Water purification cartridge

Abstract

The water purification cartridge treats water with a halogen liberated from halogenated hydantoinyl resins and polymers, resulting in the safe, complete, and economical purification of non-potable water at low flow rates typically found in gravity feed filtration systems and in systems with low water pressures of less than about 1 psig. The cartridge of the invention purifies non-potable water of bacteria, viruses, and some protozoans without the need for additional power sources or risk to the consumer for exposure to chemicals that have been identified to have harmful, long-term effects. The cartridge described herein enables a gravity fed water purification system by combining the cartridge with conventional filters, such as porous diatomaceous earthen ceramic water filters or activated carbon filters packed either with granular activated carbon or block.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 676,730, filed Oct. 1, 2003, expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to water purification and water disinfection in low flow applications, such as gravity feed filtration devices that do not require electricity or power sources to operate. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Reliable potable drinking water sources are scarce in developing countries. High mortality rates can be attributed to inadequate water purification. Cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and rotavirus diarrhea are constant problems faced by people in countries who are forced to use contaminated water. [0004] The lack of safe water supplies perpetuates and aggravates the cycle of poverty and disease. Some efforts have been made to provide clean, potable water in places where power is unavailable. Gravity feed filter systems are normally used t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to a water purification cartridge and system for purifying water in a gravity fed system. The water purification cartridge includes an inlet head cap, prefilter, purifier vessel, and a dwell chamber for post-treatment of the water. The cartridge is designed to treat untreated water and discharge treated water. The system includes a prefilter and a water purification cartridge, which work together to remove impurities from the water. The untreated water flows through the prefilter and then into the cartridge for treatment. The treated water flows out of the cartridge and into the treated water container. The system is designed to prevent untreated water from entering the treated water container. The technical effects of the invention include improved water purification, reduced water flow resistance, and improved system efficiency."

Problems solved by technology

Reliable potable drinking water sources are scarce in developing countries.

High mortality rates can be attributed to inadequate water purification.

Cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and rotavirus diarrhea are constant problems faced by people in countries who are forced to use contaminated water.

The lack of safe water supplies perpetuates and aggravates the cycle of poverty and disease.

One of the difficulties of using halogens is in maintaining a proper level of residual halogen for proper microbial control.

Additionally, iodine, a commonly used halogen in gravity filters, has lost favor with consumers and health officials because iodine causes permanent and debilitating health problems in children and pregnant women.

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