Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system for water disinfection by light, the system comprising:
a) a housing made of plastic, wherein housing comprise the inlet-outlet point for providing secure connection to the outside water source conduit;
b) a plurality of conduit configured inside the housing, wherein the plurality of the conduit is configured to carry the water needed to disinfect inside the housing;
c) a light source, wherein the light source is configured inside the housing to emit the specific frequency for disinfection the water present inside the plurality of conduit;
d) a coating is provided on the inner side of the housing, wherein the coating is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source; and
e) a cooling means provided on the surface of the housing, wherein the cooling means is configured such that it provides easy passage of the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the inlet-outlet point of the housing provides airtight connection to the outside water source conduit by o-rings or sealants.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the plurality of conduit is made of transparent quartz and dimension of the conduit is configured such that flow of water inside the quartz conduit is ideal for disinfecting.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is a UV lamp configured to emit the different UV frequency inside the housing.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coating provided inside the housing is applied such that UV light passed through the conduit and the light not passed through the conduit is reflected by the coating on the conduit for effective use of light energy.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling means is a plurality of fins provided on the body of the housing and is adapted to pass the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.

7. A method for water disinfection by light, the method comprising the steps of:
b) providing inlet-outlet point on a plastic housing, wherein the housing comprise the inlet-outlet point for providing secure connection to the outside water source conduit;
c) carrying the water by a plurality conduit, wherein the plurality of the conduit is configured to carry the water needed to disinfect inside the housing;
d) providing a light source, wherein the light source is configured inside the housing to emit the specific frequency for disinfection the water present inside the plurality of conduit;
f) applying a coating on the inner side of the housing, wherein the coating is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source; and
g) providing a cooling means, wherein the cooling means is configured such that it provides easy passage of the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said the plurality of conduit is made of transparent quartz and dimension of the conduit is configured such that flow of water inside the quartz conduit is ideal for disinfecting.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light source is a UV lamp configured to emit the different UV frequency inside the housing.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the coating provided inside the housing is applied such that UV light passed through the conduit and the light not passed through the conduit is reflected by the coating on the conduit for effective use of light energy.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cooling means is a plurality of fins provided on the body of the housing and is adapted to pass the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is in the field of water treatment. Particularly, the Invention provides a method and system for treating water by ultraviolet energy.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
[0002] The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] To make water fit for drinking disinfection of water is very important step. Disinfection of water starts from early ages and a wide variety of methods have been used over the years to disinfect water, including chlorination. The regulated guidelines first came in modern age when in 1854 it was discovered that a cholera epidemic spread through water. The outbreak seemed less severe in areas where sand filters were installed. British scientist John Snow found that the direct cause of the outbreak was water pump contamination by sewage water. He applied chlorine to purify the water, and this paved the way for water disinfection. However, recent research has provided strong evidence of health disadvantages associated with using chlorine as a primary means of disinfecting drinking water; for example, the US Environmental Protection Agency has advised that certain chlorine byproducts created during water treatment are carcinogenic. Furthermore, chlorine is not effective in removing biofilm from a water supply and harms the environment.

[0004] Another disinfecting process is use of ozone water treatment. The ozone water treatment ozone is dissolved in water to kill microorganisms, destroy organics, and break down chloramines by oxidation. While also effective as a disinfectant, the use of ozone is discouraged because of the corrosive nature of the gas, its odor, and its harmful nature to humans when the concentration is not properly regulated. The operation and equipment costs for ozonation are relatively high and require consistent maintenance. Ozone isn’t as soluble as chlorine, which means that special mixing techniques will need to be used for the ozone gas to dissolve properly. Another major drawback of ozonation is that it doesn’t leave residual disinfection elements, which means that regrowth of the bacteria or viruses isn’t prevented.

[0005] Most popular way of disinfecting water is use of ultraviolet light. Ultra-violet light (UV) is a very effective disinfecting agent. UV exists in nature, radiating from the sun. UV light adds no chemicals to the water, and therefore creates no health, taste, or odor problems. It is well established that germicidal lamps emitting UV light in the 254 nm range are effective at disinfecting most bacteria, viruses and cysts. In order to kill microorganisms, the UV rays must strike the cell. UV energy penetrates the outer cell membrane, passes through the cell body and disrupts its DNA preventing reproduction. UV treatment does not alter water chemically; nothing is being added except energy. The sterilized microorganisms are not removed from the water. UV disinfection does not remove dissolved organics, inorganics or particles in the water. The degree of inactivation by ultraviolet radiation is directly related to the UV dose applied to the water. The dosage, a product of UV light intensity and exposure time, is measured in microwatt second per square centimeter (µws/cm2).

[0006] Going further, water disinfecting system utilizes UV rays emitted form UV lamp. Usually, water needed to be disinfectant is passed through housing or module which contains UV Lamp. Generally, the said housing or module is made of metal or plastic polymers. The said types of chambers have certain limitation. In case of chamber made of plastic, UV light is a very energetic form of light that is not visible to the human eye. UV light, a form of energy, is defined as light having wavelengths between 100 nanometers (nm, 1 billionth of a meter in length) and 400 nm. UV light is further divided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light. The wavelength of UV-C is 100 to 290 nm. All forms of UV can produce a photochemical reaction within the polymer structure, which might result in material degradation. UVC with a higher energy is the one that is most likely to harm polymers. UV energy absorbed can excite photons in a plastic. Exciting photons can result in the formation of free radicals. While many pure plastics are incapable of absorbing UV radiation, the presence of catalyst residues and other impurities (for example, oxygen and sodium) in trace amounts will frequently act as free radical receptors. These free radicals have the potential to cause polymer bond breaks.

[0007] Further, manufacturing process of metal chamber is little complicated. Usually, metal bodies oxidize, and form metal oxides pollute the water and will be health hazard for consumer from who consume it. Further, in conventional UV system waiting period before water dispense – is usually 20-30 seconds and every time lamp is switched ON before water is dispensed. This delay is due to the limitation of UV lamp, as lamp takes time to get full intensify to get germicidal UVC ray to get effective result before water flows through UV module. To mitigate delay concern, UV lamp can be kept continuously ON. But due to high intensity UV rays, light and limitation with current UV chamber output water gets heat up if user dispense water after few hours.

[0008] Hence, there is needed a UV system which not only uses less amount of energy than metal housing UV system but is also less bulky, and safe for use in any environment. There is also needed a UV system whose intricate shape manufacturing becomes easier with use of plastic molded components. Also, metalized coatings allow a better focal point of UV rays on the water flow channel.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention addresses the above mentioned technical problem by providing an plastic housing with reflective coating. The Invention provides a UV system having plastic molded components with vents for cooling and inside surface is metalized coated for efficient use UV energy. The metalized coatings, allow for a better focal point of UV rays on the water flow channel and high polished reflective surface plus make sure plastic doesn’t get degrade. The UV system provides safe water for drinking with faster disinfectant time and energy efficient operation.

OBJECTIVE OF INVETION AND PROPOSED SYSTEM:

[0010] Primary object of the present invention is to provide a UV system whose module is made of plastic material.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a UV system whose inside surface does not gets heated up and provided with fins for efficient temperature management.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a UV system whose design of housing can be designed such that maximum UVC rays after reflecting from surface can be focused or concentrated onto water flow path to getter higher efficiency.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a UV system with improved heat dissipation.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a UV system whose manufacturing cost is less and is more energy efficient.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a UV system which is very safe and have better control over food graded parts so that water disinfected by the system is safe from any contamination and health hazards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0016] The general purpose of the present invention is to provide energy efficient and non-hazardous water disinfecting system, which is easy to produce in different size and cost effective.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives and to fulfil the identified needs, in one aspect, the present invention provides a water disinfecting system comprising:

a) a housing made of plastic, wherein housing comprise the inlet-outlet point for providing secure connection to the outside water source conduit;
b) a plurality of conduit configured inside the housing, wherein the plurality of the conduit is configured to carry the water needed to disinfect inside the housing;
c) a light source, wherein the light source is configured inside the housing to emit the specific frequency for disinfection the water present inside the plurality of conduit;
d) a coating is provided on the inner side of the housing, wherein the coating is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source; and
e) a cooling means provided on the surface of the housing, wherein the cooling means is configured such that it provides easy passage of the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.
[0018] In an embodiment, the invention provides a method for water disinfection by light, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing inlet-outlet point on a plastic housing, wherein the housing comprise the inlet-outlet point for providing secure connection to the outside water source conduit;
b) carrying the water by a plurality conduit, wherein the plurality of the conduit is configured to carry the water needed to disinfect inside the housing;
c) providing a light source, wherein the light source is configured inside the housing to emit the specific frequency for disinfection the water present inside the plurality of conduit;
d) applying a coating on the inner side of the housing, wherein the coating is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source; and
e) providing a cooling means, wherein the cooling means is configured such that it provides easy passage of the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.
This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
a) Fig. 1 illustrates a detail diagram UV system with internal components, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

b) Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of internal components of UV system in according to various embodiments of the present invention;

c) Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section view of UV housing with detail of heat dissipation according to various embodiments of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0020] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0021] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0022] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

[0023] The Invention provides UV system where UV housing made of plastic with metalized coating on the inner surface to protect it from high dose of UV rays.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the water disinfection process may include inactivation or removal of any organism, bacteria, microorganism, being, creature, microbe, germ, virus, organic contaminator, non-organic contaminator. The demonstrative embodiments of the invention may refer to using ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect the liquid and/or to oxidize particles within the liquid. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that in other embodiments of the invention, light of any other suitable spectrum may be used.

[0025] In an embodiment, the UV system has integrated a plurality of features/provision where the device can be remotely accessed using a web interface. The UV system can be controlled by user electronic device remotely.

[0026] In an embodiment, the UV system is user friendly as it is light weight because it is made of plastic and can be easily mounted anywhere according to the user need.

[0027] In an embodiment, the UV system integrates the features of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology and Machine Learning (ML) technology, which would interpret, assess, and control the UV exposure requirement to the water. Such notification will be displayed on a mobile application installed for the device.

[0028] In an embodiment, the device provides the availability of the information to the user through an inbuilt mobile application (app) that supports IOS, Harmony OS systems & Android systems. Once the mobile application is installed, the user can login through phone number.

[0029] The present invention provides a device which not only uses less amount of energy than metal housing UV system but is also less bulky and safe for use in any environment. The UV system can be cloud controlled via use of rf, internet (through wifi or sim) or bluetooth and wired/wireless controls. The device can be triggered to perform disinfection function using analog switch, through web or mobile platform and can also be automated based on various conditions.

[0030] In an embodiment, the Invention provides a water disinfecting system where the housing is made of plastic and it is coated from the inside, thus preventing the inner lining of the housing from degradation and increases the system life. The mechanical design that we have used is unique, which ensures proper ventilation of the hot air from the housing, low consumption of energy and higher efficiency.

[0031] In an embodiment, water disinfecting system, comprises following components:

a) a housing made of plastic, wherein housing comprise the inlet-outlet point for providing secure connection to the outside water source conduit;
b) a plurality of conduit configured inside the housing, wherein the plurality of the conduit is configured to carry the water needed to disinfect inside the housing;
c) a light source, wherein the light source is configured inside the housing to emit the specific frequency for disinfection the water present inside the plurality of conduit;
d) a coating is provided on the inner side of the housing, wherein the coating is adapted to reflect the light emitted from the light source; and
e) a cooling means provided on the surface of the housing, wherein the cooling means is configured such that it provides easy passage of the hot air form the housing to the atmosphere.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 1, there is a detail diagram of UV system with internal components, the said system may include a tube or conduit to carry water to be disinfected, and one or more light sources. According to embodiments of the invention light sources 104 may be UV light sources capable of emitting light at 254 nm. Conduit may have an inlet to receive from an external water pipe the water to be disinfected and an outlet to discharge the liquid via an external discharge pipe. The UV system may further include adaptors to connect conduit to the external liquid pipes.

[0033] In an embodiment, the light source 104 is capable of emitting UV light having wavelengths between 100 nm to 400 nm range. The said UV light is further divided into UV-A, UV-B, UV-Vacuum and UV-C light. The wavelength of UV-A is 315-400nm, wavelength of UV-B is 280-315nm, wavelength of UV-C is 200 to 280 nm and wavelength of UV-vacuum is 100-200nm and all forms of UV light wavelength can disinfect water.

[0034] In an embodiment, conduit may be made of UV-transparent glass, such as quartz. Light sources may illuminate the liquid to be disinfected when flowing in the conduit. In this configuration, the water within conduit is exposed UV light from all side. The UV light is directly incident to the quartz front conduit side and back side of conduit gets most of the reflected UV light from the surface of the housing.

[0035] In an embodiment, light source may generate UV light of a suitable UV-germicidal spectrum. For example, light source may include one or more UV lamps, e.g., a low-pressure UV lamp, a low-pressure high output UV lamp, a medium-pressure UV lamp, a high-pressure UV lamp, and/or a microwave excited UV lamp.

[0036] In an embodiment, conduits having varying diameters along their lengths. The shape of the conduit may be predetermined to increase the efficiency of the disinfection process. The internal diameter of conduit may vary along its length. The specific shape of the conduit may affect the water flow pattern and the shape may be predetermined in order to increase the overall efficiency of the disinfection system.

[0037] The experimental data to evaluate disinfection at different flow rate of water is explained by the following example:

Example 1:
Lab Code No UV CHAMBER
And Flow rate Influent water counts Effluent water counts %
Reduction Log 10 reduction LRV

AWRTCL/18664/ 21-22 1 – 1.0LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml
3.30log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.30
1-1.5LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml
3.30log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.30
1-2.0LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml 3.30log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.30

AWRTCL/18665/ 21-22 2 – 1.0LPM 3.x103 cfu /ml
3.48log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9996 ≥3.48
2-1.5LPM 3.x103 cfu /ml
3.48log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9996 ≥3.48
2-2.0LPM 3.x103 cfu /ml
3.48log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9996 ≥3.48
AWRTCL/18666/ 21-22 3 – 1.0LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml
3.30 log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.48
3-1.5LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml
3.30 log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.48
3-2.0LPM 2.x103 cfu/ml
3.30 log10 <1 cfu/100ml
0 log10 >99.9995 ≥3.48

Example 2:
Test water Characteristic Recommended Concentration Concentration maintained by the Laboratory
Ph 6.5 to 8.5 7.30
TDS mg/L 50 – 500 390
TOC mg/L 0.1 to 5.0 1mg
Turbidity NTU <1NTU <1
Temperature 0C 20±5 0C 240c

Example 3:
Test water Characteristic Recommended Concentration Concentration maintained by the Laboratory
pH 6.5 to 8.5 7.30
TDS mg/L 50 – 500 390
TOC mg/L 0.1 to 5.0 1mg
Turbidity NTU <1NTU <1
Temperature 0C 20±5 0C 240c
TEST WATER COMPOSITION: GTW#1 (General Test water – 1) UV chamber – 2

Example 4:
TEST WATER COMPOSITION: GTW#1 (General Test water – 1) UV chamber – 3
Test water Characteristic Recommended Concentration Concentration maintained by the Laboratory
pH 6.5 to 8.5 7.30
TDS mg/L 50 – 500 390
TOC mg/L 0.1 to 5.0 1mg
Turbidity NTU <1NTU <1
Temperature 0C 20±5 0C 240c

[0038] In an embodiment, to check disinfecting rate of UV chamber of the present invention at different flow rate of water, three UV chamber with same configuration were provided. Further, water samples were collected for UV chamber 1 with Total pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity and temperature were measured (value disclosed in above table). Further, UV chamber water flow rates from 1 to 2 LPM were maintained and after exposure of the UV light to the water sample there was percentage reduction of 99.9995 and log reduction of 3.3 with Sarcina lutea at minimum influent concentration of 2.x103 cfu/ml were obtained.

[0039] In an embodiment, to check disinfecting rate of UV chamber 2 of the present invention, water samples were collected and total pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity and temperature were measured (value disclosed in above table). Further, UV chamber 2 water flow rates was maintained from 2 to 2.0 LPM and after exposure of the UV light to the water sample there was percentage reduction of 99.9996 and log reduction of 3.48 with Sarcina lutea at minimum influent concentration of 3.x103 cfu/ml were obtained.

[0040] In an embodiment, to check disinfecting rate of UV chamber 3, water samples were collected and total pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity and temperature were measured (value disclosed in above table). Further, UV chamber water flow rates from 3 to 3.20 LPM were maintained and after exposure of the UV light to the water sample there was a percentage reduction of 99.9995 and log reduction of 3.48 with Sarcina lutea at minimum influent concentration of 2.x103 cfu/ml.

[0041] The above sampling of water in three chambers (1-3) in different water flow rate were checked and was observed that flow rate of 1-3 LPM is an ideal water flow rate for getting the maximum disinfection result in the UV chamber of the present invention.

[0042] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which depicts an exemplary illustration of a two pipe disinfection system according to embodiments of the invention. A disinfection system may include a conduit to carry water to be disinfected. Conduit may include more than one branch, for example two branches to increase the liquid flow and increase the exposure time to UV light. Having more than one branch may enable better control of the internal pressure in conduit and more efficient in disinfecting water. Conduit may have an inlet to receive from an external water pipe the water to be disinfected and an outlet to discharge the water via an external discharge pipe.

[0043] In an embodiment, the housing which is made of plastic or polymer whose internal surface is polished with vacuum metallizing process. Before the process begin, the plastic component is washed and coated with a base coat, so that the metal layer is smooth and uniform. Next, aluminum metal is evaporated in a vacuum chamber. The vapor then condenses onto the surface of the substrate, leaving a thin layer of metal (aluminum) coating. The entire process takes place within a vacuum chamber to prevent oxidation.

[0044] In an embodiment, the said vacuum deposition process is physical vapor deposition process. Depending on the component’s application, a topcoat may be applied after deposition to increase properties such as abrasion resistance and preventing degrading of inner plastic layer of housing.

[0045] Referring to Fig.3, there is shown a cross section view of UV housing. The housing includes air vents of heat dissipation in the surrounding. While using UV lamp for disinfecting water flowing through the conduit, the surrounding air inside the UV housing gets heated. In use, when UV lamp is kept on for a long time for disinfecting water the surrounding air inside the housing gets hot. The hot air may trigger the degradation of the components used inside the housing. The vents provided on the side of the housing effectively give passage to the hot air inside the housing to escape in the ambient surrounding. The vents prevent undesirable effect of the hot air inside the chamber and ensures the proper function of the components of UV system.

[0046] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.