Liquid purification device

Abstract

Liquid purification apparatus The present invention relates to a purification apparatus (1) configured to treat a liquid flow, comprising: - a housing assembly (2), defining a cavity (20) having a purification zone, having an inlet (I) and an outlet (O) which are placed in fluid-dynamic communication with the cavity (20) such that the liquid flow can flow from the inlet (I) to the outlet (O) by passing through the purification zone; - purification means (3), extending in the purification zone along an axial direction, configured to treat the liquid flow passing through the purification zone; - Deflector elements (4), fluid-dynamically interposed between the inlet (I) and the purification zone, configured to impart a spiral or helical motion around the purification means (3) to the liquid flow heading towards the purification zone in the axial direction. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Liquid purification apparatus technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a purification device that finds useful application in the liquid treatment sector. For example, this purification device can be used in domestic, industrial, municipal, and hospital environments to prevent limescale formation and to purify and sanitize water. State of the art

[0002] The need to purify liquid streams in order to eliminate or reduce the concentration of microorganisms and / or undesirable particles and / or pollutants has long been felt in various fields of technology.

[0003] For example, water flowing through pipes and household appliances contains minerals in solution, including calcium carbonate, which, when heated to high temperatures, form a deposit on surfaces in contact with the fluid, leading to the formation of a white calcareous patina commonly called "tartar".

[0004] This patina, which is often seen forming on faucets and sinks, is not only unsightly, but can also cause serious damage to both water supply systems and household appliances. Indeed, limescale buildup, in addition to affecting the integrity of seals and obstructing the flow of water in pipes, also has a significant impact on the thermal and energy efficiency of household appliances due to its strong insulating properties.

[0005] The importance of water treatment to prevent and counteract the formation of limescale is therefore evident. To this end, over the years, various filtration / purification devices have been developed, such as, for example, polyphosphate limescale filters, water softeners, magnetic limescale filters and others.

[0006] Known purification devices include a container defining a cavity through which the water flows from an inlet to an outlet.

[0007] This cavity includes a region in which purification means are arranged, that is to say means configured to treat the flow of liquid which passes through the container from the inlet to the outlet in order, for example, to prevent the formation of scale and / or to eliminate / reduce the concentration of certain undesirable substances or microorganisms.

[0008] Several types of purification methods are known. For example, purification methods using a porous medium through which the water flow is forced (cartridge filters) and electrode purification methods are known. The latter are configured to generate an electric field designed to modify the crystal lattice of the salts present in the water so that they do not tend to deposit on surfaces (for example, transformation of calcium carbonate from calcite to aragonite).

[0009] Regardless of the purification means used, it should be noted that, in order to obtain high treatment efficiencies of the liquid flow, it is necessary that the latter remain as much as possible in contact with or near the purification means, so as to allow time for the purification means to carry out the treatment.

[0010] In known anti-scale devices, the liquid flow rapidly passes through the region of the cavity in which the purification means are arranged. In particular, in glass-shaped filters, some of the liquid tends to stagnate at the bottom and most of the flow rapidly passes through the top of the cavity, since the fluid inlet conduit on the head of the glass is close to the outlet, so that the fluid enters and exits immediately at the top of the glass.

[0011] It is thus evident that the fluid dynamics of known purification devices limit the effectiveness of their treatment.

[0012] Objective of the invention

[0013] In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a purification device for the treatment of liquid streams which overcomes the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art.

[0014] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a purification device whose treatment efficiency is superior to that of known devices. Summary of the invention

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, the indicated technical task and the specified objectives are achieved by a purification device according to the present invention.

[0016] The present invention relates to a purification device for treating a liquid flow, comprising: - a housing assembly defining a cavity having a purification zone, said housing assembly having an inlet and an outlet which are placed in fluid-dynamic communication with said cavity such that the liquid flow is able to flow from the inlet to the outlet through said purification zone; - purification means extending at least partially into said purification zone along an axial direction, said purification means being configured to treat the liquid flow passing through the purification zone; characterized by the fact that it includes fluido-dynamically interposed deflector elements between the inlet and the purification zone, said deflector elements being configured to impart a spiral or helical movement around the purification means to the liquid flow flowing towards the purification zone in the axial direction.

[0017] Optionally, the cavity extends along the axial direction between an upper part and a lower part, the purification zone being interposed between the upper and lower parts along the axial direction; the deflector elements are at least partially disposed at the upper part and configured to deflect the flow of liquid from the upper part to the lower part.

[0018] Optionally, the purification means extend around an axis directed along the axial direction; the deflecting elements include deflecting parts extending helically around the axis of the purification means.

[0019] Optionally, the deflector elements include a deflector body having a deflecting surface; the deflecting surface delimits with the housing assembly, in particular a container thereof or a cover thereof, a fluid-dynamic path configured to convey the liquid flow towards the purification zone in the axial direction by imparting said spiral or helical motion.

[0020] Optionally, the deflecting parts are identified by the deflecting surface.

[0021] Optionally, the deflector body has a channel extending along the axial direction, said channel being configured to convey the liquid flow from the purification zone to the outlet.

[0022] Optionally, the purification means include a first and a second electrode configured to be placed at a different electrical potential and extend at least partially into the purification zone along the axial direction.

[0023] Optionally, the second electrode has a helical section extending in the axial direction around the first electrode in the purification zone.

[0024] Optionally, the first electrode and / or the second electrode are at least partially threaded into the purification zone.

[0025] Optionally, the purification means are at least partially mounted on the deflector elements along the axial direction.

[0026] Optionally, the deflector elements are at least partially obtained on the entire housing, in particular on the container and / or on the lid.

[0027] In detail, the present invention proposes to use deflector elements configured to impart to the liquid flow a spiral or helical movement around the purification means.

[0028] The vortex motion imparted by the deflector elements improves the treatment efficiency of the purification device by increasing the average time the liquid remains in the cavity and, in particular, near the purification methods. Indeed, the deflector elements generate a vortex which tends to stir and retain the liquid inside the cavity for a longer time compared to known devices.

[0029] It has also been observed that the turbulence generated by the deflecting elements facilitates and improves the nucleation phenomena necessary for the phase transformation of calcium carbonate from calcite to aragonite, which, as is known, helps to prevent and reduce the formation of scale.

[0030] According to advantageous embodiments, the spiral or helical movement imparted by the deflecting elements follows the shape of the downstream electrodes which are helical in shape, or the shape of a helical thread on a surface of an electrode, which makes it possible to keep the liquid for a particularly long time in the vicinity of the electric field source.

[0031] LIST OF FIGURES

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a purification apparatus, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig.1] represents a top view of a purification device according to the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.2] represents a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the purification device of the [Fig.1];

[0035] [Fig.3] represents an exploded view of the first embodiment of the purification device of the [Fig.2];

[0036] [Fig.4] represents a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the purification device of the [Fig.1];

[0037] [Fig.5] represents a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the purification device of the [Fig.1];

[0038] [Fig.6a] shows the result of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the purification device of the [Fig.l];

[0039] [Fig.6b] also shows the result of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the purification device of the [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.7] shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the purification apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] With reference to the attached figures, the present description relates to a purification apparatus 1 for the treatment of a liquid stream F such as, for example, a water stream.

[0042] In particular, the apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured to treat the flow of liquid F in order to prevent the formation of scale, for example, by modifying the crystal lattice of calcite to aragonite to prevent its deposition.

[0043] The apparatus 1 of the present invention can also be used to sanitize and / or sterilize the liquid stream F. In this regard, it should be specified that the term "sanitize" is intended to indicate any treatment designed to reduce the concentration of live microorganisms present in the liquid stream F below predetermined thresholds compatible with human health. Otherwise, the term "sterilize" designates any treatment designed to eliminate all microorganisms present in the liquid stream F.

[0044] In general, the apparatus 1 of the present invention can be used to treat a liquid stream not only to counteract scale formation but also to reduce or eliminate undesirable substances and microorganisms / pollutants / harmful to human health. In particular, if the fluid is a food-grade fluid, the system is suitable for regulating microbial growth in the fluid and, in particular for wine, for also regulating its oxidation-reduction potential and / or the extraction of polyphenols in order to improve both the taste and color of the wine.

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the device 1 comprises a housing assembly 2 defining a cavity 20 designed to be traversed by the flow of liquid L.

[0046] In detail, the housing assembly 2 has an inlet I and an outlet O which are placed in fluid communication with the cavity 20. In use, the liquid flow L flows from the inlet I to the outlet O of the housing assembly 2 through the cavity 20.

[0047] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the housing assembly 2 comprises a container 2a defining the cavity 20, in particular a cup-shaped container, and a lid 2b, or head, adapted to be mounted on the container 2a to close the cavity 20, on which the inlet I and the outlet O are obtained. In technical jargon, the conformation of the housing assembly 2 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 is commonly defined as being "glass-shaped".

[0048] According to one aspect, the cavity 20 extends along an axial direction XX between an upper part 21 and an opposite lower part 22.

[0049] In the embodiment of [Fig.7], the housing assembly 2 has a tubular conformation extending between the inlet I and the outlet O, preferably along the axial direction X-X. This tubular conformation is typical of purification devices commonly referred to as "tubular bundle".

[0050] The cavity 20 includes a purification zone R in which the liquid flow F is treated using special purification means 3 described below.

[0051] It should be specified that the purification zone R is located fluido-dynamically downstream of the inlet I and upstream of the outlet O. Therefore, in use, the liquid flow F flows from the inlet I to the outlet O via the purification zone R.

[0052] According to one aspect, the purification zone R is interposed between the upper part 21 and the lower part 22 along the axial direction XX.

[0053] The apparatus 1 further includes purification means 3, extending at least partially into the purification zone R along an axial direction XX, configured to treat the flow of liquid F passing through the purification zone R.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the purification means 3 are configured to treat the liquid flow F in such a way as to counteract the formation of scale, for example, by modifying its crystalline network in such a way as to prevent its deposition.

[0055] It should be noted that the purification means 3 can also be configured to sanitize and / or sterilize the liquid stream F.

[0056] In general, in the context of the present invention, "purification means" means are understood to mean not only means designed to prevent the formation of scale, but also means designed to eliminate / reduce the concentration of undesirable substances or microorganisms / pollutants / harmful to human health.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the purification means 3 comprise a first and a second electrode 31, 32, extending at least partially into the purification zone R along the axial direction XX, configured to be placed at a different electrical potential so as to generate an electric field in the purification zone R.

[0058] It should be noted that, during operation, the electric field generated by electrodes 31, 32 modifies the crystalline structure of the salts present in the water in such a way that they do not tend to deposit on the surfaces. More precisely, the electric field generated by electrodes 31, 32 transforms the calcium carbonate CaCO3 contained in the water from calcite to aragonite, that is to say, into a crystalline form that tends to remain in solution.

[0059] It should also be noted that, as is known, aragonite is particularly advantageous since it exerts a cleaning (purifying) action on pipes by eliminating the calcite that has previously been deposited there.

[0060] Moreover, advantageously, the electric field generated by the electrodes 31, 32 has a sanitizing / sterilizing effect because it is inactive by electroporation of the cell membrane or eliminates, at least in part, the microorganisms present in the flow of liquid F.

[0061] According to one aspect, the first electrode 31 has a rod-shaped conformation extending along the axial direction XX in a central part of the cavity 20, the second electrode 32 extending rather at least partly around the first electrode 31.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the second electrode 32 has a helical section 32a extending in the axial direction XX around the first electrode 31 in the purification zone R.

[0063] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the second electrode 32 has a hollow cylindrical conformation and the first electrode 31 is arranged inside the second electrode 32. In particular, in the embodiment of [Fig.5], the second electrode 32 is spaced from the lower part 22 of the cavity, such that the liquid flow F flows from the inlet I towards the lower part 22, along an outer surface of the second electrode 32, then flows between the first and second electrodes 31, 32 towards the outlet O.

[0064] Preferably, the first and second electrodes 31, 32 are coaxial.

[0065] In embodiments not illustrated, the second electrode 32 can be identified by a plurality of bars or rings electrically connected to each other and arranged around the first electrode 31.

[0066] In all these embodiments, the purification zone R generally extends between the first and second electrodes 31, 32, and around the second electrode 32.

[0067] According to one aspect, the first and / or second electrode 31, 32 are at least partially threaded in the purification zone R.

[0068] Advantageously, the threading creates zones of electric field intensification which promote the phase change of calcium carbonate from calcite to aragonite and microbial inactivation or elimination of microorganisms.

[0069] Moreover, advantageously, the geometry of the thread increases (at least locally) the turbulence of the flow which, as is known, improves the nucleation phenomena of aragonite.

[0070] In the embodiment of [Fig. 7], the second electrode 32 is a hollow body with an internal thread, and the first electrode 31, which is located inside the second electrode 31, is externally threaded. Thus, in the embodiment of [Fig. 7], both the first and second electrodes 31, 32 are threaded and arranged so that the threads are at least partially aligned. The purification zone R extends at least between the first and second electrodes 31, 32.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, as illustrated by way of example in [Fig. 4], the purification means 3 comprise a porous medium 33 through which the flow of liquid F is forced and configured to retain undesirable substances, microorganisms or impurities. Such a porous medium can be, for example, the component of purification devices commonly called a "cartridge".

[0072] The porous medium 33 is preferably arranged and formed so that it cannot be bypassed by the flow of liquid F. In other words, a whole perimeter of the porous medium 33 is in contact with walls which delimit the cavity at the level of the purification zone R. In the embodiment of [Fig.4], the porous medium 33 is a cylindrical cartridge arranged around the axis AA.

[0073] The apparatus 1 further includes deflector elements 4, fluido-dynamically interposed between the inlet I and the purification zone R, configured to impart a spiral / helical movement around the purification means 3 to the liquid flow F flowing towards the purification zone R in the axial direction XX.

[0074] Advantageously, the spiral / helical movement imparted to the liquid flow F by the deflector elements 4 generates a mixing effect which increases the average residence time of the liquid in the purification zone R, thus increasing the purification efficiency of the apparatus 1. In other words, the deflector elements 4 cause the liquid to remain in the purification zone R for a sufficiently long time to allow the purification means 3 to act - for example, to transform calcite into aragonite - in order to prevent the formation of scale and / or to sanitize and / or sterilize the liquid flow F.

[0075] This spiral / helical motion effect is illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b by a numerical fluid dynamics analysis, for device 1 of Figures 2 and 3. The increase in turbulence and residence times of the liquid in the purification zone R is particularly advantageous in these embodiments where, for geometric reasons, in the absence of spiral / helical motion, the liquid flow F could flow from the inlet I to the outlet O by crossing only a limited part of the purification zone R.

[0076] This occurs, for example, in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, because the glass-shaped housing assembly 2 has the inlet I and the outlet O close to each other, and there are no obstacles to the passage of the liquid flow F between consecutive turns of the second electrode 32. The same applies to the glass-shaped embodiment of [Fig.4] with purification means 3 of the porous filter type, since, in the absence of spiral / helical movement, the liquid flow F could pass through any part of the surface of the filter, and thus exit after a short path.

[0077] According to one aspect, the deflector elements 4 are configured to impart a spiral / helical movement to the liquid flow F around an axis directed parallel to the axial direction XX and, preferably, passing through the central part of the cavity 20.

[0078] Preferably, the deflector elements 4 are configured to impart to the liquid flow F a spiral / helical movement around at least one electrode 31, 32, or around a cartridge of a porous medium, and, according to one embodiment, between the first and second electrode 31, 32.

[0079] According to one aspect, the purification means 3 extend around an axis AA directed along the axial direction XX which, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2, 4, 5 and 7, coincides substantially with the axis of the spiral / helical movement of the liquid flow F conferred by the deflector elements 4.

[0080] Preferably, the first electrode 31 extends mainly along the axial direction XX along the axis AA of the purification means 3. More preferably, the first electrode 31 is a bar (or has at least a rod-shaped section) directed mainly along the axial direction XX defining the axis AA of the purification means 3.

[0081] In the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the deflector elements 4 are configured to generate a helical flow between the turns of the helical section 32a of the second electrode 32. It should be noted that, in the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the helical section 32a of the second electrode 32 acts as a "guide" for the liquid flow F, which has been given a helical motion by the deflector elements in the direction of the threaded spiral. Advantageously, this causes the liquid flow F to remain for a longer period in the vicinity of the second electrode 32, thereby improving treatment efficiency.

[0082] The deflector elements 4, which according to the above are arranged downstream of the inlet I and upstream of the purification zone R, are preferably at least partially arranged at the upper part 21 of the cavity 20 and are configured to deflect the flow of liquid F from the upper part 21 to the lower part 22.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the deflector elements 4 comprise deflector parts 40 extending helically around the axis AA defined by the purification means 3.

[0084] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the deflector elements 4 may comprise a deflector body 41 having a deflecting surface 41a extending along the axial direction XX, defining—for example, with the housing assembly 2—a fluid-dynamic path designed to direct the liquid flow F toward the purification zone R and, at the same time, impart to it a spiral / helical motion around the purification means 3 as described above. Therefore, the fluid-dynamic path may be delimited by opposite sides of the deflector body 41 and the housing assembly 2, in particular between the container 2a and the lid 2b.

[0085] Preferably, the fluid-dynamic path leads to the purification zone R in a position radially furthest outside relative to the first and second electrodes 31, 32. The radial direction is intended to be measured opposite the axis AA.

[0086] Said deflector body 41 may be made as a single unit or not with the housing assembly 2, in particular with the head 2b or the container 2a. Preferably, the deflector body 41 is removably mounted on the housing assembly 2, in particular on the container 2a or on the head 2a. In one embodiment, the deflector body 41 is identified by a portion of the lid 2b or the cup-shaped container 2a.

[0087] In some embodiments, the deflecting parts 40 are identified by the deflecting surface 41a. In particular, the deflecting surface 41a may, for example, have a continuous helical groove designed to guide the flow of liquid F by defining a helical fluid-dynamic path with the housing assembly 2, in particular the container 2a or the head 2b.

[0088] It should be noted that the deflector wall 41a of the deflector body 41 can also individually define the fluid-dynamic path designed to convey the liquid flow F to the purification zone R by giving it the aforementioned spiral / helical motion around the purification means 3. In this respect, the deflector wall 41a can, for example, define a spiral conduit inside the deflector body 4L

[0089] In alternative embodiments, the deflector elements 4 are made directly on the housing assembly 2, i.e. on the container 2a or on the head 2b. In particular, in an alternative embodiment to those shown in the accompanying figures, the container 2a may include an inner wall having a continuous helical groove at least at the upper part 21 of the cavity 20. In this alternative embodiment, the deflector parts 40 are identified by said threaded inner wall.

[0090] According to one aspect, the deflector body 41 has a channel 42 extending along the axial direction XX. The deflector body 41 thus extends along a radial direction with respect to the axial direction XX between the deflector surface 41a and the channel 42. The channel 42 is therefore opposite the deflector surface 41a along the radial direction.

[0091] With reference to Figures 6a and 6b, this channel 42 is placed in fluid-dynamic communication with both the purification zone R and the outlet O. In operation, the liquid flow F, after being treated by the purification means 3, flows through the channel 42 of the deflector body from the purification zone R to the outlet O. Therefore, the channel 42 fluid-dynamically connects the purification zone R to the outlet O.

[0092] According to one aspect, the first electrode 31 extends along the axial direction XX through the channel 42 to move towards the purification zone R. Thus, preferably, the second channel 42 is configured to receive at least part of the first electrode 31.

[0093] According to another aspect, the channel 42 has a mounting part 42a configured to engage with a projection 20b of the cover 2b in order to mount the deflector body 41 on the latter 2b.

[0094] According to another aspect, the purification means 3 are at least partially mounted on the deflector elements 4 along the axial direction XX.

[0095] In particular, preferably, the deflector body 41 includes a seat 41b configured to receive and retain the second electrode 32 along the axial direction XX in order to dispose of it in the cavity 20 of the housing assembly 2 as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 5 and in accordance with what is described above.

[0096] It is obvious that, in order to meet specific and possible needs, a person skilled in the art can make many modifications and variations to the configurations described above.

Claims

Demands

1. Purification apparatus (1) for the treatment of a liquid stream (F), comprising: - a housing assembly (2) defining a cavity (20) having a purification zone (R), said housing assembly (2) having an inlet (I) and an outlet (0) which are placed in fluid-dynamic communication with said cavity (20) such that the liquid stream (F) is able to flow from the inlet (I) to the outlet (0) through said purification zone (R); - purification means (3) extending at least partially into said purification zone (R) along an axial direction (XX), said purification means (3) being configured to treat the liquid stream (F) passing through the purification zone (R);characterized by the fact that it comprises deflector elements (4) fluido-dynamically interposed between the inlet (I) and the purification zone (R), said deflector elements (4) being configured to impart a spiral or helical movement around the purification means (3) to the liquid flow (F) flowing towards the purification zone (R) in the axial direction (XX).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the cavity (20) extends along the axial direction (XX) between an upper part (21) and a lower part (22), the purification zone (R) being interposed between the upper part (21) and the lower part (22) along the axial direction (XX); - the deflector elements (4) are at least partially disposed at the upper part (21) and configured to deflect the flow of liquid (F) from the upper part (21) to the lower part (22).

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the purification means (3) extend around an axis (AA) directed along the axial direction (XX); - the deflector elements (4) comprise deflecting parts (40) extending helically around the axis (AA) of the purification means (3).

4. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: - the deflecting elements (4) comprise a deflecting body (41) having a deflecting surface (41a); - the deflecting surface (41a) delimits with the housing assembly (2), in particular a container (2a) of it or a cover (2b) of it, a fluid-dynamic path configured to convey the liquid flow (F) towards the purification zone (R) in the axial direction (XX) by giving it said spiral or helical movement.

5. Apparatus (1) according to the combination of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the deflecting parts (40) are identified by the deflecting surface (41a).

6. Apparatus (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the deflector body (41) has a channel (42) extending along the axial direction (XX), said channel (42) being configured to convey the liquid flow (F) from the purification zone (R) to the outlet (0).

7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the purification means (3) comprise a first and a second electrode (31, 32) configured to be placed at a different electrical potential and extend at least partially into the purification zone (R) along the axial direction (XX).

8. Apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second electrode (32) has a helical section (32a) extending in the axial direction (XX) around the first electrode (31) in the purification zone (R).

9. Apparatus (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first electrode (31) and / or the second electrode (32) are at least partially threaded into the purification zone (R).

10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the purification means (3) are at least partially mounted on the deflector elements (4) along the axial direction (XX).

11. Apparatus (1) according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 10 depending on claim 4, characterized in that the deflecting elements (4) are at least partially obtained on the housing assembly (2), in particular on the container (2a) and / or on the lid (2b).

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