Systems and methods for generation of low zeta potential mineral crystals to enhance quality of liquid solutions

Abstract

Methods and systems for enhancing of quality of liquid by treating a source liquid to enhance the concentration of low zeta potential crystals and produce a treated liquid having a higher concentration of low zeta potential crystals that that of the source liquid. The inventive system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals and a low zeta potential crystal generator for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential crystals.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 651,041, filed Feb. 7, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for improving quality of liquid solutions, for example, by generating low zeta potential crystals to enhance the quality of liquid solutions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A common hazard of liquids, especially water for drinking, household, medical, and industrial uses, is contamination by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, cysts, and the like. Gastrointestinal disorders and illnesses are caused by water contaminated by microorganisms. The microorganisms present in liquid systems can come from a variety of sources. The safety and potability of certain water supplies, using source liquid from wells, springs, water pumps, septic tanks, reservoirs, water treatment devices, water lines, and the like, is a se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The present invention provides methods and systems for enhancing quality of liquid solutions by generating a generally high concentration of low zeta potential mineral crystals in the liquid solutions. The inventive system treats source liquid in a low zeta potential crystal generator, thereby changing the crystalline structure of minerals such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the solution, and enhancing the concentration of low zeta potential crystals in the treated liquid. The source liquid solution is preferably water, but other aqueous solutions may be used as source liquids. The treated liquid is then distributed for use and consumption.

[0018] Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is generally present in at least moderate concentrations in water. In methods and systems of the present invention, calcium carbonate ionic species in the source liquid solution are crystallized to produce aragonite. Ca2++CO32−→CaCO3(s)(aragonite) Aragonite is a common carbonate mineral and a polymorph of calcite. In other words, aragonite has the same chemistry as calcite but it has a different structure, and more importantly, different symmetry and crystal shapes. Aragonite's more compact structure is composed of triangular carbonate ion groups (CO3), with a carbon at the center of the triangle and the three oxygens at each corner. Unlike calcite, the carbonate ions of an aragonite do not lie in a single plane pointing in the same direction. Instead, they lie in two planes that point in opposite directions, thereby destroying the trigonal symmetry that is characteristic of calcite's structure. Aragonite crystal formation and the conditions of the aragonite crystal growth are such that cations other than calcium are entrapped within the crystal lattice. This condition modifies the distribution of the charge at the surface of the crystals and lowers the zeta potential of the crystals. Minerals other than calcium carbonate may also be induced to form low zeta potential crystals.

[0020] The Turbu-Flow™ treatment system comprises a stack of metal alloy conditioning discs. The liquid flow path through the unit maximizes turbulent flow over the surfaces of the conditioning elements. The discs are constructed of metal alloys selected from two groupings of metals of opposite electro-negativity. When an ion-laden liquid solution contacts the elements, the ions are attracted onto the elements, causing them to become neutralized. The turbulence of liquid flow facilitates neutralization of the ionic species and removal of the ions as neutral particles in a harmless colloidal suspension.

[0022] In addition to observing that the zeta potential of crystals present in water treated by the Turbu-Flow™ system is substantially different from that of untreated water, it has been unexpectedly discovered the Turbu-Flow™ system is exceptionally effective in the enhancement of the quality and stability of the liquid solutions. Experimental results demonstrate that liquid solutions having a relatively high concentration of low zeta potential mineral crystals has the ability to reduce growth of various microorganisms in relatively low liquid temperatures.

[0023] The methods and systems of the present invention utilize a source liquid solution, such as tap water, municipal water, well water, wastewater, and the like, containing minerals. In one embodiment, the source liquid may be treated prior to treatment in a low zeta potential crystal generator to remove contaminants such as debris, oils, and other substances that would interfere with the crystallization treatment. In another embodiment, the mineral composition of the source liquid may be determined prior to treatment of the liquid, and selected minerals may be added to the source liquid to facilitate and enhance crystal formation in the low zeta potential crystal generator.

[0028] Source liquid treated and filtered by the inventive system is extremely effective in destroying or reducing growth of cells, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, and molds, as well as enhancing the overall quality of the source liquids. The low zeta potential crystal generator, for example, the Turbu-Flow™ system, may be integrated with various liquid systems to treat many types of source liquid. These liquid systems may include, but are not limited to, water heaters, water coolers, potable water systems, water sanitation systems, water softeners, ion exchangers, and the like. Liquid systems incorporating a low zeta potential generator can be utilized among the common household, as well as the scientific, food processing, and medical industries.

Problems solved by technology

A common hazard of liquids, especially water for drinking, household, medical, and industrial uses, is contamination by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, cysts, and the like.

The safety and potability of certain water supplies, using source liquid from wells, springs, water pumps, septic tanks, reservoirs, water treatment devices, water lines, and the like, is a serious health and safety concern.

Bacteria and microorganisms present in water unfortunately cannot be seen, tasted, smelled, or easily detected, and many health-related symptoms are caused by bacteria and microorganisms that are not immediately visible.

However, testing a water supply for a specific disease-causing organism can be quite expensive.

Also, handling and intentionally culturing disease producing organisms requires special training and equipment.

However, this method of eliminating bacteria and microorganisms in water is not always practical and almost impossible for treatment of large volumes of water.

It is also common nowadays for a person to purchase bottled water for personal consumption or use an in-home water filtration system, but these alternatives to tap water again can be costly and can become cumbersome.

However, chlorine has its limitations.

Organic matter as well as iron and manganese can interfere with the action of chlorine.

Low levels of chlorine normally used to disinfect water are not an effective treatment for some parasites and microorganisms, and even low levels of chlorine concentrations can result in objectionable tastes and odors.

However, shock chlorination introduces high levels of chlorine in the water and high levels of chlorine can be toxic and can be irritable to human organs and skin and Therefore, while water treated by chlorine may be suitable for some applications and settings, it may not be suitable or safe for human consumption.

In addition, water treatment equipment, such as water softeners, iron filters, or sand filters, can be damaged by strong chlorine solutions.

Distillation, however, takes longer to produce the processed water than some other methods.

Also, the distillation units can be expensive to operate, and the long period of storing distilled water can affect its quality.

Ultraviolet light disinfection units do not create any new chemical complexes, do not change the taste or odor of the water, and do not remove beneficial minerals from the water.

However, ultraviolet light is only effective against some bacteria.

It is not effective against some viruses and parasites such as giardia.

In addition, there is no simple test to determine whether disinfection by ultraviolet light provides a proper level of disinfection.

However, as a gas, ozone is unstable and has a very short life so it must be generated at the point of use.

This is impractical and cumbersome.

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