Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A water purification system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a first water receptacle (102) for receiving turbid water to be treated;
a first filtration module (104) arranged inside the first water receptacle (102), wherein the first filtration module (104) comprises a natural coagulant for treating the turbid water;
a stirring apparatus (106) for turbulent mixing of the turbid water in the water receptacle (102) for coagulation and flocculation of particles in the turbid water to destabilized and settle non-settleable solid particles at a bottom of the first water receptacle (102); and
a second filtration module (112) arranged at an outlet (110) of the first water receptacle (102), wherein the second filtration module (112) comprises a filter paper (114) for removal of micro-sized particles from the turbid water.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the natural coagulant is Strychnos Potatorum.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbid water passes through the second filtration module (112) and purified and collected at a second water receptacle (116).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, the first water receptacle (102) comprises an inlet (108) for receiving the turbid water.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a settling time for the non-settleable solid particles to be settled at the bottom of the first water receptacle (102) is in a range of 2 minutes to 15 minutes.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stirring apparatus (106) is a vertical column rotatory type turbine.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter paper is adapted to absorb a significant volume of water waste to remove the micro-sized particles from the turbid water.
8. A method for purification of water, the method comprising steps of:
passing turbid water from a first filtration module (104);
allowing coagulation and flocculation of particles in the turbid water by using a natural coagulant;
stirring the water using a water stirring apparatus (106);
allowing stabilization of non-settleable solids particles of the water at a bottom of a first water receptacle (102); and
passing the turbid water from a second filtration module (112) for removal of micro-sized particles from the turbid water.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the natural coagulant is Strychnos Potatorum.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the micro-sized particles are absorbed by using a filter paper (114) arranged in the second filtration module (112).
Date: 03 February, 2021
Place: Noida
Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WATER PURIFICATION

APPLICANT(S)
NAME: PULLA SAMMAIAH
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R ENGINEERING COLLEGE, ANANTHASAGAR (V), HASANPARTHY (M), WARANGAL, TELANGANA 506371

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and a method for water purification and particularly to a system and a method for purifying turbid water using a natural coagulant.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water is an essential and primary source of life. In rural areas of developing countries surface water of nearby lakes and rivers are the major sources of drinking water. In order to drink low risk water minimal treatment is required. It is estimated by researchers that there are more than 600 million people suffering from water shortages, in India itself. Moreover, approximately 1.6 billion people, or almost one-fourth of the world’s population, face economic water shortage i.e., where countries lack the necessary infrastructure to take water from rivers and aquifers.
[003] Some furious studies said that most of the water from lakes and rivers is not suitable for drinking and it require proper treatment. River water contains some impurities and dust particles which does not make water fit for drinking and the water should be filtered. Usage of turbid water in many areas in India and lack of proper treatment in undeveloped communities marooned people with poor drinking water.
[004] Traditionally, boiling of water is one of the oldest and most convenient ways to kill pathogenic microorganisms in contaminated drinking water. However, boiling of regular drinking water is cost intensive and time consuming. Boiling of water is inefficient in filtering of unwanted macro and micro particles from the water.
[005] Water purification systems are further developed for treating water. In most of the existing water purification system, chemical based coagulants such as Alum (AlCl3), Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) and poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC) are used for water treatment.
[006] Conventional systems use chemical methods for purifying water are to provide purified water at all levels of use such as at the municipality level distribution, industrial and domestic purposes etc. These known methods are effective for purification of water; however such systems and method have some associated risks such as the use of low temperature water. Moreover, some other risk factors are purchase costs, decisive effects on human health, large sludge formulation. Significant effect on the Power of Hydrogen (pH) of purified water takes place. There is also strong risk associated with aluminum-based coagulant which can develop Alzheimer's disease in human. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the use of these chemical coagulants in drinking water.
[007] There is thus a need for a water purification system and method to treat water in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a water purification system, the system comprising: a first water receptacle for receiving turbid water to be treated; a first filtration module arranged inside the first water receptacle, wherein the first filtration module comprises a natural coagulant for treating the turbid water, wherein the natural coagulant is Strychnos Potatorum; a stirring apparatus for turbulent mixing of the turbid water in the water receptacle for coagulation and flocculation of particles in the turbid water to destabilized and settle non-settleable solid particles at a bottom of the first water receptacle; and a second filtration module arranged at an outlet of the first water receptacle, wherein the second filtration module comprises a filter paper for removal of micro-sized particles from the turbid water.
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for purification of water, the method comprising steps of: passing turbid water from a first filtration module; allowing coagulation and flocculation of particles in the turbid water by using a natural coagulant; stirring the water using a water stirring apparatus; allowing stabilization of non-settleable solids particles of the water at a bottom of a first water receptacle, and passing the turbid water from a second filtration module for removal of micro-sized particles from the turbid water.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide a water purification system and a method capable of treating water without requiring any external power.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a filter based integrated model which can easily filter 10-20 liters of water per day. Next, embodiments of the present application provide a water purification system which utilizes natural coagulant. Next, embodiments of the present application provide a water purification system which is free from hard chemicals.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting a water purification system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B depicts a pictorial view of the water purification system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for purification of turbid water, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a pictorial view of water purification using the water purification system, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0023] As depicted in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a water purification system 100. The water purification system 100 may comprise a first water receptacle 102 for receiving turbid water to be treated.
[0024] As referred herein, the turbid water may be muddy water, raw water, already used water, or may be water which is non-drinkable. Alternatively, the turbid water may be water from any water source that may have high turbidity that may further require treatment/purification to be suitable for drinking purpose.
[0025] The first water receptacle 102 may comprise a first filtration module 104. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first filtration module 104 may be arranged inside the first water receptacle 102. Further, the first filtration module 104 may comprise a natural coagulant for treating the turbid water. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the natural coagulant may be Strychnos Potatorum. In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more natural coagulant, alone or in combination, may be used such as Strychnos Potatorum, Moringa oleifera, Dolichas lablab, Azadirachta Indica, Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis, and alike.
[0026] In further embodiments, a chemical coagulant and/or flocculant such as alum, aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum sulfate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, iron sulfate, iron chloride, polyacrylamide, polyDADMAC, sodium aluminate or sodium silicate may be used alone or along with the natural coagulant such as Chitosan, Isinglass, Moringa oleifera seeds, gelatin, Strychnos Potatorum seeds, guar gum, or an alginate. In further embodiments of the present invention, the natural coagulant may be derived from any part of a plant, including seeds, flowers, leaves, roots, rhizomes, and from the plant in its entirety. In one aspect of the present invention, the natural coagulant are seeds from a terrestrial plant such as Nirmali tree and/or the Strychnos Potatorum.
[0027] Further, the natural coagulant may be derived from the seeds by an extraction method by using a suitable aqueous liquid, that may be a mixture of water and organic solvents. The organic solvents may be any solvent miscible with water.
[0028] An amount of the natural coagulant may be selected based on a turbidity of the turbid water. In an embodiment of the present invention, the natural coagulant may be preferably added in an amount per liter of 0.2 to 1.1 mg/NTU (Nephelometric Unit), more preferably 0.6 to 1.0 mg/NTU in the turbid water to be treated, calculated on the basis of dry content of the natural coagulant.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water purification system 100 may comprise a stirring apparatus 106 for turbulent mixing of the turbid water in the water receptacle 102 for coagulation and flocculation of solid particles in the turbid water. By which non-settleable solid particles may be destabilized and settled at a bottom of the first water receptacle 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stirring apparatus 106 may be a vertical column rotatory type turbine. In other embodiment of the present invention, a manual, a hydraulic and/or an electrical actuator may be used for stirring purpose.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first water receptacle 102 may comprise an inlet 108 and an outlet 110. The inlet 108 may be adapted to allow the turbid water to enter into the first water receptacle 102 and the outlet 110 may be adapted to pass semi-purified turbid water through a second filtration module 112. The first water receptacle 102 may be rectangular shaped and/or drum shaped to retain the turbid water for purification process. The first water receptacle 102 may be made of a suitable material such as a plastic, a steel and/or other similar material.
[0031] The second filtration module 112 may be connected to an outlet 110 of the first water receptacle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the second filtration module 112 may comprise a filter paper 114 for removal of micro-sized particles from the water. The second filtration module 112 may be adapted to remove the micro-sized particles which are usually invisible to human eyes. The water purification system 100 may comprise a second water receptacle 116. After passing through the second filtration module 112, the turbid water may be purified and collected at the second water receptacle 116. The second water receptacle 116 may be rectangular shape and/or drum shape to retain the turbid water for purification process. The second water receptacle 116 may be made of a suitable material such as plastic, steel and/or other similar material.
[0032] FIG. 1B depicts a pictorial view of the water purification system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the water purification system 100 may comprise the first water receptacle 102 that may be made of a transparent and/or a semi-transparent and/or an opaque material. The stirring apparatus 106 of the first water receptacle 102 may be the vertical column rotatory type turbine that may be adapted for turbulent mixing the turbid water with the natural coagulant.
[0033] The first water receptacle 102 may have the inlet 108 provided on an opening of the first water receptacle 102. The first water receptacle 102 may have the outlet 110 that may be designed as a water tap, in an embodiment of the present invention. The second filtration module 112 may be provided inside the water tap to absorb the micro-sized particles from the turbid water. The water tap shaped second filtration module 112 may be arranged to open in the second water receptacle 116 that may be adapted to store the purified water.
[0034] The major advantage of the present invention is considered by providing a filter based integrated model that may easily filter 10-20 liters of water per day that may be sufficient for a small family of 3-4 person. The present invention may be utilized for mass drinking water purification with modification in the storage and filtration capabilities of the water purification system 100.
[0035] As depicted in FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a method 200 for purification of the turbid water. At step 202, the turbid water may be collected in the first water receptacle 102 and may be allowed to pass from the first filtration module 104.
[0036] At step 204, the turbid water may be reacted with the natural coagulant and may allow coagulation and flocculation of particles in the turbid water. The natural coagulant such as the Strychnos Potatorum may be air-dried and crushed manually using mortar and passed through 100 Millimeters (mm) sieve and pre-installed in the first filtration module 104.
[0037] At step 206, the turbid water may be stirred using the water stirring apparatus 106. The process of stirring may be started with rapid mixing of higher rpm for 5-10 minutes and followed by slow mixing of the lowest rpm for 10-30 minutes. The rotation speed may be adjusted to determine the optimum settling time.
[0038] For mass drinking water purification, the natural coagulant may finally be allowed to settle for 60 minutes to allow stabilization of non-settleable solids particles of the water at bottom of the first water receptacle 102. Alternatively, for domestic use for a small family,
[0039] After the turbulent mixing of the water in the first water receptacle 102, the settling time of 2 to 15 minutes is required for settling of the solid particles at the bottom of the first water receptacle (102).
[0040] At step 208, the semi-purified water may be further passed through the second filtration module 112 for removal of micro-sized particles from the water. The micro-sized particles may be absorbed by using the filter paper 114 that may be arranged in the second filtration module 112. The filter paper 114 may remove the micro sized particles that may come with a flow of the natural/turbid water. In present invention, the filter paper 114 may be utilized as it may absorb a significant volume of the turbid water and may remove fine substances which cannot be seen through the human eyes.
[0041] At step 210, the purified drinking water of permissible/low turbidity level may be obtained.
[0042] As depicted in FIG. 3, the water purification system 100 may have a capability of purifying the turbid water for enabling its use as drinking water and/or for domestic purposes such as for washing clothes, utensils etc. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the water purification system 100 and/or the method 200 may be used for production of the purified drinking water. Because the natural coagulants used in the present invention is derived from a natural source, e.g. seeds of the Nirmali Tree and/or a Kataka, and the consumer of the drinking water may not be exposed to any health hazard if a part of the mucilage added during the process remains in the purified water. Thus, the consumer may feel safe even when the method of the invention is not working optimally. This is in contrast to the chemical coagulants, which is normally used.
[0043] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.