BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSTABLE PORTABLE WATER FILTER with activated carbon

Abstract

The invention relates to an activated carbon water filter composed of activated carbon derived from coconut shells and a filter paper made of plant fibers. The filter according to the invention is characterized in that it is portable, compact, small, and lightweight, and requires no specific equipment or prior sterilization. Furthermore, it is biodegradable and compostable. Such a filter is essentially intended to purify tap water by removing contaminants such as phenols, hydrocarbons, pesticides, heavy metals, and surfactants, while reducing unpleasant tastes and odors, for purer and more pleasant drinking water. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSTABLE PORTABLE WATER FILTER with activated carbon Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a biodegradable portable activated carbon water filter, intended to filter tap water in a simple way, using its own container, mobile and ecological. Technical background

[0002] Existing water filtration solutions, such as filter bottles, charcoal sticks and plastic filter jugs, while useful for improving the taste of water, raise significant environmental and health concerns.

[0003] The production and disposal of these carafes and water bottles and their filters can contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste, which is concerning given that France is one of the largest consumers of plastic bottles in Europe.

[0004] Furthermore, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has highlighted risks associated with the use of these carafes, such as the release of contaminants into the water. It is therefore essential to consider more sustainable alternatives and to follow recommendations for safe and environmentally friendly use.

[0005] Charcoal filter sticks are known for their ability to filter and adsorb impurities present in water, such as chlorine, organic agents, and heavy metals. However, their use is restrictive and their adsorption capacity is limited (BET surface area of ​​100 m² / g to 400 m² / g).

[0006] It is essential to have a kettle to sterilize the charcoal stick before using it and the time required to act on the water varies from four to eight hours depending on the size of the stick, which poses a problem of practicality.

[0007] This is especially true since the pyrolysis of charcoal from wood produces a lot of dust and fine particles, which constitutes an ecological limit.

[0008] Moreover, the effectiveness of these sticks is limited in that their absorption capacity is limited to 400 m2 / g, thus leading to rapid saturation and reducing their effectiveness in reducing toxic residues in water.

[0009] There are also filter jugs which are mainly made of plastic and which can release harmful particles into the water contained inside.

[0010] They also require the recurring purchase of refills containing some activated charcoal, which are very often expensive.

[0011] Moreover, these same refills are packaged in a disposable plastic container with an aluminum cover, which generates a significant amount of waste and particles that present an obvious risk to the environment and health.

[0012] Filter jugs are affected by a problem of practicality because they are not portable and the waiting time for water filtration requires forty minutes to one hour.

[0013] In addition, the activated carbon used is often chemically activated or composed of mineral carbon.

[0014] In addition, these filter jugs are not environmentally friendly because of their cartridges (refills) which generate a lot of plastic and aluminum waste; the charcoal receptacle is made of plastic and the receptacle cover is made of aluminum.

[0015] Above all, the use of these filter carafes can lead to the release of various contaminants (silver, sodium, potassium, ammonium ions) into the drinking water, as well as a lowering of the pH and an alteration of the microbiological quality of the water if the cartridges are not changed regularly and the material used for the carafe (plastic) releases microparticles of plastic into the filtered water, which constitutes a major problem for human health.

[0016] Finally, regarding the filter bottle, its initial cost is relatively high, which limits its attractiveness to consumers. The initial purchase of a filter bottle can be more expensive than that of a cheap disposable plastic bottle.

[0017] Most models also require frequent cleaning to maintain good hygiene and optimal quality. Inadequate cleaning can reduce their effectiveness against contaminants and bacterial growth.

[0018] Also, some water bottles present significant risks of leakage if they are placed flat or upside down.

[0019] Furthermore, purified water cannot be stored; it must be drunk immediately.

[0020] Finally, the activated charcoal used in these water bottles is not of good quality. quality. It is often chemically activated or composed of mineral charcoal.

[0021] Prior inventions are therefore not ecological, impractical and inefficient, in addition to the fact that they do not cancel out the tastes and smells usually felt when consuming drinking water. Description of the invention

[0022] The present invention is specifically designed to avoid these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0023] To this end, it proposes a filter for filtering tap water, comprising activated vegetable charcoal derived from coconut shells, surrounded by a vegetable filter paper (composed of plant fibers), thus constituting an ecological and economical alternative to single-use water bottles.

[0024] The fight against plastic pollution and the guarantee of water quality are major issues for the environment and health. In France, the AGEC law aims to transform the linear economy into a circular economy, by reducing waste and preserving natural resources.

[0025] Activated carbon filtration is a proven technique that is now commonly used to restore the taste and smell of tap water and to remove potential pollutants. It is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

[0026] The activated carbon filter is distinguished by its action on the organoleptic qualities of the water, improving its color, taste and smell thanks to its purifying properties.

[0027] Due to its extremely porous structure, it effectively retains pollutants, drug residues, pesticides, and fine particles, while preserving natural minerals. Once purified by an activated carbon system, the water becomes purer and more pleasant to drink, free of all impurities and undesirable elements.

[0028] These filters are portable, biodegradable and compostable in order to overcome the drawbacks of existing consumer filtration solutions, such as the aforementioned charcoal stick and filter jug ​​systems, as well as the consumption of plastic bottles.

[0029] The present invention makes it possible to filter running (tap) water in a simple (using its own container), mobile (nomadic) and ecological way (without producing plastic waste).

[0030] The system does not require external power sources and can operate as a standalone manual unit.

[0031] This invention is particularly practical because it is designed for portability. The filters are compact, small, and lightweight. They do not require any specific equipment such as cartridges or a kettle. They can be used in any type of container without creating waste, as they are biodegradable and compostable. Furthermore, they do not require any prior sterilization before use.

[0032] This invention boasts superior efficiency and quality compared to existing filters. Activated carbon derived from coconut shells is among the most effective. Its adsorption capacity is twenty-five times greater than that of ash, for example, with an adsorption surface area of ​​1150 m² / g. The activated carbon used is Ecocert certified, guaranteeing quality and purity (natural activation with steam without chemicals).

[0033] This invention is environmentally friendly. Thanks to their composition, the filters are both biodegradable and compostable, which contributes to a zero waste approach.

[0034] This invention requires only plant-based raw materials for its manufacture. Coconut is a sustainable and valuable raw material. Since coconut shells are difficult to biodegrade, they are recycled. They are abundant in tropical countries, and in order to utilize natural resources while reducing organic waste, coconut shells have been chosen as a raw material for manufacturing activated carbon granules used to purify tap water. The filter paper is composed of plant fibers.

[0035] The activated carbon water filter operates by adsorption, meaning that it attracts and retains contaminants on its surface. The activated carbon used has an above-average adsorption capacity of 1150 m² / g. Adsorption is an effective treatment for removing organic matter, particularly when the molecular load is high and the polarity is low. Activated carbon can therefore be used to remove phenols, saturated hydrocarbons (which are insoluble molecules that are difficult for ozone to break down), pesticides, heavy metals, and surfactants.

[0036] Finally, this invention enables effective filtration by reducing the tastes and odors usually perceived when drinking tap water. Activated carbon is particularly effective at reducing unpleasant tastes and odors in drinking water. It can eliminate the organic compounds responsible for these sensory alterations.

[0037] The activated carbon water filter according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined: • A set of granules can be put under pressure, thus forming a piece of activated carbon, which is surrounded by a roll of filter paper that wraps around the piece of activated carbon. • Filters can be of different sizes and weights depending on the container used. 30g filters allow for 1 liter of water per day. 15g filters allow for 0.5 liters of water per day, and 10g filters allow for between 0.25 and 0.35 liters of water per day. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the description given below by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0039] [Fig.1] shows the filter containing activated carbon granules and the bag surrounding these granules, in top view. Description of the implementation methods

[0040] [Fig-1] presents the biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter 1, which includes a set of assembled activated carbon granules 2 and a paper bag made of plant fibers 3, rolled, cut and sealed to give the biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter 1 its final shape.

[0041] The biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter 1 must be rinsed under clean water before being placed in a glass or stainless steel container of liquid.

[0042] The paper bag made of plant fibers 3 allows the biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter 1 to remain compact, without the assembled activated carbon granules scattering.

[0043] For 20 to 30 minutes, the biodegradable and portable activated carbon 1, inserted into the liquid, attracts the molecules present in the liquid by an attraction filtration process.

[0044] The activated carbon granules attract, through the paper bag composed of plant fibers 3, molecules such as phenols, saturated hydrocarbons, ozone, pesticides, heavy metals, surfactants and retain chemical particles in order to ensure filtration. List of reference signs

[0045] 1: biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter

[0046] 2: assembly of activated carbon granules

[0047] 3: paper sachet wrapped around activated charcoal

Claims

6. Claims

1. Biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter (1), characterized in that it comprises a set of granules, derived from coconut, put under pressure and assembled (2).

2. A biodegradable and portable activated carbon filter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a vegetable paper sachet wrapped around the activated carbon (3).

Images