Method and apparatus for processing fluids

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and / or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and / or storage of fluids. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of water by introducing at least one chemically active metal, for example, antimicrobial forms of metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to that application. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to that application, only. Notably, the present invention is suitable for use in the processing of other fluids, for example, milk, starches, syrups, fruit juices, biological fluids from animals or humans, liquid fossil fuels and the like. In one particular aspect the present Invention is also...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] In essence, the present invention stems from the realisation that transducing or converting fluid flow to a biased displacement of at least one electrode arrangement of an electrolytic cell provides a flow of ions, or an ion current density, within the fluid and between electrode arrangements, which corresponds to and is therefore regulated by the flow rate of the fluid. This biased displacement of an electrode arrangement allows for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow. Further, it has been found that, correspondingly, a measurement of the relative displacement of the first and second electrode arrangements an

Problems solved by technology

However, in these prior art systems, the silver that is being introduced into a given fluid requires sophisticated electronic equipment for either monitoring the amount or dose of silver being introduced or monitoring the volumetric flow of fluid to be treated.

Moreover, regulatory authorities throughout the world now stipulate their own varying individual maximum levels of silver that may be added to fluids for their treatment These various regulations make it difficult and expensive to control the amount of silver to be released into a given flow of fluid.

These systems require the use of delicate on/off flow switches and are therefore, expensive.

Reed switches, in particular, are easily cracked and as a result may fail to perform.

Furthermore, the circuits required to control these systems often fail especially where corrosion occurs as would be expected when placed in close proximity or contact with the various fluids being treated.

In the event of these failures, the prior art systems cannot provide for regulated introduction of silver into a fluid.

Prior art silver disinfection systems may also have

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