infusing the water with oxygen.
A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of connectors, couplings, tubing, conduit, valves, regulators, pumps, nozzles, liquid and/or chemical tanks and/or hoppers, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems such as residential, commercial, and/or industrial chemical treatment systems and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Further, the present technology may employ any number of conventional techniques for distributing and/or mixing chemicals, measuring and/or sensing a liquid and/or chemical amount and/or concentration, controlling fluid flow, controlling valves, pumps, coupling valves, conduit, nozzles, regulators, and the like.
Methods and apparatus for a water purification system according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with any suitable secondary chemical treatment systems and/or aquatic application. Various representative implementations of the present technology may be applied to any filtration and/or treatment system for a pool, such as chlorine or salt.
Referring to
The pump 14 facilitates flow of the liquid from the reservoir 19 to the water purification system 10. The pump 14 may comprise any suitable system or device for moving the liquid from the source to the water purification system 10. For example, the pump 14 may be configured to receive water from a swimming pool via the conduit 17 and generate a sufficient flow rate of water to the water purification system 10 and back to the swimming pool through a return outlet 18. The pump 14 may comprise any suitable size and may be selected according to any suitable criteria such as desired application, desired flow rate, operating pressure, source of liquid, or function. For example, the pump 14 may comprise an electrical pump powered by an external power supply and be configured to provide a specific output power, fixed or adjustable flow rate, or other suitable criteria.
The first filter 13 may remove debris from the liquid, such as yard waste, dirt, sand, insects, or any other material that may cause obstructions in or damage to the system if allowed to pass through. The first filter 13 may comprise any suitable type of device or system for filtering a liquid. The first filter 13 may be positioned downstream of the pump 14 to receive and filter the liquid before it flows to the gas injector system 11. The first filter 13 may be constructed of any suitable material and may be of any suitable size based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
The gas supply 12 provides an external source of a gas to the water purification system 10. The gas supply 12 may comprise a concentrated gas and/or pressurized gas, such as oxygen, suitable for mixing with water. For example, water that enters the gas injector system 11 may be mixed with oxygen from the gas supply 12. The oxygen-infused water then leaves the gas injector system 11 through an outlet 16 (i.e., a main outlet). The oxygen-infused water may then be returned to the reservoir 19 through the return outlet 18.
The gas injector system 11 injects the gas from the gas supply 12 into the water flowing through the gas injector system. The gas injector system 11 may be configured to generate sub-micron, gas-containing cavities (nano-bubbles, and also referred to as ultra-fine bubbles) to produce oxygen-infused water. The nano-bubbles alter behavioral characteristics of the liquid because they are less buoyant and remain suspended in the liquid for extended periods of time, unlike other aeration systems where the larger sized air bubbles disappear rapidly due to more rapidly rising to the surface of the liquid and bursting. The gas injector system 11 may generate nano-bubbles that measure at less than 1 micron (micrometer) in diameter to maintain the cohesion between the water molecules and/or maintain the surface tension of the water. For example, in one embodiment, the nano-bubbles may range in diameter from 70 nm (nanometers) to 125 nm. In a second embodiment, the gas injector system 11 may generate nano-bubbles that measure approximately 107 nm in diameter. In a third embodiment, the gas injector system 11 may be configured to generate varying sizes of nano-bubbles measuring less than 700 nm.
The gas injector system 11 may be positioned downstream of the first filter 13. In one embodiment, the gas injector system 11 may be connected downstream of the first filter 13 via a primary conduit 56, such that after the liquid is cleaned by the first filter 13, the liquid enters the gas injector system 11 through an inlet 15 (i.e., a main inlet). The gas injector system 11 may be further coupled to the gas supply 12 via a feed hose 52.
Referring to
The injector pump 33 may further comprise a mount 36 to provide stability to the gas injector system 11. In one embodiment, the mount 36 may be positioned along an exterior surface of the injector pump 33 such that the mounting 36 may be connected to a bottom panel 29 of a housing 21 or other stable surface using one or more of any suitable fasteners, such as a bolt, a clamp, a screw, or any combination thereof.
The connectors 35 provide a conduit extending between the injector pump 33 and the fixture 34. The connectors 35 may comprise any suitable system for allowing a flow of liquid between two or more components such as: a pump union 36, elbow piping 37, and straight piping 38. The connectors 35 may be of any suitable size or shape based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
The fixture 34 infuses the liquid with the gas. The fixture 34 may comprise any suitable device or system for injecting the gas into the liquid. For example, the fixture 34 may be configured to receive concentrated oxygen from the gas supply 12 and infuse the water with oxygen before it exits the gas injector system 11 via outlet 16 In one embodiment the fixture 34 may be configured to provide a fluid path for the water and introduce oxygen into the fluid path. For example, the fixture 34 may comprise various pipes and connectors to create the fluid path and a region of low-pressure to draw the oxygen into the fluid path.
The fixture 34 may be positioned downstream of the injector pump 33 and be coupled to both the gas supply 12 and the connectors 35. For example, the fixture 34 may be configured to receive the flow of water from the connectors 35 into a first opening 49 and allow the gas infused water to flow out of a second opening 51.
The fixture 34 may further comprise an adapter 41 configured to provide a complementary connection to other pipes, fittings, connectors, and the like. The adapter 41 may be configured to receive an opposing component, such as a female adapter or a male adapter. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first opening 49 and the second opening 51 may be connected to one pipe adapter 41. The one or more pipe adapters 41 may be any suitable size based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
Referring now to
The fixture 34 may further comprise a valve assembly 42 configured to introduce the concentrated oxygen at a predetermined pressure and flow rate by any suitable method or system. For example, the valve assembly 42 may be coupled to the gas supply 12 to deliver the concentrated oxygen to the fixture 34. The amount of oxygen introduced into the system may vary depending on the type of system, other secondary treatment systems, the size of the reservoir and other relevant factors.
The valve assembly 42 may comprise any suitable device or system for controlling a flow rate of the gas such as a ball cock, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a double check valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a hydraulic valve, a leaf valve, a non-return valve, a pilot valve, a piston valve, a plug valve, a pneumatic valve, a rotary valve, and/or the like. The valve assembly 42 may further comprise an adapter 44, a bushing 45, the tee fitting 46, and a slip combo 48. For example, in one embodiment, the valve assembly 42 may comprise an injector valve 43 coupled to the gas supply 12, and may be configured to receive oxygen from the gas supply 12 via a hose or other suitable airtight piping and/or fittings. The injector valve 43 may be adjustable to allow varying amounts of oxygen into the system, or may be fixed to allow a constant flow of oxygen. The injector valve 43 may be any suitable size based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
The adapter 44 may be configured to couple the injector valve 43 to the valve assembly 42. For example, the adapter 44 may be configured as an elbow and may be configured to receive the injector valve 43 through a male-to-female connection. The adapter 44 may be any suitable size based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
The bushing 45 may be configured to provide a connection between the adapter 44 and the tee fitting 46. For example, the bushing may be configured as a reducing bushing, or any other suitable type of bushing based on the size and type of components of the water purification system 10, the pressure and/or flow requirements for the liquid flowing into and/or out of the water purification system 10, or any other relevant factor.
The tee fitting 46 may provide an entry point for the concentrated oxygen and the liquid, where the concentrated oxygen is then injected into the liquid. The tee fitting 46 may comprise three ports for entry and exit of the liquid and/or oxygen. For example, the tee fitting 46 may be configured to allow oxygen to be introduced in the system though a main tee inlet 53 (i.e., a gas port) and allow water to flow through the remaining ports 54, where the remaining ports 54 are the openings which are 90 degrees from the main tee inlet 53. The tee fitting 46 may be configured in any dimension necessary to provide the desired amount of water flow and oxygen flow. For example, a reducing tee may be used if the system requires a tee fitting 46 with a larger main tee inlet 53 and smaller ports 54.
The slip combo 48 may be configured to disperse oxygen into the liquid in an even and controlled manner. The slip combo 48 may comprise one or more pipes and/or regions configured to deliver oxygen into the liquid. In one embodiment, a portion of the slip combo 48 may comprise a helical vane 60 and a separate portion of the slip combo 48 may comprise a region 62 with holes. For example, the region 62 with holes may be configured create a low-pressure area to draw the oxygen into the liquid and may be positioned upstream from the helical vane 60. The helical vane 60 may be configured to divide the liquid into two paths.
The slip combo 48 may be secured to the tee fitting 46 at one end, such as the end region 62 with holes. When water flows though the tee fitting 46 and slip combo 48, oxygen may be introduced into the system. For example, when the slip combo 48 is secured to one of the smaller outlets 54 of the tee fitting 46, water may flow from one smaller port 54 of the tee fitting 46 to the other smaller port 54 of the tee fitting 46 and through the slip combo 48, while the larger main tee inlet 53 may provide a conduit for oxygen.
The fixture 34 may further comprise a second filter 47 to evenly disperse the gas into the liquid. The second filter 47 may be located within the valve assembly 42 and may be use in conjunction with the slip combo 48. For example, in one embodiment, the second filter 47 may comprise a porous membrane allowing gases to disperse uniformly around the fluid flow.
The fixture 34 may further comprise a housing 39 configured to enclose all or part of the fixture 34. The housing 39 may be of any size or shape, and may be constructed of any suitable material. The housing 39 may have one or more openings adapted to receive various components of the fixture 34. For example, a portion of the valve assembly 42 may be configured to protrude from the housing 39, for example, the adapter 44 and the injector valve 43, while the other components, for example, the tee fitting 46, the bushing 45, and the second filter 47, may be enclosed within the housing 39.
Referring again to
One or more vents 32 may be disposed along any one of the front panel 24, the back panel 25, side panels 26, 27, the top panel 28 and bottom 29. For example, in one embodiment, the vents 32 may be positioned on the housing 21 to facilitate air flow through the housing 21 to provide thermal cooling to interior components. The vents 32 may comprise any suitable shape and size, such has horizontal slits, circular cutouts, or any other shape and size which allows air flow into and out of the interior 31 of the housing 21. The housing 21 may also comprise an internal cooling fan configured to force air through the vents 32.
The housing 21 may further comprise one or more legs 22. The legs 22 may be suitably configured to prevent the housing 21 from touching the ground and protect the housing 21 from debris and moisture. The legs 22 may be constructed of any material such as rubber or plastics that may not degrade if exposed to water and/or other elements.
The housing 21 may further comprise one or more handles 23. The handle 23 may provide a convenient structure to carry or transport the gas injector system 11. The handle 23 may be constructed of the same material as the housing 21 or may be constructed of a different material. For example, a first handle 23 may be positioned on the front panel 24 and a second handle 23 may be positioned on the back panel 25. Each handle 23 may be shaped to provide an ergonomic design for easy transportation.
The gas injector system 11 may further comprise an on/off control 30 to operate various components of the gas injector system 11, such as the injector pump 33. The on/off control 30 may be located on an outside surface of the housing 21 for easy access to control operation of the gas injector system 11. The on/off control 30 may comprise any suitable device or system such as: a switch, a button, a lever, or the like that may be used to turn the gas injector system 11 on or off. The on/off control 30 may further comprise an automatic shut-off mechanism (not shown). The automatic shut-off mechanism may be configured as a contact switch where one contact is controlled by a pressure sensor, such that if the pump 14 is disabled, thus causing a decrease in pressure where the pressure sensor reacts to the decrease in pressure thereby separating the contacts, the injector pump 33 is also disabled.
Referring back to
Referring to
In one embodiment, the pump 14 pumps liquid from the body of water, such as the reservoir 19 (600). The liquid flows through the conduit 17 to the filter 13, where the filter 13 filters the water to remove debris and other contaminants (605). The liquid may then be directed to the gas injector system 11 via the primary conduit 56. The injector pump 33 may facilitate the flow of the liquid through the gas injector system 11. Once the liquid reaches the gas injector system 11, the liquid is pumped into the gas injector system 11 at the inlet 15 and out of the gas injector system 11 at the outlet 16. Once the liquid is flowing through the gas injector system 11, the gas from the gas supply 12 may be introduced through the gas port 53 via the valve assembly 42 (610). The valve assembly 42 then releases the gas into the flow of liquid to produce the gas-infused liquid (615). The gas-infused liquid may then be returned to the reservoir 19 (620) via the return outlet 18.
In various embodiments, the water purification system 10 pumps the liquid from the reservoir 19, through the filter 13, and then through the bypass conduit 58 where the liquid is returned to the reservoir 19 via the return outlet 18. In this case, the liquid is not infused with the gas before returning to the reservoir 19.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the various components of the water purification system 10, such as the various valves, nozzles, regulator, and the like, may be coupled together directly or indirectly. Any suitable conduit may be used to indirectly couple the various components. As will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the various components, while discussed separately, may be embodied as single systems performing the functions of one or more of the described components. For example, the pump 14 may comprise a system that performs the functions of pumping the flow of liquid as well as the function of the first filter 13.
As will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the various components, including any conduit, of the water purification system 10 may be sized based on any number of factors, including flow rate and/or pressure requirements of a system the water purification system 10, is configured to couple to, the volume of liquid required to be output from the water purification system 10, mechanical tolerances and limits of the various components themselves, the liquids and/or secondary chemicals used in the water purification system 10, and the like. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various components of the gas injector system 11 may be made from any suitable material, for example copper, PVC, brass, and the like, and the choice of material may depend on the particular application of the gas injector system 11. Relevant regulations and standards, such as those promulgated by NSF International, may also affect the choice of size, material, and the like, for the various components of the gas injector system 11.
The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.
In the foregoing description, the technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present technology as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.
Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
The present technology has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/256,828, filed on Nov. 18, 2015 and incorporates the disclosure of the application in its entirety by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62256828 | Nov 2015 | US |