Water filter materials and water filters containing a mixture of microporous and mesoporous carbon particles

Abstract

A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120, this application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 101,130, which was filed on Apr. 7, 2005 and was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10 / 705,572 and 10 / 705,174, both of which were filed on Nov. 11, 2003 which are continuations-in-part of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10 / 464,209 and 10 / 464,210, both of which were filed on Jun. 11, 2003 which are continuations-in-part of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09 / 935,962 and 09 / 935,810, both of which were filed on Aug. 23, 2001, the substances of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120, this application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US03 / 05416 designating the U.S., filed Feb. 21, 2003, and is also a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US03 / 05409 designating the U.S., filed Feb. 21, 2003, the substances of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF TH...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a filter for providing potable water. The filter comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a filter material disposed within the housing formed at least in part from a plurality of microporous and mesoporous activated carbon filter particles wherein at least a portion of these particles are coated with a cationic material. The kit further comprises a package for containing the filter and either the package or the filter housing comprises information that the filter or filter material: reduces bacteria; reduces viruses; reduces microorganisms; reduces TTHM, reduces chemicals or any combination of these.

Problems solved by technology

Despite modern water purification means, the general population is at risk, and in particular infants and persons with compromised immune systems are at considerable risk.

Breakdown and other problems with water treatment systems sometimes lead to incomplete removal of bacteria and viruses.

In other countries, there are deadly consequences associated with exposure to contaminated water, as some of them have increasing population densities, increasingly scarce water resources, and no water treatment utilities.

It is common for sources of drinking water to be in close proximity to human and animal waste, such that microbiological contamination is a major health concern.

Another source of contamination of drinking water supplies is chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, taste, odor, lead, arsenic, volatile organic compounds (VOC), trihalomethanes (THM), chromium, etc.

These materials can occur naturally, and can be unintentionally formed in water supplies when organic compounds, for example industrial waste, leaches into water bodies that are subsequently treated with chlorine.

TTHM can be carcinogenic and may cause more immediate health issues such as rashes and other skin irritations.

Moreover, TTHM can, and often do, have a profoundly negative effect on the taste of drinking water.

But the methods and filters are different than, and often inconsistent with the removal of small particles such as bacteria and viruses.

Multi-stage filters and multiple filters often require more space, and more expense than a single filter.

Images