Water contaminant indicators

Abstract

A filtering device for a gravity-flow liquid treatment system includes a first filter component that can be either exposed or adjacent to a substantially transparent region in at least a portion of a filter housing. The first filter component is capable of providing a visual indication of exposure to at least one contaminant. The contaminants for which the first filter component can indicate exposure include particles, inorganic, and organic contamination. Particle contamination is indicated by a change in color of the first filter component through particle collection. Inorganic and organic contaminants are indicated by reaction with at least one agent capable of undergoing a color-change reaction in response to at least one contaminant. Water treatment systems and filtration devices that include at least one agent capable of undergoing a color-change reaction and thus give a visual indication of exposure to at least one contaminant for use in both gravity-driven and pressure-driven environments are also described.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a device for filtering liquids. In particular, this invention relates to replaceable filters for use in water treatment systems. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Unwanted and potentially harmful contamination in water, especially drinking water, is of concern to many people. This concern creates a desire for water treatment devices in the home and elsewhere. Many water treatment devices and methods have been developed to remove or neutralize particulate and chemical contaminants. [0005] Water treatment devices are well known in the art. These devices can be employed directly in a water system, either in-line or at a terminal end, or also in self-contained batch systems. An example of an in-line system is an under-the-counter device that filters water in the source line before it reaches the faucet. Terminal end devices include countertop and faucet-mounted filtration systems....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unwanted and potentially harmful contamination in water, especially drinking water, is of concern to many people.

A major drawback associated with chemical treatment is that the chemical treatment medium eventually becomes inactive, yet provides no direct indication that its useful life is over.

Although chemical treatment provides additional water purification not possible with mechanical filtration alone, it is difficult for consumers to have an indication that these systems are working actively except, of course, by the subjective taste of the treated water.

Many consumers are not aware of the specific chemical contaminants in their tap water.

Although current water treatment devices may be successful in removing these contaminants, a consumer has no direct indication of what has been removed.

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