A system that allows for the modification of water's mineral content and certain physicochemical properties of water.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for modifying the ability of water to dissolve, dilute, or extract other substances (solvent properties). This device allows for precise adjustment of the mineral concentration of the water used and exposes the water to photon trains whose parameters can be defined by computer (total exposure time, train duration, exposure frequency, and wavelength). The device includes preset parameters for optimal modification of the physicochemical properties of the mineralized water and facilitates the dissolution of certain solutes.

Description

Title of the invention: System for modifying the mineralization of water and modifying certain physicochemical properties of water

[0001] The invention relates to a device for modifying the capacities of water to dissolve, dilute or extract other substances (solvent properties). This device makes it possible to precisely adjust the mineral concentration of the water used and to expose the water to photon trains whose parameters can be defined by computer (total exposure time, duration of the trains, exposure frequency and wavelength). The device contains preset parameters for obtaining an optimal modification of the physicochemical properties of the mineralized water and for facilitating the process of dissolving certain solutes., Prior Art

[0002] In view of climate issues and the constant need to save available resources, there is a constant need to improve industrial processes. The system, devices and method that are the subject of the invention meet these needs.

[0003] Water is an excellent polar solvent capable of solubilizing many molecules. In the water molecule, (H2O), the electrons of the hydrogen atoms are strongly attracted to the oxygen atom to the point of being closer to the oxygen nucleus than to those of hydrogen. This is why water has a negative charge around the oxygen atom and a positive charge towards the hydrogen atoms and thus constitutes an electrostatic dipole. Consequently, in the liquid state, water molecules have a natural tendency to position themselves relative to each other in such a way as to favor a minimum of potential energy between them, forming agglomerates of more or less crystalline structure, called "clusters". Typically, the clusters can have a partially or completely tetrahedral shape, but other configurations can exist. Furthermore, water in the liquid state always has a certain ratio of structured part to unstructured part.

[0004] The rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters influences the properties of water, including: • the surface tension of water which influences the capacity of water to dissolve other molecules, and consequently the maximum rate of dissolution of a solute in water (saturated solution); • the ability of the solute to interact with other molecules.

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of water treatment by radiation, preferably by light radiation, so as to modify the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of water molecule clusters.

[0006] This invention is initially intended for preparations for cosmetic use, but other uses can be made of it, for example for dermatology products, for decoctions, infusions, food products, hydroalcoholic solutions, biological culture media. Statement of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for modifying the mineralization of water.

[0008] Preferably, this device for controlling mineralization comprises a means for measuring the mineral concentration of the water.

[0009] Preferably, this device for controlling mineralization comprises a means for adjusting the mineral concentrations of the water.

[0010] Preferably, this device for controlling mineralization comprises parameters pre-set and adjustable by the user.

[0011] This device allows the mineral concentration of the water used to be precisely adjusted.

[0012] In particular, this device makes it possible to control the concentration of negatively charged ions in the water, even more preferably the concentration of negatively charged ions chosen from: Cl, PO42, NO32, F, HCO3, SO42.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for exposing water to a radiation source, preferably a light source.

[0014] Preferably, said radiation source is a light source.

[0015] Preferably, said device making it possible to expose said water to a source of light includes: • A power supply (1).

[0016] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • An electronic controller comprising an interface (2).

[0017] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A light source (3) having the capacity to emit at between 200 and 1200 nm.

[0018] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A container (4).

[0019] According to one embodiment, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • An opaque container (4) comprising an opaque lid having at least one opening.

[0020] According to another embodiment, said container comprises a closed tank in which filling is done via an inlet orifice with a tap and discharge via an outlet orifice with a valve. An overflow makes it possible to limit the level.

[0021] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A device for controlling and adjusting the temperature (5) of the water.

[0022] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A power supply (1); • An electronic controller comprising an interface (2); • A light source (3) having the capacity to emit between 200 and 1200 nm; • An opaque container (4) comprising an opaque lid having at least one opening; • A device for controlling and adjusting the temperature (5) of the water.

[0023] Preferably, said device comprises a temperature probe.

[0024] Preferably, said device comprises an optical fiber.

[0025] Preferably, said light source (3) consists of at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or a laser, or an arc lamp, preferably xenon.

[0026] Even more preferably, said light source (3) consists of a xenon arc lamp.

[0027] Even more preferably, said light source (3) consists of light-emitting diodes

[0028] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising the devices of the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0029] Thus, the invention relates to a system for modifying the mineralization of water, and for modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, comprising: • A device for modifying the mineralization of the water; • A device for exposing said water to a light source.

[0030] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization comprises a means for measuring the mineral concentration of the water.

[0031] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization comprises means for adjusting the mineral concentrations of the water.

[0032] Preferably, the device for controlling mineralization comprises parameters that are preset and adjustable by the user.

[0033] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A power supply (1).

[0034] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • An electronic controller comprising an interface (2).

[0035] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A light source (3) having the capacity to emit at between 200 and 1200 nm.

[0036] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A container (4).

[0037] According to one embodiment, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • An opaque container (4) comprising an opaque lid having at least one opening.

[0038] According to another embodiment, said container comprises a closed tank in which filling is done via an inlet orifice with a tap and discharge via an outlet orifice with a valve. An overflow makes it possible to limit the level.

[0039] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A device for controlling and adjusting the temperature (5) of the water.

[0040] Preferably, said device for exposing said water to a light source comprises: • A power supply (1); • An electronic controller comprising an interface (2); • A light source (3) having the capacity to emit between 200 and 1200 nm; • An opaque container (4) comprising an opaque lid having at least one opening; • A device for controlling and adjusting the temperature (5) of the water.

[0041] Preferably, said device comprises a temperature probe.

[0042] Preferably, said device comprises an optical fiber.

[0043] Preferably, said light source (3) consists of at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or a laser, or an arc lamp, preferably xenon.

[0044] Even more preferably, said light source (3) consists of a xenon arc lamp.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of modifying the mineralization of water.

[0046] Preferably, the objective of modifying the mineralization of the water is to control the concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, said method of modifying the mineralization of water is carried out by mixing several different mineralization waters.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, comprising a step of exposing the water to a light source emitting at a wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm.

[0049] Preferably, said exposure step lasts between 3 and 5 hours.

[0050] Preferably, said exposure step is carried out at a frequency exposure between 0.1 and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 Hz.

[0051] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for modifying the mineralization of water and for modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, using a device according to the invention, comprising the steps of: i. Modification of water mineralization; ii. Exposure of water to a light source emitting at a wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm, at an exposure frequency between 0.1 and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 Hz.

[0052] This method makes it possible to obtain water having a modified organization and / or structure of the water molecules, and optimized for the intended use.

[0053] Preferably, said exposure step ii. lasts between 1 minute and 24 hours, preferably between 5 minutes and 12 hours, even more preferably between 10 minutes and 5 hours.

[0054] Preferably, said exposure step ii. is carried out on a quantity ranging from 10 mL to 500 L of water, preferably between 100 mL and 400 L, even more preferably between 100 mL and 200 L.

[0055] This method makes it possible to reduce the surface tension of water, in order to promote the creation of aqueous solutions.

[0056] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in cosmetic preparations.

[0057] According to an eighth aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in dermatological compositions.

[0058] According to a ninth aspect, the invention relates to the use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in decoctions.

[0059] According to a tenth aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in infusions.

[0060] According to an eleventh aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in food products.

[0061] According to a twelfth aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in hydroalcoholic solutions.

[0062] According to a thirteenth aspect, the invention relates to the Use of water obtained by the Devices, Systems or Methods according to the invention in biological culture media.

[0063] The use of this water makes it possible in particular to modify the viscosity of the compositions and to have better absorption of water in the cellulose, and better dissolution of dyes, clay, polyphenols, and medicines.

[0064] The main productive benefit of this invention is the use of lower concentrations of solutes for at least equivalent performance, because these are much better diluted in water.

[0065] The use of this water in watering also helps to promote the metabolism of plants (for example: improvement of photosynthesis or absorption of nutrients). Figures

[0066] [Fig-1] is a diagram of the Device according to the invention, making it possible to expose water to a light source.

[0067] [Fig.2] is a graph showing the effect of the application of the Device on the Viscosity of mineral water in combination with a surfactant. n=7 independent experiments per group; ***: P=0.001; Mann-Whitney test.

[0068] [Fig.3] is a diagram of a second embodiment of the container of the invention, comprising a closed tank with an inlet with a tap, an outlet, a valve and an overflow. Definition

[0069] For the purposes of the invention, the term "modifying the mineralization" means modifying the concentration of minerals in the water. In particular, it means modifying the concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0070] By "radiation source" is meant a device for propagating energy from a radiating source, in the form of electromagnetic waves. In the context of the invention, said radiation source is positioned close to the water. Preferably, in the context of the invention, said radiation source is a light source.

[0071] By "exposing the water to a light source" is meant that a light source in operation is positioned close to the water, so that the photons which compose it act on the water.

[0072] For the purposes of the invention, the term “light source” means a device making it possible to project photons, and therefore light, around it.

[0073] By "modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters" is meant within the meaning of the invention the fact of influencing the formation of agglomerates (or clusters) of water molecules.

[0074] By “device for controlling and adjusting the water temperature” is meant a device for measuring the water temperature and modifying it.

[0075] By "modifying the structure of the water molecule clusters" is meant, within the meaning of the invention, the fact of modifying the average size of the water clusters.

[0076] By "water cluster" is meant the constitution of groups of water molecules in semi-permanent structures, generally of partially or completely tetrahedral geometry. Detailed description of the invention

[0077] According to a detailed embodiment, the invention relates to a system for modifying the mineralization of water, and for modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, comprising: • A device for modifying the mineralization of the water; • A device for exposing said water to a light source.

[0078] Before exposing the water to be treated to the light source, the user controls the mineralization of the water, starting by controlling the mineral concentration of the water. Depending on this, the user acts to obtain a certain concentration of negatively charged ions, for example by adding water having a high concentration of negatively charged ions.

[0079] Once the mineralization has been adjusted, the user can transfer the water to be treated into the device for exposing said water to a light source.

[0080] Water is introduced into the container (4).

[0081] In a first embodiment, said container (4) comprises a cover with at least one opening to allow the passage of the temperature probe, and of the light coming from the light source (3), via an optical fiber or directly by the light source (3). Said container (4) and its cover are opaque so as to protect the water from surrounding light radiation.

[0082] In a second embodiment, said container comprises a closed reservoir in which filling is done via an inlet with a tap and discharge via an outlet with a valve. An overflow allows the level to be limited.

[0083] The user can then choose a program on the interface of the electronic controller (2), including the parameters of light wavelength, exposure frequency and program duration.

[0084] The electronic controller and its interface (2) make it possible to define the application time and the characteristics (duration, exposure frequency, and wavelength) of the projected photon trains. It also allows the control of the water temperature.

[0085] The electronic controller and the interface (2) also allow the selection of predefined programs, comprising parameters adapted to obtain optimal efficiency under predefined conditions. The interface also allows parameters to be recorded by the user.

[0086] The user can for example choose a wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm, a duration between 10 min and 5 hours, for quantities ranging from 200 ml to 200 l, and an exposure frequency between 0.1 and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 Hz.

[0087] The controller is connected to the light source (3) having the capacity to emit at between 200 and 1200 nm. According to one embodiment, this photo source is a xenon arc lamp.

[0088] The controller also makes it possible to choose a particular temperature for the treatment of the water, carried out by the water temperature control and adjustment device (5). Examples

[0089] Example 1: Study of the effect of applying a light source on the viscosity of mineral water.

[0090] Light exposure is applied using the device according to the invention to mineral water, in order to study the impact on the viscosity of the water, in comparison with an identical untreated mineral water.

[0091] A surfactant is added before the measurement at the same concentration in the mineral water undergoing the application of the light source, and in the mineral water not having undergone it.

[0092] The measurements are carried out using a Couette cell rheometer under identical temperature conditions.

[0093] The experiment was repeated 7 times, and the data studied by a Mann-Whitney test.

[0094] The results demonstrate a significantly reduced viscosity for water having undergone light exposure.

Claims

Claims

1. System for modifying the mineralization of water, and for modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, comprising: • A device for modifying the mineralization of water; • A device for exposing said water to a light source (3).

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said device for exposing said water to a light source (3) comprises: • A power supply (1); • An electronic controller comprising an interface (2); • A light source (3) having the capacity to emit at between 200 and 1200 nm; • A container (4); • A temperature control and adjustment device (5).

3. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said container (4) is an opaque container (4) comprising an opaque cover having at least one opening.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said device for exposing said water to a light source (3) comprises an optical fiber and / or a temperature probe.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light source (3) consists of at least one light-emitting diode lamp, or a laser, or an arc lamp, preferably xenon.

6. A method of modifying the mineralization of water and modifying the rate of agglomeration of water molecules into clusters and / or the structure of the clusters of water molecules, using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: i. Modifying the mineralization of water; ii. Exposing the water to a light source emitting at a wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm, at a exposure frequency between 0.1 and 3 Hz, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 Hz.

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