Liquid treatment method and apparatus

Abstract

2021107710 24 Aug 2021 5 20 21 22 14 45 2 4 A ug 2 02 12021221445 24 2021 Aug 21 22 25 27 24 26 20 21 10 77 10 2 4 A ug 2 02 1 21 22 25 27 24 26 21 22 25 27 24 26 21 22 25 27 24 26

Description

FIELD This invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a liquid using radiation. BACKGROUND Systems employing UV light bulbs sources provided in quartz tubes within a flow of liquid to be treated are widely employed. Any system where the ultraviolet radiation source(s) is submerged in the liquid has electrical connection and associated waterproofing complexities. Systems employing UV radiation typically convey flow through a conduit in which multiple UV bulbs are installed, if a bulb fails then either the entire flow through the unit must be ceased or the flow will continue at a reduced UV dose until an operator can respond and replace the bulb. A reduced UV dose reduces the UV treatment efficiency of the system. Alternatively, there needs to be additional redundancy built into the system which is on standby in case of bulb failure. Operators need to access internal areas of a treatment system for regular maintenance. In existing systems that use open channels in order to change a bulb or to clean the quartz tubes, a whole bulb and quartz tube assembly along with the power leads and supporting frame sometimes need to be disconnected and lifted out, dripping and wet. Alternatively in a pressurised system, to access the outer surface of the quartz tubes for cleaning the system must be stopped, drained, and then the tubes removed from the system. In both cases this is inconvenient and time-consuming. It may also be unhygienic and messy with liquids such as wastewater effluents dripping onto surroundings and / or getting onto operators which is a health hazard and is unpleasant. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 The various issues and complexities discussed above add to the cost and difficulty of constructing and maintaining many prior art systems. To achieve an acceptable degree of treatment of a liquid, a suitable dose of UV radiation must be delivered to the liquid. The dose is defined as the product of the radiation intensity and the duration for which the liquid is exposed to the radiation, which is also known as the retention time. When using radiation to treat liquids, it is important to note that the liquid may contain material that discolours, obscures, or otherwise reduces the transmissibility of the radiation through the liquid. For example, even seemingly clear liquids like Sprite™ or white wine can also have low ultraviolet light transmissivity (UVT) due to their dissolved solids. Low transmissivity reduces the radiation available for treatment within the liquid and decreases the effectiveness of treatment. Many prior art systems are incapable of providing viable (in terms of cost and / or treatment effectiveness) treatment to fluids of low UVT and, for example, specify that the UVT needs to be approximately 60% or higher. Other prior art systems aim to treat lower UVT liquids by the provision of increased radiation input per unit of flow but this results in higher costs. Some prior art aims to reduce the depth of the fluid being irradiated by creating a thin flow / film. This reduces the high transmission losses of the radiation that occurs in low UVT liquids. However, systems with thinner flows typically have lower flow throughput than systems with thicker flows. Treating supercritical flow with radiation has advantages however experimental testing has revealed that triggering supercritical flow from a sluice gate or slot out into a conduit can result in intermittent elements of liquid ejecting upwards from the supercritical flow in the conduit. While this is a relatively minor effect over a 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 short period of operation for example minutes to hours by contrast over an extended period of operation for example days to weeks this can result in an undesirable amount of fouling of any radiation source, reflectors or radiation transmissive window in close proximity. Another flow treatment system is known from WO2017111616, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY According to one example there is provided an apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus including: i. a conduit; ii. a slot having a height greater than 6 mm, the slot configured to allow liquid flow into the conduit to generate a supercritical liquid flow along the conduit; and iii. at least one radiation source external to the flow to irradiate the flow. According to another example there is provided a method of treating a liquid including: i. generating a flow of the liquid in a supercritical flow and having a depth equal to or greater than 6 mm; and ii. irradiating the flow using at least one radiation source external to the flow. According to another example there is provided an apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus including: i. a frame; and ii. a plurality of treatment modules supported by the frame, each treatment module having one or more liquid conduits therethrough and one or more radiation sources for treating the liquid in that module; 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 wherein the apparatus is configured to treat a plurality of separate flows of liquid through respective separate ones of the treatment modules; and wherein at least one of the treatment modules has an opening lid and the module is movable relative to the frame and allows access into the module when its lid is open. According to another example there is provided an apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus having a frame and one or more treatment module(s) where each module includes: i. a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source; ii. a liquid outlet for discharging liquid to a liquid drain; iii. one or more liquid conduits between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and iv. one or more radiation sources for treating the liquid in that module; wherein one or more of the treatment modules is movable relative to the frame without disconnection of the module(s) from the liquid source or disconnection of the module(s) from the liquid drain. According to another example there is provided a method of operating a liquid treatment apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of liquid treatment modules, wherein the apparatus is configured to treat a plurality of separate flows of liquid through respective separate ones of the liquid treatment modules, wherein each liquid treatment module has one or more radiation source(s) for treating the liquid flowing through one or more conduit(s) of that module and wherein at least one of the treatment modules is movable and has an opening lid, the method comprising: moving one of the treatment modules; opening the lid of the moved treatment module; and accessing the interior of the moved treatment module. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 According to another example there is provided a method of operating a liquid treatment apparatus, the apparatus including a frame and one or more liquid treatment modules, each module including: a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source; a liquid outlet for discharging liquid to a liquid drain; one or more liquid conduits between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and one or more radiation sources for treating the liquid in that module; wherein the method comprises: moving one or more of the treatment modules relative to the frame without disconnecting the module(s) from the liquid source or disconnecting the module(s) from the liquid drain. According to another example there is provided a liquid treatment module comprising: i. a body containing a conduit for conveying a liquid to be treated from an inlet to an outlet; ii. a lid including one or more radiation sources for treating a liquid flowing through the conduit; and iii. one or more radiation-transmissive windows configured to enclose the radiation source(s) when the lid is closed and the module is in use; wherein the lid is movable relative to the body from a closed position to an open position. According to another example there is provided a liquid treatment apparatus including: a liquid conduit; a liquid inlet component configured to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to the liquid conduit for treatment, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising: i. an entry section having a first height and a first width; 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 ii. an exit section terminating in an exit slot, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the second height and the second width are substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; and iii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width. In some examples the conduit is an open channel. Examples may be implemented according to any of the dependent claims 2-7, 914,16-32, 34-63, 65-79, 81-94, 96-110 or 112-123. It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e., they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements. Reference to any document in this specification does not constitute an admission that it is prior art, validly combinable with other documents or that it forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a liquid treatment apparatus according to one example; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a liquid treatment apparatus according to another example in one state; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the liquid treatment apparatus of Figure 2 in another state; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a liquid treatment module according to one example; and Figure 5 is a liquid inlet component according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will be described by way of examples employing ultraviolet (UV) radiation but it is to be appreciated that in appropriate circumstances that other forms of radiation may be employed. The invention will also be described by way of examples employing quartz but it is to be appreciated that in appropriate circumstances that other forms of material that are transmissive to radiation may be employed. Figure 1 shows a liquid treatment apparatus 21 according to an exemplary embodiment. The source 22 of a liquid to be treated may be a header tank or other reservoir that maintains a gravity liquid pressure that provides the driving energy for the flow exiting source 22. A gate 23 is used to restrict the flow of liquid exiting from source 22 to generate a flow of the required depth and flow rate. The gate 23 may be a sluice gate, valve, a fixed slot or any other suitable means for controlling the flow including any suitable arrangement of one or more apertures in a barrier. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 The channel 24 that the liquid flows in is enclosed by a bottom face and side faces, leaving the top face open, or at least not in contact with the liquid. This type of liquid flow within a conduit with a free (unconstrained) liquid surface is known as "open channel flow". The open channel design allows the arrangement of one or more ultraviolet radiation sources 25 above the open top face of the channel. In some examples, a channel, or module with one or more channels / conduits, with a width of 1 m or less may be particularly well suited for enabling practical access into channels or modules that have a lid attached. In some examples a channel or conduit having a depth of 100 mm or less may be particularly well suited to systems used in a frame or rack or in a smaller-scale treatment system which has lower flow throughput requirements, for example for treating milk or beverages. In other examples, greater widths and / or depths may be used. The gate 23 creates an opening in the form of a slot between the gate and base of the channel 24. This allows a flow 26 of liquid to flow out of the source 22. Various different slot heights, producing various different flow thicknesses, may be useful for different applications. In some applications, there are advantages to using a slot height of about 6 mm or greater or about 7 mm or greater to produce a flow thickness of about 6 mm or greater or about 7 mm or greater. Thicker flows may require less pressure or energy to move the liquid through the treatment apparatus. This advantage would increase as flow rates increased. It may also have the advantage of reducing or avoiding the chance of partial blockages of the slot, or other type of opening, where the liquid enters the flow conduit. Such blockages can cause flow disturbances and splashing that potentially fouls internal parts of the apparatus such as a quartz window or bulbs, etc. Blockages may be particularly likely when the liquid contains or is contaminated with small solids, for example crop residues in vegetable-processing effluent; or debris (such as a duck feather or pine needle, etc) that fall into upstream wastewater treatment units. Smaller slots may be 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 more prone to blockages than larger ones and may require screens upstream of the slot to remove debris and other solids. Larger slots may avoid the need for such screens or increase the suitable mesh size for such screens, thereby reducing their resistance to fluid flow. A high velocity flow of a liquid may be created by storing the liquid in a reservoir as shown in Figure 1 and exploiting its gravitational potential energy by locating the gate 23 at the bottom of the reservoir. This apparatus is analogous to a dam in a river. When the gate 23 is opened, the liquid can be discharged at a relatively high velocity. Alternative embodiments of the invention may utilise a fixed slot instead of the gate or may instead of an open reservoir utilise a reservoir enclosed at the top that can be pressurised by a pump, or other mechanical device, so that the liquid is ejected from the gate 23 (or slot) into the channel. It has been found that to achieve a high throughput whilst ensuring adequate treatment that a supercritical flow can be employed. A supercritical flow is a rapid and shallow flow through an open channel (as opposed to constrained, pressurised flow also sometimes known as "pipe" flow) and is defined as set out below. The Froude Number of a flow is defined as: Where: Fr = the Froude number v = velocity of flow (m / s) y = depth of flow (m) g = acceleration due to gravity (m / s2) 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 By definition, Fr must be greater than 1 for a flow to be in a supercritical state. By manipulating the Froude Number equation, v = Fr-jyg Since Fr> 1 in a supercritical flow, for a depth of flowy the flow velocity for having a supercritical flow must be: v>Jyg Given a depth for the flow 26, for example as set at a gate or slot, it is possible to calculate the flow velocity required (and flowrate throughput) so that supercritical flow conditions prevail. Supercritical flows with high velocities are often turbulent. In experiments comparing supercritical laminar flow against supercritical turbulent flow, the treatment performance was superior for turbulent flow. Once the flow 26 flows through the gate 23, the treatment process begins. The ultraviolet radiation sources 25 may be a plurality of tubular ultraviolet light bulbs with reflectors to direct as much of the radiation into the liquid to be treated as possible. The apparatus 21 of Figure 1 can be configured to produce and treat a flow 26 that is 6mm thick or greater, for example 7 mm or greater. In this apparatus 21, the gate 23 can have a slot of 6 mm or greater, for example 7 mm or greater. Surprisingly, it has been found that while using supercritical flow useful treatment can be achieved for flow thicknesses of 6mm or greater. Using thicker flows may reduce the chance of blockages occurring because of the greater slot height used. Supercritical flows having thicknesses y of 6mm or greater can be achieved by 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 ensuring that the velocity v of the flow is great enough that the Froude number Fr is greater than 1 for the given thickness y. Reflectors (not shown in Figure 1) may be provided near the radiation sources 25 to ensure that the maximum amount of ultraviolet radiation is directed into the liquid. The reflectors may be parabolic and the bulbs may be placed approximately at the focuses of the reflectors. Other reflector configurations are also possible, such as flat reflectors, however these may be less effective at directing the ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet light sources may also be LEDs, which may be configured so that the radiation is emitted substantially in one direction, reducing the need for reflectors. In either case, it is preferable that the light path is as perpendicular to the liquid surface as possible so that as much light as possible enters the liquid without reflecting off the liquid surface. In some examples, a plurality of apparatuses 21 can be provided as modules within a larger treatment apparatus. For example, the apparatuses 21 can be stacked on each other or supported by a frame. The apparatuses can be fluidly connected in parallel so that liquid flowing through each module forms a separate flow from liquid flowing through the other modules. Figure 2 depicts a liquid treatment apparatus 12 that has several modules 14a-14h supported on a frame 13. The modules are movably supported so that they can move while supported by the frame 13. In this example, the frame 13 is a rack to which the modules are slidably mounted. The modules can slide out of the rack when pulled by an operator. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frame 13 is a rack with rails 41 (only one rail labelled) supporting the modules 14a-14h. The modules could alternatively be rotatably mounted or mounted on linkages. In alternative examples, the frame could be in a different form, such as a tree having a central post with the modules arrayed around the post and rotatably connected to it at their edges. Alternatively, the frame could be a table with the modules 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 arranged side-by-side on the table. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, all of the modules 14a-14h are movable with respect to the frame. In other examples, one or more of the modules need not be movable. For example, the upper most modules 14a and 14e may be fixed in place because these modules would be accessible from the top without being pulled out. The modules 14a-14h can be configured to support open channel flow through their respective conduits 29 in which the upper surface of the liquid is not constrained by e.g. a top wall. The modules 14a-14h can be configured to support supercritical flowthrough their respective conduits 29. Alternatively, the modules 14a-14h can be configured to support any other type of open channel flow hydraulics including critical flow or sub-critical flow or alternatively the conduits 29 can be enclosed at the top and fully filled with the liquid flowing through under pressure. The modules 14a-14h can be arranged to operate in parallel to each other, i.e. they provide separated flow paths for separate portions of the liquid. While the flows are parallel in a fluid flow sense, they need not be parallel in a geometric sense and can be at various angles to each other. The liquid flows through the apparatus 12 in a plurality of separate flows, each of the separate flows through separate modules. The flows may be split into separate flows by a flow separator constructed as part of the apparatus 12 or the apparatus 12 could receive flows that are already separate from each other, e.g. from separate supply hoses. Each module 14a-14h can be connected to a liquid supply via a respective one of the inlets 15a-15h. Each inlet receives flow and then distributes and discharges it through a slot(s) into its module's respective conduit(s). In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the inlets 15a-15h are structural bodies that convey liquid. In other examples, each inlet could simply be a hole or other opening for allowing a liquid to enter a treatment device / module. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 The modules 14a-14h may be connected to a common liquid supply or to different liquid supplies. Liquid enters the modules 14a-14h through the inlets 15a-15h then flows through one or more conduit(s) (indicated at 29 in Figure 3) in each module. Within each module, there may also be a plurality of separate (i.e. parallel) flows. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, each module has two parallel (in the fluid flow sense) conduits. In this example, the inlet includes a y-junction 33 (only one labelled for clarity) that feeds liquid into two small reservoir blocks 38, one for each of the two conduits. The reservoir blocks 38, which are filled with liquid under pressure, eject the liquid through a slot and out into the conduits of the module. The liquid inlets 15a-15h can be connected to flexible inlet conduits such as hoses 31 (only one shown for clarity). In other examples concertina conduits or telescoping conduits could be used in place of the flexible inlet conduit. Alternatively, the liquid inlet could be slidably or pivotably connected to the liquid source to remain connected while moving. In the example including hoses, when the modules are moved the hoses from the liquid source can simply flex to permit the movement while maintaining a liquid-tight connection to the modules. Liquid exits the modules 14a-14h via gaps into respective outlets (the gaps 42 of one module 14f are shown in Figure 3) and is then discharged into the liquid drain 18. The outlets 16e-16h for modules 14e-14h are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Similar outlets (not visible in the views of Figures 2 and 3) would be provided for modules 14a-14d. An outlet is attached to the end of the conduits of each module and receives liquid from that module and conveys the liquid into the liquid drain 18. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the outlets are structural bodies that convey liquid. In other examples, each outlet could simply be a hole or other opening for allowing a liquid to exit a treatment device / module. The outlets remain connected to the drain in a liquid flow sense in that the flow paths from the outlets to the drain remain unbroken when the modules are moved and any liquid flowing from 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 the outlet can enter the drain. The outlets need not be structurally connected to the drain, for example they can reside within recesses in the drain without needing direct structural connection to it. One example of this is shown in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outlets 16e-16h include covered gutters with partcircular cross sections connected to the modules by generally trapezoidal prismshaped pieces. The gutters are closed at their outward-facing ends 35 (only one labelled for clarity) to prevent liquid from exiting the apparatus at that end but are open at their inward-facing end allowing the liquid to discharge out into the drain. In this example recesses are provided in the drain 18 to receive the outlets. Recesses 19e-19h are shown in Figures 2 and 3 - similar recesses would be provided to receive outlets 16a-16d. As shown in this example, the recesses 19a-19d are generally cylindrical. The outlets can fit within the recesses and discharge flow into the body of the liquid drain 18 from the inner end of their gutter. The point at which the outlets discharge flow always remains within the liquid drain 18 so that even when the modules are pulled out any liquid discharging or dripping from the modules 14a-14h is contained and does not run or drip outside of the treatment apparatus 12. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the module outlets are not directly connected to the drain 18 but discharge flow via the outlets 16a-16h that can move freely within the recesses 19a-19d. In other examples liquid outlets such as flexible, slidable or pivotable conduits such as hoses, concertina conduits or telescoping conduits could be connected to the drain so that they remain connected when the module is moved which avoids the need to disconnect it and avoids any liquid discharging or dripping outside the drain of the apparatus. The construction of the apparatus 12 allows the modules to be moved and accessed without having to be disconnected first. This prevents liquid from 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 dripping from the apparatus 12 or liquid supply when the modules are moved, avoiding mess and potential contamination. It will be appreciated that the liquid source and liquid drain connections of the module that allow it to be moved without disconnection or dripping could be applied to a treatment apparatus with only one treatment module, as well as one with a plurality of modules as in the example shown in Figures 2 and 3. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the liquid drain 18 is in the form of a collection box, however in alternative examples the liquid drain could be a manifold or other conduit arrangement for collecting liquid and draining it into a separate holding tank or down a drain external to the apparatus. A cover may be provided over the end of each recess 19a-19d in the region 34 generally indicated at the end of recess 19d. This may block radiation from exiting the apparatus 12 via the recesses 19a-19d. In one example, the cover may be a metal flap. The metal flap may be hinged to the body of the liquid drain 18 near the respective recess so that it can be pushed open by the module when the module is pulled out and hinge closed when the module is pushed back in. In the state of the apparatus 12 shown in Figure 2, all of the modules 14a-14h are in their retracted positions in the frame 13. In the state of the apparatus 12' shown in Figure 3, one of the modules 14f has been pulled out horizontally from the frame 13 to allow an operator access to the module. The lid 17 of module 14f has also been opened. This allows an operator to access the interior of the module 14f for cleaning, repair, inspection or other maintenance. Each module would have such a lid 17, and references to features of the lid 17 equally apply to the lids of the other modules. With the lid 17 of module 14f open, the conduits 29 and outlet gaps 42 of the module 14f can be seen. The arrangement shown in Figures 2 and 3 may allow an operator to access the module, including its interior, in only seconds. The operator could simply pull the module out from the frame and open 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 the lid to gain access to the interior of the module. This is in contrast to prior systems, which can require more time consuming and inconvenient disassembly to access interior components such as conduits, quartz tubes and bulbs. The radiation sources (e.g. UV bulbs 28) can be located in the lid 17. The lid 17 can also have reflectors 32 associated with the UV bulbs 28. One or more windows (not depicted with solid lines due to its transparency, but generally indicated by the arrow 30) made of a radiation-transmissive material can be provided on the lid 17. The radiation-transmissive material can be selected to allow at least some of the wavelengths of radiation produced by the radiation source to pass through to the liquid without major attenuation. For example, when the radiation sources are UV sources the window can be made of a UV-transmissive material. The window 30 may be made of quartz, which allows UV radiation to pass through largely unattenuated. In other examples, the window 30 could be made of other materials such as UV-transmissive plastic, for example Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA); Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) etc may be suitable. A window may consist of a single pane or may have multiple adjoining panes. In this example, the window forms the base of the lid 17, although in other examples the window 30 could be embedded in the lid 17, hinged to the lid 17 or conduit 29, or separable from the lid 17. The window may be placed between the lid 17 and the conduit. The window may be latchable to the lid or to the conduit. The window may be provided with one or more seals to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the window and the conduit and / or between the window and the lid 17. With the lid 17 open, an operator can, for example, access the conduits 29 to clean the walls of the conduits or to clean the window 30 or to clear blockages from the slot where the liquid enters the conduits from the inlet 15. If a window is not fixed to the lid the bulbs 28 and reflectors 32 can also be directly accessed if desired. The conduits 29 and other parts of the flow path such as the slot that passes liquid into each conduit are located in the body of the module, not the lid. This means that the slot and conduit are not directly affected by the opening of the lid. In 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 some situations, a user may allow flow to continue while the lid is open and the radiation for that module is turned off to inspect flow through the slot and / or conduit. The windows 30 can enclose the UV bulbs 28 in a space in the lid 17 and help protect them from contamination. The UV bulbs are most efficient when operating within a specific temperature range which may be above ambient temperature. In order to regulate the temperature of the bulbs 28, airflow controllers may be provided to control a flow of air through the enclosed space. These may include passive airflow controllers such as vents or active airflow controllers such as fans. The ambient air may be relatively cool and may be used to cool the radiation sources. Generally cooling air may be provided, but in some cold climates, it may be desirable to warm the air. The air supply used for temperature regulation may be pre-cooled or pre-warmed by a heat pump. In other examples, one or more active cooling or heating elements (e.g. a Peltier element or heater wire) may be used to cool or warm the flow of air used for temperature regulation. In some examples, the flow of liquid through any individual module can be inhibited (i.e. reduced or stopped by a controllable valve). For example, the flow through a module can be inhibited when the lid of that individual module is opened. Operation of the radiation source (e.g. UV bulbs) of any individual module can also be inhibited. For example, operation of the radiation source of a module can be inhibited when the lid of that module is opened. One or more sensors can be provided on the lid and / or on a module to sense opening of the lid and cause one or more flow and / or radiation controllers to inhibit the flow and / or radiation forthat module. The embodiment of Figure 1 may have similar lid, window and / or temperature regulation arrangements to those discussed with respect to Figures 2 and 3. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 The flow of liquid through a module, e.g. one of the modules 14a-14h of Figures 2 and 3, can be stopped when the module is moved out from the frame. One or more sensors can be provided to sense when the module is moved with respect to the frame and cause the flow controller to stop flow through that module. Flow through the other module(s) can continue as normal. The provision of parallel modules allows one or more to be taken offline while others remain in use. For example, one module may need to be taken offline because a bulb has stopped working. Flow through this module can be stopped until the bulb has been replaced, while the other modules continue treating the liquid. In another example, the number of modules in use can be selected based on a desired throughput. Flow of liquid can be provided through a subset of the modules to achieve the desired throughput and the remaining module(s) taken offline. This may improve efficiency of the apparatus by only using the minimum number of modules necessary to meet a throughput requirement. One or more flow controllers, such as a valve block common to all modules or individual valves for each module, can be used to control flow through each module independently of flow through the others. A radiation controller can also control the radiation source(s) of each module independently from the radiation source(s) of the other module(s). This can involve turning the radiation sources on and off or increasing or decreasing their output intensity. The radiation controller can be a switch or controller implementing a light control algorithm, for example. In one use, the radiation controller can turn off or decrease intensity of the radiation sources of any module that has low or no flow to save power. In another example, the radiation controller can control the intensity of the radiation as a continuous or stepped function of the flow rate. 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 Figure 4 shows an example liquid treatment module 14 in cross section. In this example, the module 14 is shown with a thin supercritical flow of liquid 36 in the conduit. Liquid can enter the module 14 via inlet 15, where the liquid flows into reservoir block 38 and flows out of reservoir block 38 through a gap or slot 37, and into the conduit 29. Above the conduit 29 is the lid 17, which contains the radiation source (e.g. UV bulb) 28. The base of the lid 17 includes a quartz window 30 that encloses the radiation source 28 while allowing the radiation to pass through to the liquid 36. The liquid then flows out through the exit gap 42 into the outlet 16. Although not shown in the cross-sectional side view of Figure 4, the module 14 can include a plurality of conduits 29 (e.g. two) and a plurality of radiation sources 28 (e.g. two). Figure 5 shows a liquid inlet component 50 for providing a supercritical flow of liquid to a liquid conduit in a liquid treatment apparatus. For example, the liquid inlet component 50 could be used to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to the treatment apparatus of any one of Figures 1 to 4. In the modules 14 of Figures 24, the liquid inlet component 50 could be used in place of the reservoir block 38 or it could be shaped within the reservoir block 38. From experimental testing it was found that when liquid exited from a reservoir via a slot and was projected along a conduit as a supercritical flow, small elements of liquid ejected upwards from the conduit to the extent that splashes where seen on test paper hung above the liquid flow. However it has been discovered that ejection of liquid elements upwards out of a supercritical flow was totally or at least substantially eliminated for a liquid that passed through an inlet component as detailed with reference to Figure 5. In this inlet component 50, the liquid enters the entry section under pressure and then enters a transitional section where the area transitions by simultaneously narrowing its height while increasing its width and then enters a final section where the height to width ratio (or each of the height and width) remains constant and then exits the inlet component through 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 an exit slot to form supercritical flow along a conduit. It was found that use of either the transitional section alone or the rectangular section alone did not provide this quality of result. The inlet component 50 includes one or more walls that define a liquid passage through the inlet component 50. The flow through the inlet component can be constrained at the top by a wall so that the liquid flows through under pressure. In the example of Figure 5, the inlet component 50 has two side walls 54 and an upper wall 66. In this example the inlet component 50 has a lower wall (not shown) facing the upper wall. In other examples the inlet component can be open at the bottom and the open face then enclosed by securing the inlet component onto another surface for example the flat base of a conduit channel as is illustrated in Figure 3. In these examples, the liquid passage is defined as being between the inlet component wall(s) and between the upper wall and the lower wall or alternatively if no lower wall is provided then between the upper wall and the base upon which the inlet component is secured in use. The inlet component might be manufactured from plate material or from a block of material. The material could be metal such as stainless steel or aluminium or it could be plastic. In some examples the inlet component 50 can be fully or partially made from sheets / plates of material and / or tubing that are joined together, for example by welding. The inlet component could include a base at the bottom of the liquid passage through the component. In another example it could be fully or partially cast for example from stainless steel or aluminium or a resin. In another example, the inlet component could be fully or partially milled from a block of material. The inlet component could be open at the bottom (e.g. without a base along at least part of its length) so that when the block is fixed in position into a conduit the base of the conduit forms at least part of the base of the inlet component at 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 the bottom of the liquid passage through the inlet component. In one example of an inlet component that is open at the bottom, the inlet component is milled from a block of plastic without a base in the sections 56 and 54 (that define the transition and exit sections as detailed further below). In this example, the inlet component can be formed without a base in the section 52 (that defines the entry section as detailed further below) or the section 52 could be provided by an element with a circular passage such as a bore through the block or a pipe. Other methods of inlet component manufacture are also possible including having other walls that open but which are then enclosed when in use. Having an open base or any other opening wall may offer benefits in terms of lowered manufacturing cost or may be useful if access for cleaning or other servicing for example removal of any blockage is required. The inlet component is configured such that the liquid passage has three sections: an entry section (through section 52 of the liquid component); an exit section (through section 54 of the inlet component); and a transitional section (through section 56 of the inlet component) between the entry section and the exit section. The width dimension is indicated by the arrow 62. The height dimension is indicated by the arrow 60. Although the arrows 60 and 62 are shown at particular places along the length of the inlet component 50 in Figure 5, the width 62 and height 60 can be measured at various points along the component 50 and different sections of the component or the passage therethrough can have different values of width 62 and height 60. The width 62 may be unchanging along the length of the exit section. The height 60 of the exit section may also be unchanging across this exit section. The width 62 of the passage through the inlet component 50 is greater at the exit section than at the entry section. For example, the width of the exit section can be about 5 times the width of the entry section so that the slot 58 from which liquid exits the inlet component 50 is 5 times as wide as the opening at which it enters the inlet component 50. The height 60 of the entry section is greater than the height of the exit section. The height of the entry section can be 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 between about 5 and 50 times greater than the height of the exit section. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the exit section of the passage to the crosssectional area of the entry passage can be between about 1.3 and 0.13. The width 62 increases through the transitional section and the height 60 decreases through the transitional section. The width 62 can increase non-linearly along the transitional section. For example, the wall(s) that define the passage can curve smoothly between the entry section and exit section so that the width smoothly increases between the entry section and exit section. The width can initially increase superlinearly from the entry section towards a central portion of the transitional section then increase sublinearly from the central portion to the exit portion. In other words, the sides of the passage (e.g. as defined by side walls 64) can initially curve outwards from the entry section then curve inwards towards the exit section. In other words, the second derivative of width with respect to length along the passage is positive between the entry section and the central portion of the transitional section and is negative between the central portion of the transitional section and the exit section. Note that the central portion need not be halfway along the transitional section and it may be at various places between the two ends of the transitional section. It is the configuration of the inner surfaces of the walls that is important for defining the shape and sections of the passage. The exterior shape of the inlet component 50 could vary without affecting the configuration of the liquid passage and without affecting the flow properties of liquid passing through the inlet component. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of 2021107710  24 Aug 2021 the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be 5 made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus including:i.       a conduit;ii.     a slot having a height greater than 6 mm, the slot configured toallow liquid flow into the conduit to generate a supercritical liquid flow along the conduit; andiii.     at least one radiation source external to the flow to irradiate theflow.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slot height is greater than 7 mm.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 further including a lid, wherein the atleast one radiation source is located in the lid in a space that is enclosed by a radiation-transmissive window when the lid is closed and the apparatus is in use.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising an airflow controller forcontrolling a flow of air in the space enclosed by the radiation-transmissive window.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the conduit is 100mmor less in depth.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a liquid inletcomponent configured to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to the conduit for treatment, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section at which enters the liquid inlet component, the entry section having a first height and a first width;2021107710  24 Aug 2021ii. an exit section, from which liquid exits the liquid inlet component, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the ratio of the second height to the second width is substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the radiation sourcesinclude at least one UV radiation source.

8. A method of treating a liquid including:i.      generating a flow of the liquid in a supercritical flow and having adepth equal to or greater than 6 mm; andii.     irradiating the flow using at least one radiation source external tothe flow.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the supercritical flow has a depth equal toor greater than 7 mm.

10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9 further comprising regulating thetemperature of or around the at least one radiation source by controlling air flow around the radiation source(s).

11. The method of claim 10 wherein controlling air flow around the radiationsource(s) comprises controlling airflow in an enclosed space in which the radiation source(s) are located.2021107710  24 Aug 202112. The method of any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein generating the flow of liquid comprises providing a flow of liquid to the conduit via a liquid inlet component, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section at which liquid enters the liquid inlet component, the entry section having a first height and a first width;ii. an exit section, from which liquid exits the liquid inlet component, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the ratio of the second height to the second width is substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii.     a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section,wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the conduit is 100mm or less in depth.

14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the radiation is UVradiation.

15. An apparatus for treating a liquid, the apparatus including:i.      a frame; andii.     a plurality of treatment modules supported by the frame, eachtreatment module having one or more liquid conduits therethrough and one or more radiation sources for treating the liquid in that module;2021107710  24 Aug 2021wherein the apparatus is configured to treat a plurality of separate flows of liquid through respective separate ones of the treatment modules;and wherein at least one of the treatment modules has an opening lid and the module is movable relative to the frame and allows access into the module when its lid is open.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each of a plurality of the treatment modules has an opening lid, is movable relative to the frame, and allows access into the module when its lid is open.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the frame is a rack.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each of the at least one movable modules is configured to be pulled out from the rack.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or claim 18 wherein each of the at least one movable modules is mounted to the rack on rails so that it can slide out from the rack horizontally.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 19 further comprising a flowcontroller configured to allow flow through each module to be controlled independently of the flow through the other modules.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the flow controller is configured to control the number of modules through which the liquid flows to control throughput of the apparatus.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 21 further including a radiation source controller for controlling activation of the radiation source(s) of each module independently of the activation of the radiation source(s) of the other module(s).2021107710  24 Aug 202123. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the radiation source controller is configured to control activation of the radiation source(s) of each module depending on liquid flow through the respective module.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 23 wherein the apparatus isconfigured to support open channel flow of the liquid through the liquid conduits.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the apparatus is configured to support supercritical flow of the liquid through the liquid conduits.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 25 wherein the one or moreradiation sources of each module are located in the lid of the module in a space that is enclosed by a radiation-transmissive window when the lid is closed and the apparatus is in use.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein each module further comprises anairflow controller for controlling a flow of air in the space enclosed by the radiation-transmissive window.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 27, each module furthercomprising a liquid inlet component configured to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to a conduit of the module for treatment, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section at which enters the liquid inlet component, the entry section having a first height and a first width;ii. an exit section, from which liquid exits the liquid inlet component, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the ratio of the second2021107710  24 Aug 2021height to the second width is substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 28 wherein the conduit is 100mm or less in depth.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 29 wherein the apparatus is 1mor less in width.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 30 wherein the radiation sources include at least one UV radiation source.

32. A method of operating a liquid treatment apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of liquid treatment modules, wherein the apparatus is configured to treat a plurality of separate flows of liquid through respective separate ones of the liquid treatment modules, wherein each liquid treatment module has one or more radiation source(s) for treating the liquid flowing through one or more conduit(s) of that module and wherein at least one of the treatment modules is movable and has an opening lid, the method comprising:moving one of the treatment modules;opening the lid of the moved treatment module; andaccessing the interior of the moved treatment module.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising controlling the flow of liquid through one of the modules independently of flow through the other module(s).2021107710  24 Aug 202134.    The method of claim 32 or 33 further comprising controlling application ofradiation to the flow of liquid in one module independently of application of radiation to flow in the other module(s).

35. The method of any one of claims 32 to 34 further comprising inhibiting the flow of liquid through a module or operation of its radiation source whilst its lid is open.

36. The method of claim 35 comprising inhibiting the flow of liquid and theoperation of the radiation source whilst the lid is open.

37. The method of any one of claims 32 to 36 wherein moving the treatment module(s) comprises sliding the treatment module(s) out from the apparatus.

38. The method of any one of claims 32 to 37 further comprising maintainingliquid flow through modules other than the moved treatment module(s).

39. The method of any one of claims 32 to 38 further comprising detecting movement of a module and, in response, cutting off flow of liquid through that module.

40. The method of any one of claims 32 to 39 further comprising providing an open channel flow of the liquid through the conduit of each module.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the open channel flow is supercriticalflow.

42. The method of any one of claims 32 to 41 further comprising regulating thetemperature of or around the at least one radiation source of each module by controlling air flow around the radiation source(s).2021107710  24 Aug 202143. The method of claim 42 wherein controlling air flow around the radiation source(s) comprises controlling airflow in an enclosed space in which the radiation source(s) are located.

44. The method of any one of claims 32 to 43 further comprising providing aflow of liquid to one of the conduit(s) via a liquid inlet component, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section at which enters the liquid inlet component, the entry section having a first height and a first width;ii. an exit section, from which liquid exits the liquid inlet component, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the ratio of the second height to the second width is substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.

45. The method of any one of claims 32 to 44 wherein the or each conduit is 100mm or less in depth.

46. The method of any one of claims 32 to 45 wherein the radiation sources include UV radiation sources.

47. A liquid treatment module comprising:i. a body containing one or more conduits for conveying a liquid to be treated from an inlet to an outlet;2021107710  24 Aug 2021ii. a lid including one or more radiation sources for treating a liquid flowing through the conduit; andiii. one or more radiation-transmissive windows configured to enclose the radiation source(s) when the lid is closed and the module is in use;wherein the lid is movable relative to the body from a closed position to an open position.

48. The liquid treatment module of claim 47 wherein the conduit is configuredto support open channel flow of the liquid.

49. The liquid treatment module of claim 48 wherein the conduit is configured to support supercritical flow of the liquid.

50. The liquid treatment module of claim 49 further comprising a slotconfigured to allow liquid to flow through the slot into the conduit and generate supercritical flow.

51. The liquid treatment module of claim 50 configured such that the slot andconduit can be accessed when the lid is moved to the open position.

52. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein thewindow forms the base of the lid.

53. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein the window(s) is / are hingedly connected to the lid or conduit.

54. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein thewindow(s) is / are embedded in the lid.

55. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein the window(s) is / are separable from the lid.2021107710  24 Aug 202156. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 55 wherein the radiation source is located in a space enclosed by the window(s) when the lid is closed and the apparatus is in use and wherein the liquid treatment module further comprises an airflow controller for controlling a flow of air in the space enclosed by the window(s).

57. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 56 wherein the module is 1m or less in width.

58. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 57 wherein theconduit is 100mm or less in depth.

59. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 58 further comprising one or more sensors to detect movement or position of the lid.

60. The liquid treatment module of claim 59 further comprising a controller forstopping flow of liquid through the conduit and / or operation of the radiation source upon detection that the lid is open or is being opened.

61. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 60 furthercomprising a liquid inlet component configured to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to the liquid conduit for treatment, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section at which enters the liquid inlet component, the entry section having a first height and a first width;ii. an exit section, from which liquid exits the liquid inlet component, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the ratio of the second2021107710  24 Aug 2021height to the second width is substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.

62. The liquid treatment module of any one of claims 47 to 61 wherein theradiation sources include at least one UV radiation source.

63. A liquid treatment apparatus including:a liquid conduit;a liquid inlet component configured to provide a supercritical flow of liquid to the liquid conduit for treatment, wherein the liquid inlet component comprises one or more walls configured to define a liquid passage through the liquid inlet component, the liquid passage comprising:i. an entry section having a first height and a first width;ii. an exit section terminating in an exit slot, the exit section having a length, a second height that is less than the first height and a second width that is greater than the first width, wherein the second height and the second width are substantially unchanged over the length of the exit section; andiii. a transitional section between the entry section and the exit section, wherein the height of the transitional section decreases from the first height to the second height and the width of the transitional section increases from the first width to the second width.2021107710  24 Aug 202164. The liquid treatment apparatus of claim 63 wherein the wall(s) of the liquid inlet component is open at its bottom such that when the liquid inlet component is placed on the conduit the liquid passage is defined between the liquid inlet wall(s) and an upward-facing surface of the conduit.

65. The liquid treatment apparatus of claim 64 wherein the liquid inlet component is formed from one block of material.

66. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 65 wherein the ratio of the second width to the first width is approximately 5:1.

67. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 66 wherein the ratio of the first height to the second height is between about 5:1 and 50:1.

68. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 67 wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the passage at the exit section to the crosssectional area of the passage at the entry section is between approximately 1.3 and approximately 0.13.

69. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 68 wherein the length of the exit section is approximately 80 mm.

70. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 69 wherein thewidth of the transitional section increases non-linearly with distance from the entry section to the exit section.

71. The liquid treatment apparatus of claim 70 wherein the width of the transitional section increases superlinearly with distance from the entry section towards a central portion of the transitional section and increases sublinearly with distance away from the central portion to the exit section.

72. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 71 wherein the conduit is 100mm or less in depth.2021107710  24 Aug 202173. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 72 wherein one of the walls of the inlet component is openable when the inlet component is not in use.

74. The liquid treatment apparatus of any one of claims 63 to 73 further 5       comprising a radiation source arranged to treat liquid in the conduit.

75. The liquid treatment apparatus of claim 74 wherein the radiation source is a UV radiation source.

Images