Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus using natural adsorbents.
Description of Related Art
[002] Excessive fluoride in drinking water is a pressing public health concern that can lead to serious health risks and environmental challenges. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in soil, water, and various foods. While it is important for dental health in appropriate amounts, excess fluoride intake, especially through drinking water, can cause significant health issues.
[003] Prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride can result in dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting of the teeth. In severe cases, it may affect tooth enamel and structure. Skeletal fluorosis, a more serious condition, affects bones and joints, causing pain and limited mobility. Some studies suggest a link between high fluoride exposure and cognitive impairments, particularly in children. Excessive fluoride levels may impact brain development and lead to reduced cognitive function.
[004] Elevated fluoride levels may disrupt the endocrine apparatus, affecting hormone levels and functions, and potentially leading to various health issues. Chronic exposure to high fluoride levels can contribute to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular issues, renal problems, gastrointestinal concerns, and potentially an increased risk of bone fractures.
[005] High fluoride levels in natural water bodies can be detrimental to aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. Fluoride accumulation in their bodies disrupts their physiological processes and can lead to population declines.
[006] Irrigation with water comprising elevated fluoride levels can contaminate the soil. This soil contamination can negatively impact crop health, affecting growth, yield, and overall food safety. Elevated fluoride levels can disturb the delicate balance of ecosystems, affecting plant growth, microbial communities, and overall biodiversity. This disruption can have far-reaching consequences on the environment.
[007] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced three-stage fluoride removal apparatus that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus. The apparatus comprising: a first filter bed comprising rice husk and filler material for adsorbing fluoride content from the water; a second filter bed adapted to receive the water filtered from the first filter bed, wherein the second filter bed comprises fired clay pots for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water; and a third filter bed adapted to receive the water filtered from the second filter bed, wherein the third filter bed comprises moringa oleifera seeds for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water.
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for treating water using a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus. The method comprising steps of: introducing water comprising fluoride into the first filter bed via an inlet; allowing the water to pass through the first filter bed comprising rice husk and filler material for adsorbing a fluoride content from the water; directing the water filtered from the first filter bed into the second filter bed comprising fired clay pots for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water; directing the water filtered from the second filter bed into the third filter bed comprising moringa oleifera seeds for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water; and collecting the water treated by the three-stage fluoride removal process from an outlet upon passing through the third filter bed.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus that is designed for reducing fluoride levels in water, ensuring that an output water meets or falls within a recommended fluoride concentration range set by health agencies.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus that incorporates a use of natural adsorbents, making a process of fluoride removal eco-friendly and sustainable, minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus that allows adjustment of various operating parameters, including contact time, temperature, and adsorbent concentrations, to optimize fluoride removal efficiency based on specific water conditions and requirements.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] 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
[0016] 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:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a pictorial view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for treating water using the three-stage fluoride removal apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be designed to efficiently reduce fluoride content in water through a structured three-stage filtration process. By utilizing natural adsorbents such as rice husk, fired clay pots, and moringa oleifera seeds, the apparatus 100 may offer an eco-friendly solution for the fluoride removal. These natural adsorbents may ensure the removal of fluoride without causing harm to environment. The three-stage filtration process may be conducted at a temperature in a range of 30°C to 40°C for enhanced fluoride removal efficiency.
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise an inlet 102, a first filter bed 104, a second filter bed 106, a third filter bed 108, and an outlet 110.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet 102 may be adapted to receive water comprising the fluoride from a water source. The water source may be, but not limited to, municipal water supplies, groundwater sources, well water, natural reservoirs, manmade reservoirs, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source of the water, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the inlet 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a wooden material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet 102 may be constructed of a stainless-steel material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the construction of the inlet 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first filter bed 104, the second filter bed 106, and the third filter bed 108 may be designed to operate in series for successive fluoride removal stages. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first filter bed 104 may be adapted to receive the water from the inlet 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first filter bed 104 may comprise the rice husk and the filler material for adsorbing a fluoride content from the received water. The fluoride content of the water may be in range of 3 milligrams per liter mg/L to 4 milligrams per liter mg/L, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[001] The first filter bed 104 may be capable of reducing the fluoride content in range of 50% to 65%, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first contact time of the water with first filter bed 104 may range from 40 to 50 minutes. After the first contact time, the water may be passed for further treatment.
[002] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second filter bed 106 may be adapted to receive the water filtered from the first filter bed 104. The second filter bed 106 may comprise the fired clay pots for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water received from the first filter bed 104. The second filter bed 106 may be capable of reducing the fluoride content in range of 40% to 45%, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second contact time of the water with the second filter bed 106 may range from 40 to 50 minutes. After the second contact time, the water may be passed for further treatment.
[003] In an embodiment of the present invention, the third filter bed 108 may be adapted to receive the water filtered from the second filter bed 106. The third filter bed 108 may comprise the Moringa Oleifera seeds for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water received from the second filter bed 106. The third filter bed 108 may be capable of reducing the fluoride content in range of 80% to 95%, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The third contact time of the water with the third filter bed 108 may be ranging from 40 to 50 minutes. After the third contact time, the water may be consider treated and may be passed through the outlet 110 for further collection or storage.
[004] FIG. 1B illustrates a pictorial view of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first filter bed 104 may be arranged inside a first container 112, the second filter bed 106 may be arranged inside a second container 114, and the third filter bed 108 may be arranged inside a third container 116. The first container 112 may be arranged at a topmost position. The second container 114 may be arranged in a middle position. The third container 116 may be arranged at a bottom position to allow the flow of the water from the first container 112 to the third container 116.
[005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water comprising the fluoride may be collected from a tap 118. Thus, the apparatus 100 may be capable of treating the water from the tap 118, making it suitable for domestic use. The apparatus 100 may reduce the fluoride content from the tap water, ensuring the water is safe and compliant with recommended fluoride levels for drinking.
[006] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for treating water using the three-stage fluoride removal apparatus 100.
[007] At step 202, the apparatus 100 may enable introduction of the water comprising the fluoride into the first filter bed 104 via the inlet 102;
[008] At step 204, the apparatus 100 may allow the water to pass through the first filter bed 104 comprising the rice husk and filler material for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water.
[009] At step 206, the apparatus 100 may direct the water filtered from the first filter bed 104 into the second filter bed 106 comprising the fired clay pots for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water.
[0010] At step 208, the apparatus 100 may direct the water filtered from the second filter bed 106 into the third filter bed 108 comprising the moringa oleifera seeds for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water.
[0011] At step 210, the apparatus 100 may enable collection of the water treated by the three-stage fluoride removal process from the outlet 110 upon passing through the third filter bed 108.
[0012] 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 scope of the appended claims.
[0013] 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 apparatus and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of 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. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A three-stage fluoride removal apparatus (100) for treating water comprising fluoride, characterized in that the apparatus (100) comprising:
a first filter bed (104) comprising rice husk and filler material for adsorbing fluoride content from the water;
a second filter bed (106) adapted to receive the water filtered from the first filter bed, wherein the second filter bed (106) comprises fired clay pots for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water; and
a third filter bed (108) adapted to receive the water filtered from the second filter bed, wherein the third filter bed (108) comprises Moringa Oleifera seeds for adsorption of the fluoride content residuals from the water.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluoride content in the water is reduced by 62% in the first filter bed (104), 45% in the second filter bed (106), and 85% in the third filter bed (108).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first contact time of the water with the first filter bed (104) is ranging from 40 to 50 minutes.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second contact time of the water with the second filter bed (106) is ranging from 40 to 50 minutes.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a third contact time of the water with the third filter bed (108) is ranging from 40 to 50 minutes.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial fluoride content of the water sample for optimum efficiency is in a range of 3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the process is conducted at a temperature in range of 40°C for enhanced fluoride removal efficiency.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first filter bed (104), the second filter bed (106), and the third filter bed (108) are designed to operate in series for successive fluoride removal stages.
9. A method for treating water using a three-stage fluoride removal apparatus (100), characterized by the method comprising steps of:
introducing water comprising fluoride into the first filter bed (104) via an inlet (102);
allowing the water to pass through the first filter bed (104) comprising rice husk and filler material for adsorbing a fluoride content from the water;
directing the water filtered from the first filter bed (104) into the second filter bed (106) comprising fired clay pots for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water;
directing the water filtered from the second filter bed (106) into the third filter bed (108) comprising moringa oleifera seeds for adsorbing the fluoride content from the water; and
collecting the water treated by the three-stage fluoride removal process from an outlet (110) upon passing through the third filter bed (108).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first filter bed (104), the second filter bed (106), and the third filter bed (108) are designed to operate in series for successive fluoride removal stages.
Date: October 12, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant