Water bagging system

Abstract

A water bagging system (1) comprising a trailer-mounted weatherproof enclosure (10) containing a compartmentalized automatic bag filling machine (40) feeding in a string of pre-manufactured water bags out of their carton, a pump / compressor assembly (4) for pumping potable water in from an external potable source such as a TWPS, water tank or hydrant, a filtration and sterilization assembly for filtering and sterilizing the water by a combination of mechanical, carbon, UV and a filling machine sanitization system consisting of a water ozonator (48) and an air ozonator (44). The system is hardened against the harshest environments by a surrounding tent enclosure (2), and a filtered air supply (5) that over-pressures the system (1) to keep dust and sand out. The system (1) is capable of producing a high-volume of water bags within a range of commercial and specialty sizes, and the water remains stable for prolonged periods without bacterial growth and degradation of taste and odor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention generally relates to liquid food and beverage packaging systems and, more particularly, to a field-portable tactical hardened water packaging system for high-volume packaging of potable water bags in harsh field environments for military troops and emergency workers.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Until recently the principal method of providing water by the military for the individual war fighter has been bottled water that is trucked to the areas of deployment. In 2004 the cost of this water delivered in Iraq and Afghanistan exceeded $150,000,000. Although this cost is considerable, the exposure of convoys to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a more critical consideration. Currently, tactical potable water in bulk is supplied by the 1500 TWPS (1500 Gallon per Hour Tactical Water Purification Units) and the LWPS (Light Weight Water Purifier) which produces 125 GPH. These units are compact and highly mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The invention disclosed herein achieves this and other objects by combining a compact sheltering enclosure encompassing a filling machine on multi-directional shock mounts and the support equipment; a supply pump, manifolded dual media carbon filters to remove bacteria and chlorine, an ultra-violet (UV) light sterilizer for water quality assurance; a HEPA filtered air system to provide positive flow of dust and bacteria free air through the filling machine and the support equipment area; an air ozonator for periodic sanitization of the filling machine external surfaces; a water ozonator for the periodic sanitization; and a hot water generation sub-system that provides a water heating cycle for sterilization of the filling machine water system. Taken together in combination these features provide a protected environment for the filling machine and assure the reliable production of filled water bags having an extended shelf life.

Problems solved by technology

These conditions include transportation shocks and off-road vibration, blowing rain, humidity, and high temperatures, blowing sand and dust and stressful conditions for the operators.

Images