Modular, high volume and high pressure liquid disinfection using UV radiation

Abstract

A device for exposure of a fluid to radiation comprising a tube ( 20 ) through which a fluid is caused to flow , a plurality of radiation sources ( 14 ), and a plurality of reflectors ( 48 ) to cause the radiation to be focused on the fluid.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 441,930, filed January 21, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to liquid disinfection, and more particularly to liquid disinfection using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Background technique [0004] The use of UV radiation to sterilize transparent or opaque liquids is well known, for example UV radiation to sterilize water (including waste water), fruit juices, brines, marinades and beverages and the like. US Patent Nos. 3,527,940 and 4,968,891 contain numerous examples, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The use of UV radiation to sterilize liquids has many advantages over other liquid sterilization methods, often making it a very popular choice, which will often improve sterilization in a quick, easy and relatively cheap manner. [0005] Howe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] However, existing equipment and methods of using UV radiation to sterilize liquids also suffer from a number of disadvantages

For example, the relatively fragile nature of the sterilizing device imposes undesirable limitations on the flow rates that may be processed and the operating pressures that may be used

The relatively fragile nature of the devices also limits the pressure and flow rates that can be used for cleaning purposes, making it more difficult or impossible to provide convenient cleaning in place devices

The effectiveness of UV radiation for disinfection of liquids decreases rapidly, possibly exponentially, with distance, so relying primarily on the turbulent flow of liquids to provide smooth, thorough disinfection of liquids would be unreliable

Additionally, the number of exposures employed to achieve the desired level of disinfection often results in the use of undesirably large equipment or a large number of units of said equipment, adding to the cost of the system and taking up valuable floor space

In a typical prior art unit, most of the radiation emitted by the bulb is not directed at the liquid to be treated and is wasted, making inefficient use of the radiation and the energy used to generate it

Cabinets or units traditionally used to provide UV disinfection of liquids also offer little or no flexibility in handling different flow patterns, flow rates and processing times

In addition, warranty of the original enclosure and unit is difficult and time consuming, typically requiring the entire enclosure or unit to be shut down and taken out of service for an extended period of time

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