Non-potable water filtration system

Abstract

A non-potable water filtration system for obtaining potable water, comprising: *a configured reservoir storing the non-potable water, *a delivery circuit comprising: ° a water outlet delivering the potable water, °a plurality of pipes connecting the reservoir to the water outlet, °a plurality of filters, each filtering particles of different sizes, ° a maintenance valve, in which * the delivery circuit is configured so that the non-potable water is conveyed from the reservoir to the water outlet by passing through the plurality of pipes and successively through each of the filters in the plurality of filters, and in which the filters are arranged so that the filtration of particles is carried out in decreasing order, and in which * the maintenance valve is placed in the delivery circuit,The maintenance valve is configured to divert some of the water to a second water outlet when the pressure in the supply circuit exceeds a threshold. See Figure 1 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Non-potable water filtration system FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-potable water filtration system for obtaining potable water.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a system for filtering non-potable water contained in a water reserve, preferably a natural non-salty water reserve such as a lake, a pond, a river, etc. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental condition for sustaining life, promoting health and supporting socio-economic development. However, many regions face serious difficulties in maintaining an adequate supply of drinking water due to pollution, limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. In these regions, the installation of industrial-scale water treatment infrastructure is particularly difficult due to the lack of means. There is therefore a real need to provide filtration systems that are moderately costly to manufacture, easily implementable in any region of the globe - including regions where the climate can be extreme - and require very little maintenance.

[0004] The system described here seeks to provide a concrete response to these problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, the invention relates to a non-potable water filtration system for obtaining potable water, the system comprising: *a tank configured to store non-potable water, *a routing circuit including: ° a water outlet configured to deliver drinking water, ° a plurality of pipes connecting the tank to the water outlet, ° a plurality of filters, in which each of the filters is configured to filter particles of different sizes, ° a maintenance valve, in which * the conveying circuit is configured such that the non-potable water is intended to be conveyed from the reservoir to the water outlet by passing through the plurality of pipes and successively passing through each of the plurality of filters, and in which the filters are arranged such that the filtering of the particles is carried out in a decreasing manner, i.e. from the largest particles to the finest particles, and in which * the maintenance valve is placed in the delivery circuit, the maintenance valve being configured to divert a portion of the water to a second water outlet when a pressure in the delivery circuit exceeds a threshold.

[0006] According to different aspects, it is possible to provide one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0007] In one configuration, wherein the plurality of filters comprises six filters.

[0008] In one configuration, the filter for filtering larger particles is configured to filter particles of at least 400pm, and preferably at least 500pm.

[0009] In one configuration, the filter for filtering the smallest particles is configured to filter particles less than 0.05 pm, and preferably 0.02 pm or larger.

[0010] In one configuration, the filter for filtering the smallest particles is a ceramic filter with silver particles.

[0011] In one configuration, the plurality of filters comprises: - a first filter configured to filter particles up to 500pm in size, - a second filter configured to filter particles up to 50pm in size, - a third filter configured to filter particles up to 25 pm, - a fourth filter configured to filter particles up to 5pm in size, - a fifth filter with activated carbon and coconut fibers configured to filter micro-organic particles, - a sixth filter configured to filter particles down to 0.02pm in size.

[0012] In one configuration, the system further comprises a pump for pushing water from the reservoir to the water outlet.

[0013] In one configuration, the pump is a semi-rotary pump, manually actuated by means of an actuating handle. Brief description of the drawings

[0014] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0015] [Fig-1] represents a side view of a non-potable water filtration system according to an example of realization.

[0016] [Fig.2] represents a bottom and interior view of the filtration system according to a example of realization

[0017] [Fig.3] represents a top view of the filtration system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [Fig.4] represents a front view of the filtration system, on which some of the internal components of the system are visible in transparency.

[0019] [Fig.5] illustrates in a table the composition of non-potable water before filtration by the filtration system.

[0020] [Fig.6] illustrates in a table the composition of non-potable water after filtration by the filtration system, the water then being potable

[0021] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] [Fig.l] illustrates an embodiment of a non-potable water filtration system 1 according to a side view of the right side of the system.

[0023] By "non-potable water" is meant any type of non-salty surface water, for example water from rain or water present in a natural water reserve such as a lake, a river, a stream, etc.

[0024] The system 1 comprises a tank 10 of non-potable water. The tank 10 comprises a container 100 intended to receive the non-potable water, and a cover 101 configured to protect the container 100. The cover 101 may be removable. The container 100 may in particular have a filling capacity of between 10 and 260 liters, and preferably between 60 and 200 liters. It is however possible to provide a container with a larger filling capacity. The tank 10, i.e. the container 100 and the cover 101, may be made of a material resistant to bad weather such as heavy rain, extreme temperatures, strong winds. Thus, materials such as polyethylene-type plastic, advantageously polyethylene treated to be resistant to UV rays, or stainless steel may be used. These materials are given by way of example.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reservoir may be manually filled by a user, for example by pouring containers filled with non-potable water directly into the container 100. Furthermore, the cover 101 is funnel-shaped to allow easy pouring of the water.

[0026] In another embodiment, the system 1 may comprise a non-potable water supply system 11 comprising a water inlet 110, intended to be placed in a non-potable water reserve. The water inlet 110 may thus be a pipe, preferably flexible for greater maneuverability. The non-potable water supply system 11 further comprises a pump 111 configured to allow the withdrawal of non-potable water via the water inlet 110. Advantageously, the non-potable water thus withdrawn arrives directly in the tank 10 where it can be stored for a desired duration.

[0027] The first pump 111 may be a mechanical pump manually activated by users, so that the use of the filtration system 1 does not require a power source.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the pump may be an electric pump requiring a power source to operate. The power source may take various forms, such as an electric generator, a photovoltaic source, etc.

[0029] The system also includes a delivery circuit 12 that includes a water outlet 120, configured to deliver potable water, and a plurality of pipes 121.

[0030] The water outlet 120 may take the form of a tap operable between an open position allowing drinking water to be delivered and a closed position in which drinking water is not delivered. The tap may be made of stainless steel to prevent it from oxidizing.

[0031] The plurality of pipes 121 advantageously connects an opening 102 in the bottom of the tank 10 to the water outlet 120. Thus, the non-potable water is conveyed via the plurality of pipes 121, from the tank 10 to the water outlet 120. More specifically, the bottom of the tank 100 may comprise an opening 102 through which the non-potable water can enter the conveying circuit 12. The opening 102 may be closed by a cover (not shown) if necessary, in order to prevent the non-potable water from leaving the tank 10.

[0032] In order to deliver drinking water, the delivery circuit 12 also comprises a plurality of filters 122 which are described in more detail below.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the non-potable water is conveyed into the conveying circuit and passes successively through each of the filters 122 of the plurality of filters 122 in a completely autonomous manner. In particular, the conveying of the water through the conveying circuit 12 can be conducted by the force of gravity alone. Thus, the plurality of pipes 121 can be arranged so that the non-potable water follows a descending circuit. This makes it possible to avoid any additional energy source.

[0034] In another embodiment, the conveying of water through the conveying circuit 12 can be carried out by means of a second pump 123. The second pump 123 can be a manual semi-rotary pump without an attached seal. Thus, no maintenance is necessary on the pump during its operating time. Such a pump is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0035] The second pump 123 can be activated at any time by means of the actuating handle 124. When the actuating handle 124 is activated by the user, the second pump 123 pushes the non-potable water from the tank 10 into the delivery circuit 12. Thus, the plurality of pipes 121 can be arranged in any configuration since the presence of the second pump 123 allows the delivery of the non-potable water from the tank 10 to the water outlet 120.

[0036] When the actuating handle 124 is not activated by the user, the second pump does not operate and non-potable water does not pass into the conveying circuit 12.

[0037] Advantageously, the system 1 further comprises an enclosure 13, intended to receive and partially mask the routing circuit 12. In particular, the enclosure 13 is intended to receive the plurality of pipes 121, the plurality of filters 122, and the second pump 123. Thus, the water inlet 110, the water outlet 120, the first pump 111 and the actuating handle 124 remain accessible to users.

[0038] The enclosure 13 may be made of any material that is resistant to extreme climates. For example, the enclosure may be made of stainless steel that is well suited to climate and weather constraints.

[0039] The enclosure 13 can furthermore be removable, in order to access the components received inside, and in particular the plurality of filters 122. The removable aspect of the enclosure 13 can therefore allow maintenance of the routing circuit 12.

[0040] In another configuration, the enclosure 13 may comprise an access hatch (not shown), allowing access to the components contained in the enclosure 13 for their maintenance.

[0041] Optionally, to dismantle the enclosure 13 or to open the hatch, a system using tamper-proof screws can be provided. A special key for screwing / unscrewing the tamper-proof screws can then be provided with the system 1.

[0042] As stated previously, the routing circuit 12 comprises a plurality of filters 122. More specifically, the plurality of filters 122 may comprise six filters, each of the filters making it possible to filter particles of different sizes.

[0043] Advantageously, the filters are arranged along the conveying circuit 12 in such a way that the particles are filtered in a decreasing manner, i.e. the filter allowing the filtration of the largest particles is arranged furthest upstream of the conveying circuit 12, i.e. closest to the reservoir 10, while the filter allowing the filtration of the finest particles is arranged furthest downstream, i.e. closest to the water outlet 120.

[0044] The position of the plurality of filters is more particularly visible in Figures 2 and 3, which are respectively a bottom view and a top view of the system 1.

[0045] In particular, the plurality of filters comprises a first filter 1220 configured to filter particles of a size greater than or equal to 400 pm, and preferably of a size greater than or equal to 500 pm. Advantageously, the first filter 1220 is made of a strainer. The first filter 1220 is preferably placed furthest upstream of the conveying circuit 12. For example, the first filter 1220 is placed at the level of the opening 102 of the bottom of the tank 10. For example, the first filter 1220 is placed directly between the opening 102 of the tank 10 and a first pipe 1210 of the conveying circuit 12. This is more particularly visible in [Fig. 3].

[0046] The plurality of filters 122 further comprises a second filter 1221, configured to filter particles of a size greater than or equal to 40 pm, and advantageously of a size greater than or equal to 50 pm. The second filter 1221 may be separated from the first filter 1220 by the first pipe 1210. The second filter 1221 may be a paper filter.

[0047] The plurality of filters 122 further comprises a third filter 1222, configured to filter particles of a size greater than or equal to 20 pm, and advantageously of a size greater than or equal to 25 pm. The third filter 1222 may be separated from the second filter 1221 by a second pipe 1211. The third filter 1222 may be a paper filter.

[0048] The plurality of filters 122 further comprises a fourth filter 1223, configured to filter particles of a size greater than or equal to 3 pm, and advantageously of a size greater than or equal to 5 pm. The fourth filter 1223 may be separated from the third filter 1222 by a third pipe 1212. The fourth filter 1223 may be a paper filter.

[0049] The plurality of filters 122 further comprises a fifth filter 1224, configured to filter micro-organic particles, for example bacteria and / or pesticide or chlorine residues. The fifth filter 1224 may be separated from the fourth filter 1223 by a fourth pipe 1213. The fifth filter 1224 may be a filter made of activated carbon and coconut fibers.

[0050] The plurality of filters 122 further comprises a sixth filter 1225, configured to filter particles of a size greater than or equal to 1 pm, and preferably of a size greater than or equal to 0.02 pm. The sixth filter 1225 may be separated from the fifth filter 1224 by a fifth pipe 1214. The sixth filter 1225 may be a ceramic filter, for example the RIO2000 filter with silver particles marketed by the company Doulton. The silver particles have the advantage of having an antibacterial function.

[0051] Thus, the arrangement of the filters according to a filtering of particles of decreasing sizes makes it possible not to clog the conveying circuit 12 and to allow the filtration of a large quantity of non-potable water in a relatively short time. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 1 has an output of 1300L / h, that is to say that the system 1 makes it possible to deliver 1300 liters of drinking water in one hour. This output is notably achieved thanks to the choice of the second pump.

[0052] The routing circuit 12 may finally comprise a sixth pipe 1215 connecting the sixth filter 1225 to the water outlet 120.

[0053] Advantageously, the pipes are made of a material resistant to extreme climates, such as stainless steel or PVC.

[0054] Furthermore, the delivery circuit 12 is equipped with a maintenance valve 125. The maintenance valve 125 is configured to divert a portion of the water to a seventh pipe (not shown) connected to a second water outlet 126. When the second water outlet 126 delivers water, the user knows that one of the filters is clogged and must be cleaned and / or changed.

[0055] More specifically, the second pump 123 is chosen to operate under a pressure of between 2 and 5 bars and preferably between 2 and 4 bars. When the pressure in the delivery circuit goes beyond this range, the valve 125 moves into a position in which part of the water is delivered to the second water outlet 126.

[0056] Advantageously, the maintenance valve 125 is positioned in the delivery circuit, between the second pump 123 and the second filter 1221. This positioning makes it possible to precisely determine the pressure in the delivery circuit 12.

[0057] Below are presented, by way of non-limiting example, dimensions that can be provided for the system 1 in the case where the tank 10 can contain up to 120 liters. In this particular embodiment, the enclosure, in the case where it has a parallelepiped shape, has a width and a length of 70 cm. Once the tank 10 is positioned on top of the enclosure 13, the total height of the system is approximately 140 cm. Advantageously, the thickness of the stainless steel enclosure 13 is 3 mm. This allows the system to have a relatively small footprint, thereby facilitating its installation and its transport to its place of use.

[0058] Furthermore, the enclosure 13 may comprise handles 130 on the side walls to be able to move the system 1. The handles 130 may be obtained directly by cutting out the enclosure 13.

[0059] Furthermore, a gripping device 131 may be provided on either side of the actuating handle 124 in order to facilitate its actuation by the user. In particular, the gripping device 131 may be composed of bars that can be held by the user when actuating the handle 124.

[0060] Furthermore, tests to compare the compositions of the water entering and leaving the system were carried out by the Lanesco laboratory, a laboratory approved by the Ministries of Health and the Environment in France.

[0061] The results of these tests are shown in Figures 5 and 6, where [Fig.5] represents the composition of the water entering the system, i.e. before filtering, and [Fig.6] represents the composition of the water leaving the system, i.e. after the water has been filtered by the plurality of filters. The tests were carried out according to the French standards listed in the "method" column. The "VLA" column indicates the authorized limit values, i.e. the quality limits or quality references of treated water intended for human consumption according to the Public Health Code in France.

[0062] It therefore appears that after filtering the water, the drinking water delivered at the outlet of system 1 meets all the limits provided for by the Public Health Code in France, so that the water delivered at the outlet of the system is suitable for consumption.

[0063] Although one embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, omissions, and / or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for the elements of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, numerous modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, unless specifically indicated, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather serves to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for filtering non-potable water to obtain drinking water, the system (1) comprising: *a reservoir (10) configured to store the non-potable water, *a conveying circuit comprising: ° a water outlet (120) configured to deliver the drinking water, °a plurality of pipes (121) connecting the reservoir (10) to the water outlet (120), °a plurality of filters (122), in which each of the filters is configured to filter particles of different sizes, ° a maintenance valve, in which * the conveying circuit (12) is configured such that the non-potable water is intended to be conveyed from the reservoir (10) to the water outlet (120) by passing through the plurality of pipes (121) and successively passing through each of the filters of the plurality of filters (122), and in which the filters are arranged such that the filtering of the particles is carried out in a manner decreasing,i.e. from the largest particles to the finest particles, and wherein * the maintenance valve is placed in the delivery circuit (12), the maintenance valve being configured to divert a portion of the water to a second water outlet (126) when a pressure in the delivery circuit (12) exceeds a threshold.,

2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filters (122) comprises six filters.

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter for filtering larger particles is configured to filter particles of at least 400pm, and preferably at least 500pm.

4. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the filter for filtering the smallest particles is configured to filter particles of less than 0.05pm, and preferably of a size equal to or greater than 0.02pm.

5. System (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the filter for filtering the smallest particles is a ceramic filter with silver particles.

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of filters (122) comprises:

7.

8. - a first filter (1220) configured to filter particles of a size up to 500 pm, - a second filter (1221) configured to filter particles of a size up to 50pm, - a third filter (1222) configured to filter particles of a size up to 25pm, - a fourth filter (1223) configured to filter particles of a size up to 5pm, - a fifth filter (1224) with activated carbon and coconut fibers configured to filter microorganic type particles, - a sixth filter (1225) configured to filter particles with a size of up to 0.02pm. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump (123) for pushing water from the tank (10) to the water outlet (120). System (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the pump (123) is a semi-rotary pump (123), manually actuable by means of an actuating handle (124).

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