Systems and methods for producing aqueous solutions and gases having disinfecting properties and substantially eliminating impurities

Abstract

A system for disinfecting and purifying aqueous solutions and water for drinking purposes comprising an outer pouch, a disinfectant generating device, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is provided with a membrane shell defining at least two compartments which house a first reactant, a second reactant, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is capable of producing a disinfectant when exposed to water or moisture and the disinfectant exits the compartment through the membrane shell. The inorganic coagulant aid the formation of flocs of the suspended dispersed particles in the aqueous solution.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 610,809, filed Sep. 17, 2004, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 921,385, filed Aug. 18, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for producing disinfectants and substantially eliminating impurities, and particularly to systems that produce a disinfectant when exposed to water or ambient moisture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a relatively small, volatile, and versatile free radical molecule with bleaching, oxidizing, and deodorizing properties, as well as antimicrobial properties, namely, bactericidal, viricidal, sporicidal, algicidal, and fungicidal properties. It is frequently used to control microorganisms on or around food products because chlorine dioxide destroys the microorganisms without producing concentrations of byproducts tha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029] In another embodiment, the disinfectant vapor generating device comprises an inner membrane and two outer membranes, which are sealed together non-continuously along the edges of the device, to form a pouch having a plurality of small openings along the edges of the device for facilitating passage of moisture into the device. The small openings

Problems solved by technology

In its vapor state, chlorine dioxide is not stable during storage and can be explosive at concentrations above about 10% in dry air.

Therefore, chlorine dioxide vapor or liquid is usually not produced and shipped under pressure.

All of the processes mentioned above require expensive generation equipment, high maintenance costs, and highly trained and skilled workers to operate the equipment in a safe manner.

As a result, the use of such generators has been limited to the fields of poultry processing, pulp and paper bleaching, and water treatment facilities, where the high capital and operating cost of the generators can be justified by the large consumption of chlorine dioxide.

Sodium chlorite by itself only has bacteriostatic properties (inhibits rather than killing bacteria) and does not provide complete disinfection.

In any case, the amount of chlorine dioxide produced under these conditions is insignificant.

In addition, the use of “stabilized chlorine dioxide” requires mixing equipment and manipulation of potentially dangerous acids, thus exposing users to inadvertent skin contact and inhalation of acid vapors.

Transportation of the “stabilized chlorine dioxide” also involves large volumes of water, resulting in a costly and difficult operation for remote and/or disaster recovery uses.

These devices usually require complicated formulation processes

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