System for changing water mineralization and for changing certain physicochemical properties of water

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for changing the ability of water to dissolve, dilute or extract other substances (solvent properties). The device makes it possible to precisely regulate the mineral concentration of the water used and to expose the water to a string of photons, the parameters of which can be defined by calculation (total exposure time, duration of the string, exposure frequency and wavelength). The device contains preset parameters that make it possible to obtain the best change in the physicochemical properties of mineralized water and to facilitate the process of dissolving certain solutes.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for altering the ability of water to dissolve, dilute, or extract other substances (solvent properties). The apparatus allows for precise adjustment of the mineral concentration of the water used and exposure of the water to a photon string, the parameters of which can be defined by calculation (total exposure time, string duration, exposure frequency, and wavelength). The apparatus contains preset parameters that allow for optimal alteration of the physicochemical properties of the mineralized water and facilitate the dissolution of certain solutes. Background Technology

[0002] Given climate change and the ongoing need to conserve available resources, there remains a persistent demand for improvements in industrial processes. The systems, apparatus, and methods that form the object of this invention address these needs.

[0003] Water is an excellent polar solvent capable of dissolving many molecules. In a water molecule (H₂O), the electrons of the hydrogen atom are strongly attracted to the oxygen atom, to a point closer to the oxygen nucleus than the hydrogen atom. This is why water has a negative charge around the oxygen atom and a positive charge towards the hydrogen atom, making water an electrostatic dipole. As a result, in the liquid state, water molecules have a natural tendency to orient themselves relative to each other in a way that minimizes the potential energy between them, thus forming aggregates with more or less crystalline structures called "clusters." Typically, clusters can have a partially or completely tetrahedral shape, but other configurations are possible. Furthermore, water in its liquid state always has a specific ratio of structured to unstructured components.

[0004] The rate at which water molecules aggregate into clusters affects the properties of water, including:

[0005] - The surface tension of water affects its ability to dissolve other molecules and thus the maximum solubility rate of a solute in water (saturated solution);

[0006] - The ability of a solute to interact with other molecules.

[0007] This invention relates to the field of water treatment by radiation, preferably light radiation, to alter the rate at which water molecules agglomerate into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules.

[0008] This invention was originally intended for use in formulations for cosmetic purposes, but can also be used for other purposes, such as in dermatological products, decoctions, infusions, foods, hydroalcoholic solutions, and biological culture media. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for altering water mineralization.

[0010] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization includes a means for measuring the mineral concentration of water.

[0011] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization includes means for adjusting the mineral concentration of the water.

[0012] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization includes user-preset and adjustable parameters.

[0013] This device allows for precise adjustment of the mineral concentration in the water being used.

[0014] In particular, this device allows for the control of the concentration of negatively charged ions in water, and even more preferably, the concentration of negatively charged ions selected from the following: Cl - PO4 2- NO3 2- F - HCO3 - SO4 2- .

[0015] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for exposing water to a radiation source (preferably a light source).

[0016] Preferably, the water is in a liquid state.

[0017] Preferably, the water is not in the carrier gas.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the water temperature is between 10°C and 60°C. Preferably, the water temperature is between 20°C and 40°C, and even more preferably between 30°C and 40°C. Even more preferably, the water temperature is between 34°C and 38°C.

[0019] Preferably, the salinity of the water is greater than 0 g / L and less than 30 g / L.

[0020] Preferably, the radiation source is a light source.

[0021] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0022] - Power supply (1).

[0023] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0024] - Electronic controller, which includes an interface (2).

[0025] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0026] - Light source (3), which is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, or even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 400nm and 2000nm, preferably between 500nm and 1900nm, preferably between 550nm and 1800nm, preferably between 600nm and 1700nm, preferably between 650nm and 1600nm, preferably between 700nm and 1600nm, preferably between 750nm and 1500nm, preferably between 800nm ​​and 1400nm, preferably between 850nm and 1300nm, preferably between 900nm and 1200nm, preferably between 950nm and 1200nm.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1250 nm and 2000 nm.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of operating at 1000nm, or 1005nm, or 1010nm, or 1015nm, or 1020nm, or 1025nm, or 1030nm, or 1035nm, or 1040nm, or 1045nm, or 1050nm, or 1055nm, or 1060nm, or 1065nm, or 1070nm, or 1075nm, or 1080nm, or 1085nm, or 1090nm, or 1095nm. The emission wavelength is 1100nm, 1105nm, 1110nm, 1115nm, 1120nm, 1125nm, 1130nm, 1135nm, 1140nm, 1145nm, 1150nm, 1155nm, 1160nm, 1165nm, 1170nm, 1175nm, 1180nm, 1185nm, 1190nm, 1195nm, or 1200nm.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, and even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

[0032] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0033] - Container (4).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device for exposing the water to a light source includes:

[0035] - An opaque container (4), the opaque container including an opaque lid having at least one opening.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the container comprises a sealed tank, wherein filling is carried out via an inlet port with a tap, and discharging is carried out via an outlet port with a valve. An overflow port limits the water level.

[0037] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0038] - Water temperature control and regulation equipment (5).

[0039] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0040] -Power supply (1);

[0041] - Electronic controller, which includes an interface (2);

[0042] - Light source (3), which is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, or even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm;

[0043] - An opaque container (4), the opaque container including an opaque lid having at least one opening;

[0044] - Water temperature control and regulation equipment (5).

[0045] Preferably, the water temperature control and adjustment device (5) allows the water temperature to be set between 10°C and 60°C, more preferably between 20°C and 40°C, and even more preferably between 30°C and 40°C. Even more preferably between 34°C and 38°C.

[0046] Preferably, the device includes a temperature probe.

[0047] Preferably, the device includes an optical fiber.

[0048] Preferably, the light source (3) consists of at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or laser, or arc lamp, preferably a xenon lamp.

[0049] Even more preferably, the light source (3) is composed of a xenon arc lamp.

[0050] Even more preferably, the light source (3) is composed of light-emitting diodes.

[0051] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising the apparatus of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0052] Therefore, the present invention relates to a system for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules, the system comprising:

[0053] - Equipment used to alter water mineralization;

[0054] - A device for exposing the water to a light source.

[0055] Preferably, the equipment for controlling mineralization includes a device for measuring the mineral concentration of water.

[0056] Preferably, the equipment for controlling mineralization includes a device for adjusting the mineral concentration of the water.

[0057] Preferably, the equipment for controlling mineralization includes user-preset and adjustable parameters.

[0058] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0059] - Power supply (1).

[0060] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0061] - Electronic controller, which includes an interface (2).

[0062] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0063] - Light source (3), which is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, or even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 400nm and 2000nm, preferably between 500nm and 1900nm, preferably between 550nm and 1800nm, preferably between 600nm and 1700nm, preferably between 650nm and 1600nm, preferably between 700nm and 1600nm, preferably between 750nm and 1500nm, preferably between 800nm ​​and 1400nm, preferably between 850nm and 1300nm, preferably between 900nm and 1200nm, preferably between 950nm and 1200nm.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1250 nm and 2000 nm.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is capable of operating at 1000nm, or 1005nm, or 1010nm, or 1015nm, or 1020nm, or 1025nm, or 1030nm, or 1035nm, or 1040nm, or 1045nm, or 1050nm, or 1055nm, or 1060nm, or 1065nm, or 1070nm, or 1075nm, or 1080nm, or 1085nm, or 1090nm, or 1095nm. The emission wavelength is 1100nm, 1105nm, 1110nm, 1115nm, 1120nm, 1125nm, 1130nm, 1135nm, 1140nm, 1145nm, 1150nm, 1155nm, 1160nm, 1165nm, 1170nm, 1175nm, 1180nm, 1185nm, 1190nm, 1195nm, or 1200nm.

[0068] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0069] - Container (4).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the device for exposing the water to a light source includes:

[0071] - An opaque container (4), the opaque container including an opaque lid having at least one opening.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the container comprises a sealed tank, wherein filling is carried out via an inlet port with a tap, and discharging is carried out via an outlet port with a valve. An overflow port limits the water level.

[0073] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0074] - Water temperature control and regulation equipment (5).

[0075] Preferably, the device for exposing the water to a light source comprises:

[0076] -Power supply (1);

[0077] - Electronic controller, which includes an interface (2);

[0078] - Light source (3), which is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 400 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, or even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm;

[0079] - An opaque container (4), the opaque container including an opaque lid having at least one opening;

[0080] - Water temperature control and regulation equipment (5).

[0081] Preferably, the device includes a temperature probe.

[0082] Preferably, the device includes an optical fiber.

[0083] Preferably, the light source (3) consists of at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or laser, or arc lamp, preferably a xenon lamp.

[0084] Even more preferably, the light source (3) is composed of a xenon arc lamp.

[0085] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for altering water mineralization.

[0086] Preferably, the purpose of altering water mineralization is to control the concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for altering water mineralization is carried out by mixing several different mineralized waters.

[0088] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for altering the rate at which water molecules agglomerate into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules, the method comprising the step of exposing water to a light source emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, and even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the light source emits at one or more wavelengths between 400nm and 2000nm, preferably between 500nm and 1900nm, preferably between 550nm and 1800nm, preferably between 600nm and 1700nm, preferably between 650nm and 1600nm, preferably between 700nm and 1600nm, preferably between 750nm and 1500nm, preferably between 800nm ​​and 1400nm, preferably between 850nm and 1300nm, preferably between 900nm and 1200nm, and preferably between 950nm and 1200nm.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) emits at one or more wavelengths between 1250 nm and 2000 nm.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) emits at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is at a wavelength of 1000nm, or 1005nm, or 1010nm, or 1015nm, or 1020nm, or 1025nm, or 1030nm, or 1035nm, or 1040nm, or 1045nm, or 1050nm, or 1055nm, or 1060nm, or 1065nm, or 1070nm, or 1075nm, or 1080nm, or 1085nm, or 1090nm, or 1095nm. The emission wavelength is 1100nm, 1105nm, 1110nm, 1115nm, 1120nm, 1125nm, 1130nm, 1135nm, 1140nm, 1145nm, 1150nm, 1155nm, 1160nm, 1165nm, 1170nm, 1175nm, 1180nm, 1185nm, 1190nm, 1195nm, or 1200nm.

[0093] Preferably, the exposure step lasts between 3 and 5 hours.

[0094] Preferably, the exposure step is performed at an exposure frequency between 0.1 and 3 Hz, and more preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 Hz.

[0095] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules using an apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0096] i. Altering water mineralization;

[0097] ii. Exposing water to a light source that emits at an exposure frequency between 0.1 Hz and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 Hz and 1.5 Hz, at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, and even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

[0098] This method produces water with altered water molecule organization and / or structure that is optimized for intended use.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the light source emits at one or more wavelengths between 400nm and 2000nm, preferably between 500nm and 1900nm, preferably between 550nm and 1800nm, preferably between 600nm and 1700nm, preferably between 650nm and 1600nm, preferably between 700nm and 1600nm, preferably between 750nm and 1500nm, preferably between 800nm ​​and 1400nm, preferably between 850nm and 1300nm, preferably between 900nm and 1200nm, and preferably between 950nm and 1200nm.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) emits at one or more wavelengths between 1250 nm and 2000 nm.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) emits at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the light source (3) is at a wavelength of 1000nm, or 1005nm, or 1010nm, or 1015nm, or 1020nm, or 1025nm, or 1030nm, or 1035nm, or 1040nm, or 1045nm, or 1050nm, or 1055nm, or 1060nm, or 1065nm, or 1070nm, or 1075nm, or 1080nm, or 1085nm, or 1090nm, or 1095nm. The emission wavelength is 1100nm, 1105nm, 1110nm, 1115nm, 1120nm, 1125nm, 1130nm, 1135nm, 1140nm, 1145nm, 1150nm, 1155nm, 1160nm, 1165nm, 1170nm, 1175nm, 1180nm, 1185nm, 1190nm, 1195nm, or 1200nm.

[0103] Preferably, the exposure step ii. lasts between 1 minute and 24 hours, preferably between 5 minutes and 12 hours, and even more preferably between 10 minutes and 5 hours.

[0104] Preferably, the exposure step ii. is performed on a volume of water ranging from 10 mL to 500 L, preferably between 100 mL and 400 L, and even more preferably between 100 mL and 200 L.

[0105] This method reduces the surface tension of water, making it easier to design aqueous solutions.

[0106] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of the apparatus, system or method according to the invention in cosmetic formulations.

[0107] According to the eighth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of the apparatus, system or method according to the invention in dermatological compositions.

[0108] According to a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of an apparatus, system or method according to the invention in decoctions.

[0109] According to a tenth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of an apparatus, system or method according to the invention in an extractant.

[0110] According to the eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of the apparatus, system or method according to the invention in food.

[0111] According to the twelfth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of the apparatus, system or method according to the invention in an aqueous alcohol solution.

[0112] According to the thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of water obtained by means of the apparatus, system or method according to the invention in biological culture media.

[0113] Using this water can significantly alter the viscosity of the composition and allow for better water absorption into cellulose, as well as better dissolution of colorants, clays, polyphenols, and pharmaceuticals.

[0114] The main benefit of this invention is that it uses lower concentrations of solutes to achieve at least equivalent performance because these solutes are better diluted in water.

[0115] Using this water in irrigation also promotes plant metabolism (e.g., improving photosynthesis or nutrient absorption). Attached Figure Description

[0116] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device according to the present invention for exposing water to a light source.

[0117] Figure 2 This is a graph showing the effect of applying this device on the viscosity of mineral water in combination with surfactants. n = 7 independent experiments per group; ***: P = 0.001; Mann-Whitney test.

[0118] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the container of the present invention, which includes a closed tank having an inlet with a tap, an outlet, a valve, and an overflow port.

[0119] definition

[0120] For the purposes of this invention, "altering mineralization" refers to changing the concentration of minerals in water. In particular, this means changing the concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0121] "Radiation source" refers to a device used to propagate energy from a radiation source in the form of electromagnetic waves. In the context of this invention, the radiation source is located near water. Preferably, in the context of this invention, the radiation source is a light source.

[0122] "Exposing water to a light source" means that the light source is located near the water during operation, so that the photons contained in the light source act on the water.

[0123] For the purposes of this invention, "light source" refers to a device that can project photons around itself and thus project light.

[0124] For the purposes of this invention, "changing the rate at which water molecules agglomerate into clusters" refers to influencing the formation of aggregates (or clusters) of water molecules.

[0125] "Water temperature control and regulation equipment" refers to equipment used to measure and regulate water temperature.

[0126] For the purposes of this invention, "changing the cluster structure of water molecules" refers to changing the average size of water clusters.

[0127] A "water cluster" refers to the formation of a semi-permanent aggregation of water molecules, which usually has a partially or completely tetrahedral geometry.

[0128] "Measuring the mineral concentration of water" refers to quantifying the various minerals present in water through measurement or calculation. Detailed Implementation

[0129] According to a detailed embodiment, the present invention relates to a system for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules, the system comprising:

[0130] - Equipment used to alter water mineralization;

[0131] - A device for exposing the water to a light source.

[0132] Before exposing the water to be treated to a light source, the user checks the water's mineralization, starting by checking its mineral concentration. Based on this mineral concentration, the user can obtain a specific concentration of negatively charged ions, for example, by adding water with a high concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0133] Once the mineralization has been adjusted, the user can transfer the water to be treated to a device for exposing the water to a light source.

[0134] Water is introduced into container (4).

[0135] In a first embodiment, the container (4) includes a lid with at least one opening to allow the temperature probe and light from the light source (3) to pass through via an optical fiber or directly from the light source (3). The container (4) and its lid are opaque to protect the water from ambient light radiation.

[0136] In a second embodiment, the container comprises a sealed tank, wherein filling is carried out via an inlet port with a tap and discharging is carried out via an outlet port with a valve. An overflow port limits the water level.

[0137] Then, the user can select a program on the electronic controller interface (2), which includes light wavelength parameters, exposure frequency and program duration.

[0138] The electronic controller and its interface (2) define the application time and characteristics (duration, exposure frequency, and wavelength) of the projected photon string. The electronic controller and its interface also control the temperature of the water.

[0139] The electronic controller and interface (2) can also be used to select a predefined program that includes parameters suitable for achieving optimal efficiency under predefined conditions. The interface also allows saving user parameters.

[0140] For example, the user can select one or more wavelengths between 200nm and 2000nm, preferably between 400nm and 2000nm, or even more preferably between 400nm and 1200nm, a duration between 10 minutes and 5 hours, an amount in the range of 200mL to 200L, and an exposure frequency between 0.1Hz and 3Hz, preferably between 0.5Hz and 1.5Hz.

[0141] The controller is connected to a light source (3) capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, and even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm. According to one embodiment, the photon source is a xenon arc lamp.

[0142] The controller also allows selection of a specific temperature for water treatment, achieved by the water temperature control and regulation device (5). For example, the user can select a temperature between 10°C and 60°C, preferably between 20°C and 40°C, even more preferably between 30°C and 40°C, and even more preferably between 34°C and 38°C.

[0143] Example

[0144] Example 1: Study on the effect of applying a light source on the viscosity of mineral water.

[0145] The mineral water was exposed using the apparatus according to the invention in order to study the effect on the viscosity of the water compared to the same untreated mineral water.

[0146] Before measurement, a surfactant was added to the mineral water that had been exposed to light at the same concentration as that of the mineral water that had not been exposed to light.

[0147] Measurements were performed using a Couette unit rheometer under the same temperature conditions.

[0148] The experiment was repeated 7 times, and the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.

[0149] The results showed that the viscosity of water exposed to light decreased significantly.

Claims

1. A system for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules, the system comprising: - Equipment used to alter water mineralization; - A device for exposing the water to a light source (3).

2. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the device for exposing the water to the light source (3) comprises: -Power supply (1); - Electronic controller, the electronic controller including interface (2); - Light source (3), the light source is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, or even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm; - Container (4); - A device (5) for controlling and regulating temperature, wherein the temperature is preferably between 10°C and 60°C.

3. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the container (4) is an opaque container (4) comprising an opaque lid having at least one opening.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (3) is capable of emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device for exposing the water to the light source (3) comprises an optical fiber and / or a temperature probe.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (3) comprises at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or laser, or arc lamp, preferably a xenon lamp.

7. A method for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation and / or the cluster structure of water molecules using the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: i. Altering water mineralization; ii. Exposing the water to a light source, the light source emitting at an exposure frequency between 0.1 Hz and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 Hz and 1.5 Hz, at one or more wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm, preferably between 400 nm and 2000 nm, and even more preferably between 400 nm and 1200 nm.

8. A method of using the apparatus according to the preceding claim to alter water mineralization and to alter the rate of water molecule aggregation into clusters and / or the cluster structure of water molecules, wherein the water is exposed to a light source emitting at one or more wavelengths between 1000 nm and 1200 nm.

9. A method for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation and / or the cluster structure of water molecules using the apparatus according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the temperature of the water is between 10°C and 60°C, preferably between 20°C and 40°C, and even more preferably between 30°C and 40°C.

10. A method for altering water mineralization and for altering the rate of water molecule aggregation and / or the cluster structure of water molecules using the apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the water temperature is between 34°C and 38°C.

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