1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for deep cleaning water ionizers. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to an apparatus for recirculating cleaning solutions through a water ionizer for the purpose of cleaning/descaling internal parts of a water ionizers.
2. Background of the Invention
Water ionizers are devices that restructure water, by first filtering out impurities like chlorine and other contaminants via a filter. The water is then passed through an ionization chamber, consisting of medical grade titanium plate material impregnated with a platinum coating. As water passes over this plate and or mesh material, the plate is given a mild electrical charge. This electrical charge performs a restructuring of the water, adding properties of alkalinity, micro clustering, (a smaller water molecule), then finally separating/splitting the water into two streams: a positive stream and a negative stream. The positive of this split being acidic, the negative being the equivalent of an antioxidant or hexagonal water.
Unfortunately, outside of recommended yearly factory servicing, water ionizers lack a robust user-friendly option for regular end user deep cleaning. Currently the majority of water ionizer brands on the market claim to be self-cleaning; this is a cleaning mode where mild acidic water is periodically generated by the ionizer, and passed through the system to clean the ionization plate/mesh chamber's water scale buildup. In another scenario the filter is removed and replaced with a blank cartridge and a specified measure of food grade citric acid powder. The ionizer is then filled with water to dissolve the citric acid inside the ionizer, it is then allowed to soak for a prescribed period of time. However, this fill and soak cleaning method is the equivalent of putting clothes in a washing machine with detergent and no agitation. This process does not employ recirculation of the cleaning solution. The fill and soak method diminishes the ability of the cleaning solution to remove water scale as well as intended.
The present invention provides a method for re-circulative deep cleaning of a water ionizer with a convenient one-piece submersible pump reservoir device. The inventive device enables the end user to perform end user initiated cleaning of water ionizers by recirculating cleaning solution back and forth between the water ionizer and the inventive device. Cleaning solution is pumped into the water ionizer's main water supply line, while output water hoses from the water ionizer is pointed into the inventive device's fluid containment reservoir for recirculation, thus allowing for continuous recycling of cleaning solution, providing a method of active stream deep cleaning.
In one preferred embodiment the inventive cleaning system is attached to a water ionizer, propelling a cleaning solution from the inventive device into the water inlet line of a water ionizer for the purpose of deep cleaning the water ionizers internal parts.
Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
Containment tank 180 includes T-handle 110. Preferably tank 180 is constructed water-tight so as to contain a cleaning solution as will be discussed in more detail below.
Pump 101 include: power cord 102 having a conventional power plug 104 at one end for connection to household power; an on/off switch 103 for activating and deactivating pump 101; an induction inlet 186 for receiving cleaning fluid during a cleaning process; and outlet 184 for discharging the pumped cleaning fluid; and an outlet hose 114 for conveying the cleaning fluid to a water ionizer during the cleaning process. If outlet 184 is not sized the same as the cleaning port on a particular ionizer, adapters may be added in line to accommodate the change in size. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, hose 188 includes reducer 109, hose extension 105, quick connect nipple 106.
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Various features of the preferred embodiment are simply based on everyday engineering choices and the invention is not so limited. By way of example and not limitation, switch 103 is shown as a cord mounted switch, obviously it is immaterial to the invention where the switch is located. Additionally, the invention is shown and described as employing a submersible pump but the invention is not so limited.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the scope and spirit of this invention.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/852,563 filed Mar. 15, 2013.