Apparatus for preparing a chemical product solution and system for preparing a chemical product solution

Abstract

Apparatus for preparing a chemical solution and system for preparing a chemical solution. The invention is an apparatus for preparing a chemical solution. A device of the present invention includes a housing comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber and a dissolving tank disposed at an interface of the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The dissolving tank includes a grid disposed within. The undissolved solid chemical material rests on an upper surface of the grid, such that the grid is able to maintain physical separation of the undissolved solid chemical material from at least a lower portion of the dissolving tank. The device also includes a nozzle disposed within the dissolving tank and positioned to direct the flow of aqueous fluid into the dissolving tank and towards the grid.The dissolving chamber also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the lower chamber to allow a prepared chemical solution to flow from the dissolving chamber to the lower chamber.

Description

1 / 39 “APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A CHEMICAL SOLUTION AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A CHEMICAL SOLUTION” Cross-reference for related applications

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 842,921, filed May 1, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates generally to water treatment and, more particularly, to devices and systems for creating a chemical solution for water treatment. Background

[0003] Water is used in many commercial, industrial, and recreational applications. Depending on the specific end use, water may require specific treatments. End uses may include, but are not limited to, drinking water supply, industrial use, irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation, or many other uses, including the safe return of used water to the environment. Water treatment generally improves water quality by removing contaminants and undesirable components, or reduces their concentration so that the water becomes suitable for the intended end use. When untreated, water can cause corrosion or mechanical failure of equipment, resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, in certain applications, if untreated, water can promote the growth of bacteria, algae, and other undesirable organisms, so that people exposed to an untreated water supply, whether through ingestion or direct physical contact, may become ill. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 8 / 102 2 / 39 become ill and face serious medical problems and possibly death.

[0004] Common water treatment practices generally rely on the introduction of treatment chemicals to control these organisms periodically or continuously. For example, some water treatment systems use chemical feeders that bring water into contact with dry, solid chemicals. The feeders are designed to dissolve chemical material in the water in a controlled manner. In conventional chemical feeders, solid pellets of calcium hypochlorite (hypocal) are dissolved to introduce chlorine into the water stream. Chlorine in water is usually expressed as a free available chlorine (FAC) concentration. In order to provide dissolution at a desired rate to maintain the desired FAC concentration, conventional chemical feeders often require extensive maintenance.Chemical materials must be added to the device frequently, and maintenance is also required to remove the buildup of deposits or residues in the device, such as calcium carbonate deposits. As such, current chemical feeder designs generally require considerable supervision and intervention (i.e., monitoring equipment and handling of chemical materials) to ensure the chemical feeder is functioning as intended, which can be arduous and time-consuming and may even result in user exposure to chemicals during handling. Summary Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 9 / 102 3 / 39

[0005] The present invention relates to devices and systems for water treatment. In particular, the devices according to the present invention are configured to prepare chemical solutions to be introduced into a water supply. The devices may be referred to in this document, for example, as erosion feeders or chemical feeders. As such, the devices of the present invention are configured to be connected to a general water treatment system. Such a water treatment system may generally consist of a water source, one or more pumps to provide water flow through various paths (e.g., piping), one or more valves to control the inflow and outflow of the paths, one or more physical components to filter or screen the water, as well as the erosion feeder devices of the present invention.The overall water treatment system can be associated with a circulation system, such as a swimming pool treatment system in which pool water is circulated and treated continuously, or it can be associated with a water treatment plant for a specific body of water (e.g., river, lake, reservoir, etc.). The erosion feeder devices of the present invention are configured to prepare and produce a high concentration of chemical solution, minimize user interaction with chemical materials, and minimize scale deposition on the devices, thus addressing the disadvantages of conventional chemical feeders.

[0006] It should be noted that, although the following description is directed at devices and systems to be used in Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 10 / 102 4 / 39 swimming pool water treatment, the devices and systems of the present invention can be used in other general water treatment applications and are not limited to swimming pool treatment systems.

[0007] A device of the present invention includes a housing comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber and a dissolving tank disposed at an interface of the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The dissolving tank includes a grid disposed within. The upper chamber generally has the form of a hopper, so that a chemical material can be simply loaded into the upper chamber and, by means of gravity, the chemical material passes into the dissolving tank and is supported by the grid. The grid is designed in such a way that the undissolved solid chemical material (of a given size and / or dimension, such as briquettes or pellets) rests on an upper surface of the grid, so that the grid is able to maintain the physical separation of the undissolved solid chemical material from at least a lower part of the dissolving tank.The device also includes a nozzle disposed inside the dissolving chamber and positioned to direct the flow of aqueous fluid (i.e., water) into the dissolving chamber and towards the grid, resulting in the dissolving chamber being filled with aqueous fluid and eventual contact between the aqueous fluid and the chemical material supported on the grid. The fluid flow from the nozzle is controllable so that a desired quantity of chemical material is dissolved (based on the aqueous fluid flow from the nozzle). Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 11 / 102 5 / 39 within the dissolution of both and mixed to create a chemical solution of a desired concentration.

[0008] The dissolving tank also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the lower chamber to allow a prepared chemical solution to flow from the dissolving tank to the lower chamber. The chemical solution can then be subjected to further fluid flow to introduce a volume of the chemical solution into the overall water treatment system to mix with the water to be treated.

[0009] The devices of the present invention are designed to produce an ideal concentration of chlorine, in contrast to conventional chemical feeders. For example, conventional chemical feeders, such as hypocal erosion chlorinators, generally produce a low concentration of solution, which in turn requires the use of a centrifugal pump to remove the high volume of low-concentration solution from the chemical feeder and into the overall water supply / filter system (i.e., a swimming pool or similar). The chlorine concentration passing through the pump can cause pump failure in a short period.In contrast to conventional systems and devices, a higher concentration of chlorine is produced by the devices of the present invention, such that a pump and a Venturi injector are used to remove a sufficient volume of a chemical solution prepared from the device to treat, for example, a large commercial swimming pool.

[0010] The nozzles used in the invention have a drag feature that recirculates the solution in the dissolution chamber. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 12 / 102 6 / 39 sufficient to cause closer contact of the solution with the briquettes / tablets, thus increasing the concentration before the solution exits the dissolution chamber. The position (height) of the outlet area and cross-section is such that the solution will rise to the briquette / tablet bed when approximately 2 to 4 gpm of flow are delivered through the inlet nozzle. When the flow stops, the solution falls below the top of the grate, thus keeping the chemical out of the water and stopping the dissolution process. This feature maintains a consistently high chlorine concentration (approximately 0.8%) and prevents the briquettes / tablets from disintegrating.

[0011] The bottom surface of the screen is pointed, which allows water to flow more freely towards the briquettes / pellets placed on top of the screen, thus increasing the impact on the briquettes of the flow outside the nozzle. In contrast, a flat surface would decrease the impact of the water flow towards the briquettes / pellets. Additionally, there is a hole in the screen directly above the nozzle tip (horn). The hole allows the high volume of flow from the nozzle to penetrate the bed without being impeded by any deflection of the screen. This results in a higher solution concentration than that obtained without the hole. The screen has an open square pattern of about 1 / 4 inch. The top and bottom parts of the screen are pointed and the beams are elliptical in shape. The thickness of the screen is about 1 / 2 inch, measured from the bottom point to the top point of each elliptical screen beam.In certain configurations, the beams and grid are created by injection molding. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 13 / 102 7 / 39

[0012] The square openings of approximately 1 / 4 inch allow sufficient flow through the grate while keeping the solid chemical pieces above the grate until the chemical solids are small enough to have no consequence. If the chemical solids are too large and fall to the bottom of the dissolving chamber where the nozzle is located, the nozzle may become blocked. In particular, if the pieces were too large, the nozzle would experience decreased flow due to a blocked entrainment characteristic, thus decreasing the dissolution rate of the pellets and the chlorine output rate of the entire system. The approximately 1 / 4 inch square open grate pattern between the structural components of the grate provides the highest concentration without allowing briquette fragments large enough to impede entrainment to fall through the grate into the dissolving chamber.

[0013] Typically, users come into contact with harmful chemicals when loading a water treatment device with chemical material. For example, in conventional chemical feeders, loading the feeders with solid briquettes or pellets of chemical material creates chemical dust in the air. Inhalation and other contact with chemicals used for water treatment, such as hypocal, can cause severe burns and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat. The invention provides a dust-free feature that prevents the chemical material from being carried by the air, thus avoiding the possibility of inhaling chemical dust. The invention provides a dust-free loading feature for the briquettes / pellets used with a Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 14 / 102 8 / 39 Bucket / Hopper Combination System. The lid of the bucket containing chemical materials is removed and replaced with a hopper-type lid. The hopper-type lid has an interlocking feature that securely holds the hopper in place on the bucket. Once the hopper-type lid is securely installed on the bucket, the bucket can be lifted and inverted over a female feature in the hopper or upper chamber. This transition allows the bucket to be placed in the hopper with virtually no dust escaping during the process. The bucket rotation secures the bucket in the hopper. The bucket can be removed once the dust settles inside the feeder, typically after a few minutes. Alternatively, the bucket can be left in place to serve as a lid for the upper chamber. A third option is to use the bucket for extra capacity.When the bucket is used for extra capacity, the bucket is inverted over a hopper or upper chamber that is nearly full of briquettes / pellets. The funnel-type lid is locked onto the hopper, increasing the chemical material capacity in the hopper by almost 50 pounds. These features are desirable when maintenance operators are unavailable, such as during extended weekends.

[0014] The invention provides water treatment devices that prevent scale buildup. Conventional hypocalc erosion chlorinators suffer from scale buildup. Scale buildup on the grate and the accumulation of insoluble particles in the feeder cause maintenance problems requiring acid cleaning and mechanical removal of solids. However, the present invention minimizes scale buildup by providing a grate. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 15 / 102 9 / 39 molded. The shape at the top of the grate is pointed with almost no horizontal surface area, preventing water from pooling on top of the grate and minimizing the deposition of scale typically produced on a horizontal part of a briquette / hypocal pellet support grate when the surface dries between feeding episodes.

[0015] Additionally, the thickness of the grate allows the bottom of the grate to be submerged in water. In some embodiments, the thickness of the grate is about 1 / 2 inch. Because the bottom of the grate remains submerged, the invention avoids the drying process between feeding episodes during which the scale layer is typically deposited. Therefore, the invention keeps the bottom of the grate relatively free of scale.

[0016] The grid also protects the outlet from being obstructed by any briquettes or pellets or parts thereof, so that a uniform and ideal flow is achieved through the dissolving tank. In the event that the outlet is still blocked, there is a series of overflow holes in the dissolving tank that prevents the chemical feeder from overflowing with hypocal solution. In one embodiment, the dissolving tank comprises approximately eight overflow holes.

[0017] Additionally, the devices of the invention are designed to prevent the accumulation of solids that could cause blockage within the device or system. The outflow from the dissolving vessel is directed to fall near the outlet port to the feeder to improve the removal of solids from the base of the feeder. Gravity is used to provide the energy necessary to agitate the solution in the Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 16 / 102 10 / 39 base, thus suspending the particles so that they can be more easily removed with the outflow. The feeder base is contoured to facilitate the suspension of solids when combined with the agitation flow provided by either pool water or recirculated solution in the feeder based on the flow generated by a magnetically driven recirculation pump. The suspension of solids allows for the removal of solids as the chlorinated solution is evacuated from the base tank either by a dosing pump or by Venturi. The placement of the inlet or recirculation flow works in conjunction with the contour of the base to direct the flow of solids to the central part of the tank. In the central part of the tank, the solids are pulled through the recirculation system, such as in a municipal project implementation, or directed to the outlet valve, such as in a swimming pool implementation.

[0018] In certain embodiments, calcium hypochlorite, which is made by chlorination of lime, is the type of chlorine used in the feeder. The process produces calcium hypochlorite with a purity of about 68-72%. The other approximately 30% is composed of inert salts, mainly calcium, with about 3% being calcium carbonate or limestone (chalk), which is almost insoluble. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) must be kept suspended to flow out of the tank with the chlorinated solution. The shape of the tank, including the slope of the walls and having the nozzle in the middle, facilitates the movement of insoluble particles towards the nozzle, where more vigorous agitation of the solution keeps the insoluble material in suspension. The inflow through the nozzle orifice creates a high-speed current through the tip of the Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 17 / 102 11 / 39 nozzle. The high-speed stream creates a low pressure that pulls the surrounding fluid in the bowl into the stream, thus increasing the overall flow through the tip by about 3-4 times. The increase in overall flow with an inlet flow of about 3 gpm creates a flow through the nozzle tip of approximately 9-12 gpm. This entrainment characteristic is used in the invention to suspend solids for removal from the feeder dissolving bowl.

[0019] Additionally, the invention reduces the amount of maintenance required for conventional chemical feeder devices. Directing the solid particles toward the recirculation pump inlet has the added benefit of reducing particle size, such as by pulverization, as the particles pass through the recirculation pump, allowing for easier suspension of smaller particles. If particles remain in suspension, they are removed by the outflow from the feeder. Research has shown that particles with diameters larger than about 800 microns are difficult to keep in suspension with agitation. The particles become trapped within the feeder and require feeder maintenance with physical removal.

[0020] In the invention, the fresh pool water agitation uses a very high pulsed flow directed to lift suspended particles for removal with the outflow, which is in stark contrast to the continuous bottom-flow discharge systems used in conventional systems. The pulsed flow is necessary to avoid overloading the outflow capacity while providing the energy. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 18 / 102 12 / 39 required to suspend, or wash, particles from the feeder base tank.

[0021] In one aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus for preparing a chemical solution. The apparatus comprises a housing comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber. A dissolving tank is disposed at an interface of the lower chamber and the upper chamber, the dissolving tank comprising an open, terminated upper edge portion communicating with the upper chamber to receive a chemical material therein and a closed lower portion. A grid is disposed within the dissolving tank and arranged between the closed upper edge portion and the lower portion of the dissolving tank, the grid supporting the undissolved solid chemical material on an upper surface thereof and maintaining the physical separation of undissolved solid chemical material from at least the lower part of the dissolving tank.A nozzle is placed inside the dissolving chamber and positioned near the bottom. The nozzle is designed to direct the flow of aqueous fluid into the dissolving chamber and towards the grid, thus causing the aqueous fluid to come into contact with and dissolve at least some of the chemical material, creating a solution of aqueous fluid and dissolved chemical material based, at least in part, on the fluid flow from the nozzle.

[0022] The grid generally comprises a beam structure, including a first set of beams and a second set of beams arranged relative to each other. Each beam in the first and second sets includes a cross-section shape. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 19 / 102 13 / 39 substantially elliptical cross-section. For example, each beam includes two opposing arched side walls that converge at the respective upper and lower ends of each side wall to form the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of the beam. The beams of the first set are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a first direction, and the beams of the second set are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Consequently, the first and second sets of beams intersect each other to thereby form a plurality of square-shaped openings defined between them. The plurality of square openings allows fluid to flow through them and thus make contact with the chemical material supported on the grid.It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the beams may be arranged to form other shapes for the openings, such as diamond, rectangle and triangle, to name a few.

[0023] The grid may include a central opening substantially aligned with the nozzle to allow unimpeded fluid flow from the nozzle through the grid. Consequently, in some embodiments, the nozzle may be positioned centrally within the dissolving chamber. By providing a central opening aligned with the nozzle, the fluid from the nozzle can generally pass through the grid in an unobstructed manner, thus increasing the agitation of the water with the chemical material. The nozzle may generally include an eductor oriented to discharge fluid into a Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 20 / 102 14 / 39 direction facing the grid and away from the bottom of the dissolving tank.

[0024] The dissolving tank may include a plurality of openings arranged around the upper edge. The plurality of openings communicates with the lower chamber and allows fluid to overflow from the dissolving tank into the lower chamber. Consequently, the openings allow control of fluid overflow and prevent potential spillage.

[0025] In some embodiments, the upper chamber includes an opening for loading chemical material into the housing and dissolving chamber. The opening comprises a connecting fitting configured to engage with a corresponding connecting fitting of a separate bucket member containing a chemical material. The connecting fittings of the upper chamber opening and the bucket member comprise interlocking engagement fittings configured to loosely couple the bucket member to the upper chamber. The bucket comprises a lid coupled thereto, the lid comprising a funnel-shaped body tapering in diameter from a first wider end directly coupled to an open end of the bucket to a second narrower end positioned at a distance from the first end and away from the bucket member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the dissolving chamber comprises an outlet provided along a portion of a side wall of the dissolving chamber and close to the grate, the outlet being in fluid communication with the lower chamber and allowing the chemical solution to flow out from there. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 21 / 102 15 / 39 Dissolving chamber for the lower chamber. The outlet is substantially aligned with at least one lower surface of the grid such that, after the fluid flow from the nozzle ceases, a settled volume of fluid retained within the dissolving chamber falls below the upper surface of the grid, while remaining in contact with the bottom surface of the grid. The outflow from the dissolving chamber is directed to fall into the lower chamber near a chemical solution outlet port of the apparatus. The lower chamber comprises a delineated base with a defined low section in the center of the delineated base.The inlet flow provided for the functions of the lower chamber, in combination with the delineated base, directs the flow of any undissolved solid chemical material included in the chemical solution towards the lower section of the delineated base, thereby removing the undissolved solid chemical material from the chemical solution and away from the outlet port of the apparatus.

[0027] In certain embodiments, systems are provided for preparing a chemical solution. The systems comprise a chemical feeder, a pump for pumping aqueous fluid into the chemical feeder, and a controller communicatively coupled with the chemical feeder and the pump, and configured to control the pump and the flow of aqueous fluid through the chemical feeder. The chemical feeder comprises a dissolving chamber disposed within a housing and comprising an open, terminated upper edge portion communicating with the upper chamber to receive a chemical material from therein and Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 22 / 102 16 / 39 a closed bottom section. A grid is disposed within the dissolving chamber and positioned between the upper edge and the closed bottom section of the dissolving chamber, the grid to support the undissolved solid chemical material on an upper surface thereof and maintain physical separation of the undissolved solid chemical material from at least the bottom of the dissolving chamber. A nozzle is disposed within the dissolving chamber and positioned near the bottom, the nozzle disposed to direct the flow of aqueous fluid into the dissolving chamber and towards the grid so that the aqueous fluid contacts and dissolves at least some of the chemical material and creates a solution of aqueous fluid and dissolved chemical material based, at least in part, on the fluid flow from the nozzle.

[0028] The controller provides pulsed flow through the chemical feeder. A pulse of fluid flow from the nozzle causes a fluid level to rise above an upper surface of the grate. Interrupting the pulse of fluid flow from the nozzle causes the fluid level to fall below the upper surface of the grate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a recirculation pump that recirculates fluid and material in the chemical feeder and reduces the particle size of the solid chemical material. The chemical material is calcium hypochlorite. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a water treatment device. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 23 / 102 17 / 39

[0031] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the arrangement of an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0035] Figure 6 shows the arrangement of an upper chamber according to an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0036] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of a dissolution tank according to an embodiment of a water treatment device.

[0037] Figure 8 shows a top view of a grid embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 shows a side view in section of an embodiment of a grid.

[0039] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a grid embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 shows a front view of an embodiment of a nozzle.

[0041] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a nozzle embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 shows the arrangement of an embodiment of a bucket with a covered funnel, free of dust.

[0043] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a funnel attached to a bucket of chemical material. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 24 / 102 18 / 39

[0044] Figure 15 shows an embodiment of coupling a bucket of chemical material to a water treatment device.

[0045] Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a system according to the invention. Detailed description

[0046] By way of overview, the present invention is directed to related devices and systems for the preparation of a chemical solution. The invention is useful for water treatment, since the devices and systems of the invention prepare chemical solutions by mixing chemical material with an aqueous fluid (i.e., water in most cases) and delivering the chemical solution to the water being treated. In certain embodiments, the chemical material is calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)2), also known as hypocal. However, it should be noted that any chemical material can be used. Often, hypocal is provided in solid form as briquettes or pellets. The devices of the present invention dissolve the briquettes or pellets to prepare a chemical solution for water treatment.Consequently, the devices may be referred to in this document as, for example, erosion feeders or chemical feeders. The erosion feeder devices of the present invention may be particularly useful for commercial swimming pool chlorination, municipal drinking water chlorination, agricultural water chlorination, and industrial water chlorination.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 show front and perspective views of an embodiment of a device for Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 25 / 102 19 / 39 water treatment 100 consistent with this disclosure. The device 100 includes a housing 110 comprising a lower chamber 150 and an upper chamber 120. As shown, a bucket 195, loaded with a chemical material, such as tablets, is coupled to an opening 185 of the upper chamber 120, which in turn fills the upper chamber 120 with the chemical tablets. The upper chamber 120 may further include a lid 115. Consequently, when transferring the chemical material from the bucket 195 to the upper chamber 120, the bucket 195 can be removed and the lid 115 can be closed over the opening 185 so as to cover the opening 185 and the chemical tablets inside.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a water treatment device 100. In Figure 1, the lid 115 for the upper chamber 120, or funnel, is closed. In Figure 2, the lid 115 for the upper chamber 120 is open, with a bucket 195 for chemical materials having a funnel lid 190 coupled to the opening 185 of the upper chamber 120. The housing 110 comprises a lower chamber 150 and an upper chamber 120. A dissolving tank 177 is disposed at an interface 127 of the lower chamber 150 and the upper chamber 120. The dissolving tank 177 comprises an open finished upper edge portion 125 communicating with the upper chamber 120 to receive a chemical material from it and a closed lower portion 129.

[0049] A grid member 131, sometimes called a grid, is disposed within the dissolving vessel 177 and situated between the upper edge portion 125 and the closed lower portion 129 of the dissolving vessel 177. As Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 26 / 102 20 / 39 shown, the grate portion 137 is generally in the form of a bucket, including a continuous side wall 130 (of annular profile) extending from a base, in which a grate is formed, towards an open end. The grid portion 137 is further illustrated in Figure 7 and is shaped and / or dimensioned to fit correspondingly within the dissolving vessel 177 in a housing arrangement, such that the grid portion 137 (at the base of the grid member 131) sits within the dissolving vessel 177 and is retained at a distance from the bottom 129 of the dissolving vessel 177. The grid member 131 is configured to support an undissolved solid chemical material (of a particular size and / or dimension) on an upper surface thereof and to maintain separation of the chemical material from at least the bottom 129 of the dissolving vessel 177.As shown, the grate portion at the base of grate member 131 comprises a central opening 133 substantially aligned with a nozzle 135 to allow unimpeded fluid flow from the nozzle 135 through the grate portion.

[0050] Nozzle 135 is disposed within dissolving vessel 177 and positioned near the bottom 129. Nozzle 135 is disposed to direct the flow of aqueous fluid into dissolving vessel 177 and towards the grid part so that the aqueous fluid comes into contact with and dissolves at least some chemical material and creates a solution of aqueous fluid and dissolved chemical material based, at least in part, on the fluid flow from nozzle 135. Nozzle 135 is centrally positioned within dissolving vessel 177. In Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 27 / 102 21 / 39 some examples, the nozzle 135 comprises an eductor oriented to discharge the fluid in a direction towards the grid member 131 and away from the bottom 129 of the dissolving chamber 177.

[0051] In some cases, it may be necessary to shut off the fluid flow from nozzle 135 as quickly as possible to avoid potential damage to device 100, particularly in cases where pressure may build up and represent a potentially dangerous situation. Consequently, device 100 further comprises an emergency shut-off valve 165 to provide immediate shut-off of nozzle 135 and other fluid flow components of device 100.

[0052] The upper chamber 120 includes an opening 185 for loading chemical material into the housing 110, particularly in the upper chamber 120 and also in the dissolving chamber 177. The dissolving chamber 177 comprises an outlet 175 provided along a portion of a side wall of the dissolving chamber body 177 and near the grid portion at the base of the grid member 131. As shown, the outlet 175 is generally in fluid communication with the lower chamber 150 and allows the chemical solution to flow from the dissolving chamber 177 to the lower chamber 150. The outlet 175 is substantially aligned with at least one lower surface of the grid portion so that, after the fluid flow from the nozzle 135 ceases, a settled volume of fluid retained within the dissolving chamber 135 falls below the upper surface of the grid portion while remaining in contact. with the lower surface of the grill section. The outflow is 170 to the tank of Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 28 / 102 22 / 39 dissolution 150 is directed to fall into the lower chamber 150 near a chemical solution outlet port 159 of the apparatus. The lower chamber 150 comprises a contoured base 155 with a defined lower section 157 in the center of the contoured base 155. The inlet flow provided to the lower chamber 150 works in combination with the contoured base 155 to direct the flow of any undissolved solid chemical material included in the chemical solution to the lower section 157 of the contoured base 155, thereby removing the undissolved solid chemical material from the chemical solution and away from the outlet port of the apparatus.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an assembly of a water treatment device 100. A bucket 195 containing chemical material is inverted. A funnel lid 190 is removablely attached to the bucket 195. The funnel lid 190 comprises interlocking features that interlock with an opening 185 of the upper chamber 120. The upper chamber 120 is fixed to the lower chamber 150. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of an assembly of an upper chamber 120 of a water treatment device of the invention. A dissolving tank 177 is disposed within the upper chamber 120. A lid 115 for the upper chamber 120 is disposed on top of the upper chamber 120. The lid 115 has an opening 185 for loading chemical materials into the upper chamber 120.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of a dissolving tank 177. The dissolving tank 177 has a plurality of openings 119 arranged around the upper edge 125. The plurality of openings 119 is in Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 29 / 102 23 / 39 communicates with the lower chamber and allows fluid overflow to pass from the dissolving chamber part 177 to the lower chamber. A grid member 131 is disposed within the dissolving chamber. The grid member 131 comprises a central opening substantially aligned with a nozzle 135 to allow unimpeded fluid flow from the nozzle 135 through the grid 131. The nozzle 135 is disposed within the dissolving vessel 177 and positioned near the bottom of the dissolving vessel 177. The nozzle 135 is disposed to direct the flow of aqueous fluid into the dissolving vessel 177 and toward the grid portion at the base of the grid member 131 so as to cause the aqueous fluid to come into contact with and dissolve at least some chemical material and create a fluid aqueous chemical solution and dissolved chemical material based at least in part on the fluid flow from the nozzle 135.Nozzle 135 is positioned centrally inside dissolving chamber 177.

[0055] Figure 8 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a grid member consistent with the present disclosure. Figures 9 and 10 are side and perspective views, partially in section, of the grid member, illustrating the shape of the beams that form part of the grid. Grid member 131 comprises a structure of a first set of beams and a second set of beams arranged relative to each other, each beam 140 in the first and second sets including a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape. Each beam 140 comprises two opposing arched side walls 139, 141 that converge at their respective upper ends 143 and at their lower ends 144. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 30 / 102 24 / 39 lower ends 145 of each side wall to form corresponding upper surfaces 147 and lower surfaces 149 of beam 140. The beams of the first set are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a first direction 181 and the beams of the second set are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a second direction 183 perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second sets of beams intersect each other, thus forming a grid. As shown, the grid portion comprises a plurality of square-shaped openings 180 defined between the first and second sets of beams allowing fluid to flow through them. In preferred embodiments, each square-shaped opening 180 in the plurality of openings is 1 / 4 inch square.The grid member 131 comprises a central opening 133 substantially aligned with the nozzle to allow unimpeded fluid flow from the nozzle through the grid member 131.

[0056] Figures 11 and 12 show front and perspective views of an embodiment of a nozzle that can be used in the invention. Any suitable nozzle can be used in the invention. In some embodiments, the nozzle is an eductor having fluid inlet ports to create a Venturi effect and thus draw fluid from the inner chamber into the eductor. Eductor nozzles are typically positioned below the fluid surface in a tank to keep the fluid moving. The liquid in the tank is circulated through the eductors to ensure that no sedimentation or separation of the liquid occurs. The eductors have gaps in the rear of the nozzle casing that allow surrounding fluid to be drawn in. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 31 / 102 25 / 39 moved in addition to the fluid being pumped through the nozzle, thus allowing approximately 5 times the amount of pumped fluid to be moved by an eductor. Any suitable eductor can be used in the invention. For example, eductors manufactured by SNP, Spray Nozzle People (Bete Limited, United Kingdom).

[0057] Consequently, devices 100 are designed to produce an ideal chlorine concentration, in contrast to conventional chemical feeders. For example, conventional chemical feeders, such as erosion hypocal chlorinators, generally produce a low concentration of solution, which in turn requires the use of a centrifugal pump to remove the high volume of low-concentration solution from the chemical feeder and into the overall water supply / filtration system (i.e., a swimming pool or similar). The chlorine concentration passing through the pump can cause pump failure in a short period.In contrast to conventional systems and devices, a higher concentration of chlorine is produced by the 100 devices, so a pump and a Venturi injector are used to remove a sufficient volume of a chemical solution prepared from the device to treat, for example, a large commercial swimming pool.

[0058] The nozzles used in devices 100 include a drag feature that recirculates the solution in the dissolution chamber sufficiently to cause more intimate contact of the solution with the briquettes / pellets, thus increasing the concentration before the solution exits the dissolution chamber. Additionally, the position (height) of the outlet and the cross-sectional area are such that the solution will rise to the bed of the Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 32 / 102 26 / 39 briquette / tablet when approximately 2 to approximately 4 gpm of flow are put through the inlet nozzle. When the flow stops, the solution falls below the top of the grate section, thus keeping the chemical out of the water and stopping the dissolution process. This feature maintains a consistently high chlorine concentration (approximately 0.8%) and prevents the briquette / tablet from disintegrating.

[0059] Additionally, the bottom surface of the screen is pointed, which allows water to flow more freely towards the briquettes / pellets placed on top of the screen, thus increasing the impact on the briquettes from the flow outside the nozzle. In contrast, a flat surface would decrease the impact of the water flow towards the briquettes / pellets. Additionally, there is a hole in the screen directly above the nozzle tip. The hole allows the high volume of flow from the nozzle to penetrate the bed without being impeded by any deflection of the screen. This results in a higher solution concentration than that obtained without the hole. The screen has an open square pattern of approximately 1 / 4 inch. The top and bottom parts of the screen are pointed, and the beams are elliptical in shape. The thickness of the screen is approximately 1 / 2 inch, measured from the bottom point to the top point of each elliptical screen beam.In certain configurations, the beams and grid are created by injection molding.

[0060] The square openings of approximately 1 / 4 inch allow sufficient flow through the grate while keeping the solid chemical particles above the grate until the chemical solids are small enough to have no consequence. If the chemical solids Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 33 / 102 If the 27 / 39 chemical fragments are too large and fall to the bottom of the dissolving chamber where the nozzle is located, the nozzle may become blocked. In particular, if the fragments were too large, the nozzle would experience decreased flow due to a blocked entrainment characteristic, thus decreasing the dissolution rate of the pellets and the chlorine output rate of the entire system. The grid pattern of approximately 1 / 4 square inch open between the structural components of the grid provides the highest concentration without allowing briquette fragments large enough to impede entrainment to fall through the grid into the dissolving chamber.

[0061] The invention provides water treatment devices that prevent scale buildup. Conventional hypocal erosion chlorinators suffer from scale buildup. Scale buildup on the grate and the accumulation of insoluble particles in the feeder cause maintenance problems requiring acid cleaning and mechanical removal of solids. However, the present invention minimizes scale buildup by providing a shaped grate. The shape at the top of the grate is pointed with almost no horizontal surface area, preventing water from pooling on top of the grate and minimizing scale buildup typically produced on a horizontal portion of a hypocal briquette / pellet support grate when the surface dries between feeding episodes.

[0062] Additionally, the thickness of the grid allows the bottom of the grid to be submerged in water. In some embodiments, the thickness of the grid is about 1 / 2 inch. Because the bottom of the grid remains submerged, the invention avoids the drying process between episodes of Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 34 / 102 28 / 39 feeding during which the fouling layer is typically deposited. Therefore, the invention keeps the underside of the grate relatively free from fouling deposition.

[0063] The grid also protects the outlet from being obstructed by any briquettes or pellets or parts thereof, so that a uniform and ideal flow is achieved through the dissolving tank. In the event that the outlet is still blocked, there is a series of overflow holes in the dissolving tank that prevents the chemical feeder from overflowing the hypocal solution. In one embodiment, the dissolving tank comprises approximately eight overflow holes.

[0064] Additionally, the devices of the invention are designed to prevent the accumulation of solids that can cause blockage within the device or system. The outflow from the dissolving tank is directed to fall near the outlet port to the feeder to improve the removal of solids from the base of the feeder. Gravity is used to provide the energy necessary to agitate the solution at the base, thus suspending the particles so that they can be more easily removed with the outflow. The base of the feeder is contoured to facilitate the suspension of solids when combined with the agitation flow provided by the pool water or recirculated solution in the feeder base with the flow generated by a magnetically driven recirculation pump. The suspension of solids allows for the removal of solids as the chlorinated solution is evacuated from the base tank with either a dosing pump or a Venturi. The placement of the inlet flow or flow of Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 35 / 102 29 / 39 recirculation works in conjunction with the base contour to direct the flow of solids to the central part of the tank. In the central part of the tank, the solids are pulled through the recirculation system, as in a municipal project implementation, or directed to the outlet valve, as in a swimming pool implementation.

[0065] In certain embodiments, calcium hypochlorite, which is made by chlorination of lime, is the type of chlorine used in the feeder. The process produces calcium hypochlorite with a purity of about 68-72%. The other approximately 30% is composed of inert salts, mainly calcium, with about 3% being calcium carbonate or limestone, which is almost insoluble. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) must be kept suspended to drain out of the tank with the chlorinated solution. The shape of the tank, including the slope of the walls and having the nozzle in the middle, facilitates the movement of insoluble particles towards the nozzle, where more vigorous agitation of the solution keeps the insoluble material in suspension. The inflow through the nozzle orifice creates a high-velocity stream through the nozzle tip. The high-velocity stream creates a low pressure that pulls the surrounding fluid in the tank into the stream, thus increasing the overall flow through the tip by about 3-4 times.The increase in overall flow, with an inlet flow of approximately 3 gpm, creates a flow through the nozzle tip of approximately 9-12 gpm. This entrainment characteristic is used in the invention to suspend solids for removal from the feeder's dissolving chamber.

[0066] Additionally, the invention reduces the amount of maintenance required for feeding devices. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 36 / 102 30 / 39 conventional chemical product. Directing the solid particles toward the recirculation pump inlet has the added benefit of reducing particle size, similar to pulverization, as the particles pass through the recirculation pump, allowing for easier suspension of smaller particles. If particles remain in suspension, they are removed by the feeder outflow. Research has shown that particles with diameters larger than about 800 microns are difficult to keep in suspension with agitation. The particles become trapped within the feeder and require feeder maintenance with physical removal.

[0067] In the invention, the fresh pool water agitation uses a very high pulsed flow directed to lift suspended particles for removal with the outflow, which is in stark contrast to the continuous bottom-flow discharge systems used in conventional systems. The pulsed flow is necessary to avoid overloading the outflow capacity while providing the energy needed to suspend, or wash, the particles from the feeder base tank.

[0068] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the methods for preparing chemical solution include providing a chemical feeder with a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A dissolving tank is disposed at an interface between the upper and lower chambers. The dissolving tank has a grid disposed centrally in it. A nozzle is disposed near the grid and oriented so as to discharge the water vertically upwards towards the grid. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 37 / 102 31 / 39

[0069] Figure 13 shows the arrangement of an embodiment of a dust-free funnel-covered bucket. The devices of the invention allow the attachment of a funnel lid or cap 190 to a bucket 195 containing chemical materials. Typically, users come into contact with harmful chemicals when loading a water treatment device with chemical material. For example, in conventional chemical feeders, loading the feeders with solid briquettes or pellets of chemical material creates chemical dust in the air. Inhalation and other contact with chemicals used for water treatment, such as calcium hypochlorite (hypocal), can cause severe burns and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat.

[0070] In the present invention, dust-free loading of briquettes / pellets is carried out with a bucket / hopper combination system. The bucket lid is removed and replaced with a funnel-type lid that has an interlocking feature that securely holds the hopper in the bucket once installed. Once the hopper is securely installed in the bucket, the bucket can be lifted and inverted onto the female bucket feature, similar to a water cooler loading process. This transition can be performed by most people, allowing the bucket to be placed in the hopper with virtually no dust escaping during the process. The bucket is then rotated clockwise to lock the bucket in the hopper, such as in a 20-degree rotation.

[0071] The bucket can be removed after a few minutes, allowing the dust to settle inside the feeder. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 38 / 102 32 / 39 Alternatively, the bucket can be left in place to serve as a feeder lid. In certain embodiments, the bucket can be used for extra capacity. In this example, the bucket is inverted in the hopper with a hopper nearly full of briquettes / pellets. The funnel is interlocked in the hopper, thus increasing the hopper capacity by almost 50 pounds. This option may be desirable in cases such as long weekends when no operator is present.

[0072] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a lid 190 attached to a bucket of chemical material 1330. The funnel lid is removablely attached, or removablely attached, to an upper edge 199 of the bucket. A latch or lock 193 can be used to secure the funnel lid 190 to the bucket 195. To secure the funnel lid 190 to the bucket 195, a user engages the latch or lock 195. To release the funnel lid 190, a user disengages the latch or lock 193. The latch, lock, lever, or other interlocking feature 193 requires a deliberate placement of the hand on the feature 193, such as pressing the latch or lock 193, while simultaneously rotating the funnel lid 190 counterclockwise to remove the funnel lid 190 from the bucket 195. Such a feature of the invention is provided for safety reasons, thus preventing the inadvertent removal of the funnel lid 190 from the bucket 195 when the bucket 195 is inverted in the hopper and is full of briquettes or pellets.In certain embodiments of the invention, the funnel lid 190 is attached to the bucket 195 while the bucket 195 is stationary and the funnel lid 190 is rotated clockwise on the upper edge 199 of the bucket 195. The latch or lock 193 has a... Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 39 / 102 33 / 39 feature, such as a notch or angled tooth, which allows the funnel lid 190 to be screwed onto the bucket 195 with a clockwise rotation. The funnel lid 190 is removed from a stationary bucket 195 by pressing the latch 193 and rotating the funnel lid 190 counterclockwise off the bucket 195.

[0073] The upper chamber includes an opening for loading chemical material into the housing and dissolving chamber. The opening comprises a connecting fitting configured to engage with a corresponding connecting fitting of a separate bucket member containing a chemical material. The connecting fittings of the upper chamber opening and the bucket member comprise interlocking engagement fittings configured to loosely couple the bucket member to the upper chamber. The bucket comprises a lid coupled thereto, the lid comprising a funnel-shaped body tapering in diameter from a first wider end directly coupled to an open end of the bucket to a second narrower end positioned a distance from the first end and away from the bucket member that locks with a funnel lid for a bucket containing chemical material.

[0074] Figure 15 shows an embodiment of coupling a bucket of chemical material to a water treatment device. The funnel lid allows the bucket to be attached to the upper chamber. The lid of the upper chamber is opened. The bucket with the funnel lid is inverted and placed in an opening at the top of the upper chamber. Rotating the funnel-covered bucket clockwise locks the bucket with the lid. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 40 / 102 34 / 39 funnel with the upper chamber. Turning the funnel-covered bucket counterclockwise releases the funnel-covered bucket from the upper chamber.

[0075] Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a system 200 according to the invention. The system 200 comprises a chemical feeder 210, a controller 220, a pump 230 and, optionally, a Venturi 240. The pump 230 is used to pump fluid through a pipe. The fluid flows from the pump 230 to a Venturi feature 240 in the pipe, such as a Venturi valve or pump, which creates a constriction within the pipe that varies the flow characteristics of the fluid flowing through the pipe. The fluid may also flow from the pump 230 through the pipe and to the chemical feeder 210. The fluid flowing through the chemical feeder 210 is treated and the treated fluid is produced from the chemical feeder 210 to the Venturi 240 to continue flowing through the pipe to provide chemically treated water.

[0076] The flow within the high-pressure chemical feeder created by pump 230, such as a booster pump, is divided into two streams when it enters the chemical feeder 210. One stream sends water to a solenoid that controls the flow to the nozzle(s) that form the chlorine solution. The second stream sends water to a solenoid that controls the flow to rinse or wash or agitate the nozzles. Through the use of electronic control of the solenoids, via programming, shorter bursts of higher flow are provided to agitate the solution more efficiently. Agitation keeps the insoluble material in suspension for removal with the flow of chlorine solution out of the base of the Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 41 / 102 35 / 39 Feeder. Sufficient overhead space has been built into the chemical feeder discharge tank to accommodate short periods of high flow that may overwhelm the outflow created by the Venturi. The duration will be 15 seconds to 1 minute at a flow rate of 3-5 gpm. Most venturis in the feed system generate an outflow of 3 gpm. Therefore, any flow above 3 gpm will eventually overwhelm the outflow and must be controlled with a timer. The consequence of not having the timer would be to trigger a high-level switch that would activate an alarm and shut off the inflow by closing the solenoid or engage a mechanical overflow valve that would shut off the inflow before it reaches the solenoids. Such an alarm would be disconcerting for the operators.Additionally, engaging the mechanical valve would lead to unsatisfactory unit performance, as the inlet flow was reduced slowly, resulting in decreased chlorine production.

[0077] Pump 230 is communicatively coupled to controller 210. Controller 220 is communicatively coupled to chemical feeder 210. Controller 220 can also be communicatively coupled to other features of a water treatment system, such as sensors that indicate the chlorine level upstream and downstream of the chemical feeder. The controller controls the fluid flow to the chemical feeder. In certain embodiments, the controller provides pulsed flow through the chemical feeder. The fluid flow from the nozzle causes a fluid level in the lower chamber. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 42 / 102 36 / 39 rise above an upper surface of the grate. Interruption of fluid flow from the nozzle causes the fluid level in the lower chamber to drop below the upper surface of the grate. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a recirculation pump to reduce the particle size of solid chemical material.

[0078] Aspects of the present disclosure described herein, such as controlling fluid movement through the system as described above, and monitoring and controlling various parameters, can be performed using any type of controller or computing device, such as a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC), which includes a processor, for example, a central processing unit, or any combination of computing devices, each device performing at least part of the process or method. Consequently, the methods of the present disclosure can be performed using software, hardware, firmware, wiring, or combinations thereof.Feature implementation functions can also be physically located in multiple positions, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations (e.g., chemical feeder in one room and the host workstation in another, or in separate buildings, e.g., with wired or wireless connections).

[0079] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described in this document can be implemented with a portable device, for example, a smart tablet, a smartphone, or a device specially manufactured for the system. For example, processors Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 43 / 102 37 / 39 Suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory or both. The computer elements are a processor to execute instructions and one or more memory devices to store instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data or transfer data to, or both, one or more non-transient mass storage devices to store data, for example, magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks. In some embodiments, sensors in the system send process data via Bluetooth to a central data collection unit located outside an incubator.In some embodiments, data is sent directly to the cloud instead of to physical storage devices. Suitable information carriers for incorporating computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid-state drive (SSD), and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard drives or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD discs). The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated into, special-purpose logic circuits. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 44 / 102 38 / 39

[0080] The subject matter described herein may be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a non-transient, computer-readable medium) for execution or to control the operation of a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, macro, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages ​​(e.g., C, C++, Perl), and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.The systems and methods of the invention may include instructions written in any suitable programming language known in the art, including, without limitation, C, C++, Perl, Java, ActiveX, HTML5, Visual Basic, or JavaScript.

[0081] The reference throughout this description to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular advantage, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in an embodiment” or “in the embodiment” in various places throughout this description does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, particular advantages, structures, or features may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 45 / 102 39 / 39

[0082] The terms and expressions employed in this document are used as descriptive terms and not as limiting terms, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described (or parts thereof), and it is acknowledged that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Consequently, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

[0083] Various modifications of the invention and many other embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the complete contents of this document. The material in this document contains important information, exemplification and guidance that may be adapted to the practice of this invention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 46 / 102

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for preparing a chemical solution, characterized in that it comprises: - a housing comprising a lower chamber and an upper chamber; - a dissolving tank disposed at an interface between the lower chamber and the upper chamber, the dissolving tank comprising an open upper edge portion communicating with the upper chamber to receive chemical material from the same and a closed lower portion; - a grid disposed within the dissolving tank and arranged between the upper edge portion and the closed lower portion of the dissolving tank, the grid supporting the undissolved solid chemical material on an upper surface thereof and maintaining the physical separation of the undissolved solid chemical material from at least a lower portion of the dissolving tank;and - a nozzle disposed within the dissolving vessel and positioned near the bottom, the nozzle is arranged to direct the flow of aqueous fluid in the dissolving vessel and towards the grid so as to cause the aqueous fluid to contact and dissolve at least some chemical material and create a chemical solution of aqueous fluid and dissolved chemical material based, at least in part, on the fluid flow from the nozzle.

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the dissolving vessel comprises a plurality of openings arranged around the upper edge. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, page 47 / 102 2 / 6 3. Apparatus, according to claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of openings are in communication with the lower chamber and allow the overflow of fluid to pass from the dissolving vessel to the lower chamber.

4. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the grid comprises a structure of a first set of beams and a second set of beams arranged relative to each other, each beam in the first and second sets including a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

5. Apparatus, according to claim 4, characterized in that each beam comprises two opposing arched side walls that converge with each other at the respective upper and lower ends of each side wall to form the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of the beam.

6. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the beams of the first set are substantially parallel and spaced from each other and oriented in a first direction, and the beams of the second set are substantially parallel and spaced from each other and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. Apparatus, according to claim 6, characterized in that the first and second sets of beams intersect each other.

8. Apparatus, according to claim 7, characterized in that the grid comprises a plurality of square-shaped openings defined between the first and the second sets of beams allowing fluid to flow through them.

9. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the grate comprises a central opening substantially aligned with the nozzle to allow unimpeded fluid flow from the nozzle through the grate.

10. Apparatus, according to claim 9, characterized in that the nozzle is positioned centrally inside the dissolving vessel.

11. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle comprises an eductor oriented to discharge fluid in a direction towards the grid and away from the bottom of the dissolving vessel.

12. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper chamber includes an opening for loading chemical material into the housing and dissolving chamber.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the opening comprises a connecting fitting configured to engage with a corresponding connecting fitting of a separate bucket member containing a chemical material.

14. Apparatus, according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection accessories of the upper chamber opening and the bucket member comprise interlocking engagement accessories configured to couple, in a releasable manner, the bucket member to the upper chamber.

15. Apparatus, according to claim 13, characterized in that the bucket comprises a lid coupled thereto, the lid comprising a funnel-shaped body tapered in diameter from a first wider end directly coupled to an open end of the bucket to a second narrower end positioned at a distance from the first end and away from the bucket member.

16. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an emergency shut-off valve.

17. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the dissolving vessel comprises an outlet provided along a portion of a side wall of the dissolving vessel and close to the grate, the outlet being in fluid communication with the lower chamber and allowing the chemical solution to flow from the dissolving vessel into the lower chamber.

18. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that the outlet is substantially aligned with a lower surface of the grid so that, after the fluid flow from the nozzle has ceased, a settled volume of fluid retained within the dissolving vessel falls below the upper surface of the grid while remaining in contact with the lower surface of the grid.

19. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that the outflow from the dissolving vessel is directed to fall into the lower chamber near a chemical solution outlet port of the apparatus.

20. Apparatus, according to claim 19, characterized in that the lower chamber comprises a delineated base with a defined lower section at the center of the delineated base. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, p. 50 / 102 5 / 6 21. Apparatus, according to claim 20, characterized in that the inlet flow provided for the lower chamber functions in combination with the base designed to direct the flow of any undissolved solid chemical material included in the chemical solution towards the lower section of the base designed to thereby remove the undissolved solid chemical material from the chemical solution and away from the outlet port of the apparatus.

22. System for preparing a chemical solution, characterized by comprising: - a chemical feeder comprising: - a dissolving chamber disposed within a housing and comprising an open upper edge portion communicating with an upper chamber to receive chemical material from therein and a closed lower portion;- a grid disposed within the dissolution chamber and positioned between the upper edge and the closed lower part of the dissolution chamber, the grid to support undissolved solid chemical material on an upper surface thereof and to maintain the physical separation of the undissolved solid chemical material from at least the lower part of the dissolution chamber, and - a nozzle disposed within the dissolution chamber and positioned near the lower part, the nozzle disposed to direct the flow of aqueous fluid within the dissolution chamber and towards the grid so as to cause the aqueous fluid to contact and dissolve at least some chemical material and create a solution of aqueous fluid and dissolved chemical material based, at least in part, on the flow of fluid from the nozzle; - a pump for pumping aqueous fluid to the chemical feeder;and - a controller coupled communicatively with the chemical feeder and the pump and configured to control the pump and the flow of aqueous fluid through the chemical feeder.

23. System according to claim 22, characterized in that the controller provides pulsed flow through the chemical feeder.

24. System according to claim 23, characterized in that a pulse of fluid flow from the nozzle causes a fluid level to rise above an upper surface of the grid.

25. System according to claim 24, characterized in that interrupting the fluid flow pulse from the nozzle causes the fluid level to drop below the upper surface of the grate.

26. System according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a recirculation pump that recirculates fluid and material in the chemical feeder and reduces the particle size of the solid chemical material. Petition 870240108013, dated 12 / 18 / 2024, pp. 52 / 102

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