A water treatment device

Abstract

This invention relates to a water treatment device 10 and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a water treatment device which incorporates or may be used in conjunction with a water monitoring s

Description

Field This invention relates to a water treatment device and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a water treatment device which incorporates or may be used in conjunction with a water monitoring system. Background Piped water, at point of delivery to end users, is generally only monitored for volume delivered using conventional water meters. These do not provide any form of quality or delivery assurance of water that is supplied. Water quality can be compromised in any manner of circumstances such as water pipe breaks, water processing issues and even deliberate malicious activity. The invention seeks to provide an indication in real time of water quality and delivery data for a customer or premise and to a water supplier or provider. Another aim of the invention is to provide a water treatment device in order to improve water quality. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water treatment device is adapted to be connected to a water supply and includes an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator which, in use, disinfects water flowing through the device. Water is passed through an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator where the nano bubbles increase the oxidising reduction potential (ORP) property to the water. Nanobubbles increase dissolved oxygen levels through hyper-efficient gas injection and unique properties that enable them to remove harmful pathogenic microorganisms such as Legionella, Naegleria fowleri, Vibrio spp, and Pfiesteria. Nanobubbles produce hydroxyl radicals, powerful oxidizing agents that break down organic contaminants like bacteria, algae, and taste and odour compounds. Optionally data may be relaying sampled water data to a remote processing / controI system that analyses the data reports the findings at point of processing and forward selected results and additional information to the end user via multiple data platforms whilst also providing the provider to remotely control the water supply. In some embodiments the UFB generator, in the water treatment device, introduces ultra-fine bubbles via apertures in a manifold over which the water flows. Optionally at least one sensor is operative to sense an impurity in water supplied to an inlet of the treatment device. In some embodiments the at least one sensor senses a physical property of the water, such as temperature and / or the turbidity of water supplied to an inlet of the treatment device. In some embodiments the water treatment device includes a sensor for sensing the pH quality of water supplied to an inlet of the treatment device. In some embodiments the water treatment device includes a pressure sensor for sensing an inlet water pressure at an inlet of the treatment device. In some embodiments the water treatment device includes at least one sensor is operative to determine an amount of treated water delivered. Preferably the water meter measures a total volume of water supplied. In some embodiments of the water treatment device the manifold has at least one array which senses a pathogen in water passing thereover. In some embodiments the manifold has at least one array which senses the total dissolved solids (TDS) in water passing thereover. Optionally the water treatment device includes a diverter channel through which a lower volume of water flows to provide accurate measurements. In some embodiments of the water treatment device a comparator compares a signal supplied from one or more sensors with a datum; and a processor issues a command signal to an actuator. Optionally a transmitter is provided for transmitting at least one signal from the treatment device to a remote receiver. The transmitter may be a short-range wireless transmitter, for example 3-G, 4-G or of the type, which operates in accordance with a Bluetooth® wireless protocol. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring water quality which includes a plurality of the aforementioned water treatment devices; a receiver for receiving signals; a processor for processing the signals; and at least one display for indicating a status of a device or a zone, within which at least one device is located. Ideally the system includes a controller for a water pumping station and / or a water treatment plant and a computer operating in accordance with software controls the water pumping station and / or a water treatment plant. A system for monitoring water quality using at least one of the aforementioned water treatment devices and includes software for deriving from the signals and data locations of contamination and transmitting an alert signal to a remote operator warning of the contamination. A system for monitoring water quality using at least one of the aforementioned water treatment devices and a processor operating in accordance with software for deriving from the signals and data an indication of the type and nature of contamination and transmitting an alert signal to a remote operator warning of the contamination. In such circumstances, where the water delivery can then be isolated or turned off, for example remotely via an electrically operated control valve to automatically prevent harm to an end user. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which: Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 shows an overall diagrammatical view of one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an of a water treatment device 10 which is adapted to be connected to a water supply 12. The water treatment device 10 includes an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator 14 which, in use, disinfects water flowing an inlet through the water treatment device 10 in the direction of arrow A. The UFB generator 14 introduces ultra-fine bubbles via apertures (not shown) in a manifold 14A over which the water flows. Upstream of the UFB generator 14 there is an optional side outlet 16 which acts as a feed channel and directs a small percentage of the total water flow to a monitoring pool or reservoir 18 which acts as a reservoir for water being sampled and provides a dwell time for the water to be sensed by various sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. The water directed from the supply line 12 is controlled by control valve 17 and enters the reservoir 18 which has a larger volume compared with the feed channel 16 so that it is relatively slow-moving past the sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. The pool or reservoir 18 therefore provides an array as a location for the sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and measuring devices to monitor and to measure accurately the water passing through the treatment device 10. Where higher volumes of water are being delivered, the array of sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 may be attached to a diverter channel 16 of reduced water flow to help provide more accurate measurements. Upstream of the UFB generator 14, the water passes through a manifold which is fitted with an array of measuring devices to monitor the passing water. Where higher volumes of water are being delivered, the array of sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 may be attached to the diverter channel 16 of lower flow water (a sample percentage of total water flow) to help provide more accurate measuring. The diverter channel 16 has a unidirectional control valve 17. Optionally the diverter channel 16 may be equipped with an expansion chamber (not shown) which helps to further help slow the flow of water for more accurate measurement sampling. Downstream of the UFB generator 14, water may be analysed with a monitoring device(s) to test the produced bubbles. The array of sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 be fitted with some or all of, but not limited to, the following devices that measure or monitor various water parameters: • Water flow (total litres and / or litres per minute) • Water pressure at inlet • Oxidising reduction potential (ORP) • water pH level • Total dissolved solids (TDS) • Temperature • Turbidity The array of sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 are connected to a transmitter 50 and a receiver 52 either or both of which may be hardwired but are both preferably wireless as described below. The transmitter 50 ensures that data from the sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 are transmitted for remote processing and recording. The receiver 52 is operative to receive data, instructions; and when the water treatment device 10 is fitted with a processor (not shown), the receiver 52 receives software updates. Data may be processed in situ (when the water treatment device 10 is fitted with a processor) or transmitted by a wireless transmitter 52 to a remote meter analysis platform (MAP) as described below. Data may be transmitted from the array to MAP via an optional, integral, transmitting communication device; such as 4-G, or a Bluetooth® or via a hardwire connection (not shown). The water treatment device 10 receives software and firmware updates from the MAP In one embodiment the water treatment device 10 and is capable of powering itself with an integral turbine generator 30A which is operated from the flow of water in pipe 12. Referring to Figure 2, a meter analysis platform (MAP) which collates and process data that is output from the array of sensors 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 in real time and compares data to a set of pre-determined parameters which relate to standards or legal safety limits. A processor (not shown) then performs calculations and checks of data and determines the output water quality. The MAP is scalable to receive data from a single water treatment device 10 to many thousands or even millions, thereby allowing monitoring and control of an entire water supply network for a city or region. As mentioned above the water treatment device 10 has an electrically operated flow valve 13. The flow valve 13 is controlled by a command signal transmitted from the MAP to control water delivery where pressure may be reduced, for example where demand is high or where water supplies may be low such as in droughts or where the supplier may wish to completely cut supply or in the event of water contamination. It is appreciated that when data is received in real time it allows a water supplier greater control over the amount and quality of water delivered. For example, a water supply company (via the MAP) has live and pinpointed updates for: • Pressure drops • Water usage • Potential supply breaks • Contamination of water supply An end user, such as a commercial or domestic premises, may receive live status information from the MAP of their water supply, for example via a bespoke application specific software (APP) on a handheld smart device, such as a smartphone, or in a web browser. The information displayed can also include live updates from the water supplier in the event of a water disruption or quality issue. The MAP may be configured to deliver live status information to an in-home display (HID) which consists of a small electrical device with a display, similar in size to a mobile phone. Advantages of the invention include: More accurate water delivery monitoring for analytics for improved supply. Faster reaction times to supply issues. Greater accuracy for pinpointing supply breaks and issues minimising repair times and outages and their associated costs and disruptions. Minimised water wastage for improved sustainability. Immediate and automated customer updates to only affected reducing call centre costs for customer service and ultimately a far higher quality service with information delivery to customer. The UFB generator 14 provides assurance and resilience in the case of a disrupted and potentially contaminated water supply and so helps to provide qualification / assurance that the supplied water is safe to drink and this in turn helps to reduce the need for bottled water endemic for sustainability. For security purposes, the provider is able to view if the water treatment device 10 has been disconnected from water pressure loss and data received from the array, for example by way of a tamper evident device or alarm (not shown). It will be appreciated that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and that variation may be made to the embodiments described, without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

24Claims1. A water treatment device is adapted to be connected to a water supply, the device including an inlet and an ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator downstream thereof, the ultra-fine bubble (UFB) generator adapted to produce hydroxyl radicals to disinfects water flowing therethrough, and including a side outlet adapted to act as a feed channel to direct a percentage of the total water flow from the inlet to a monitoring reservoir, the reservoir having means to sample water therein, the means comprising a plurality of sensors, the sensors being connected to a transmitter, the transmitter adapted to transmit data from the sensors remotely, the device including an integral turbine adapted to provide self-sustaining power generation from water flow therethrough.

2. A water treatment device according to claim 1 wherein the UFB generator introduces ultra-fine bubbles into the water via apertures in a manifold over which the water flows.

3. A water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2 includes at least one sensor which senses an impurity in water supplied to an inlet of the treatment device.

4. A water treatment device according to any preceding claim, the at least one sensor which senses water temperature.

5. A water treatment device according to any preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the at least one sensor senses the turbidity of water, supplied to an inlet of the treatment device.

6. A water treatment device according to any preceding claim including a sensor for sensing the pH quality of water supplied to an inlet of the treatment device.

7. A water treatment device according to any preceding claim includes a pressure sensor for sensing an inlet water pressure at an inlet of the treatment device.

8. A water treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the manifold has at least one an array which senses the total dissolved solids (TDS) in water passing thereover.

9. A water treatment device according to any preceding claim includes a comparator which compares a signal supplied from one or more sensors with a datum; and a processor issues a command signal to an actuator.

10. A water treatment device according to claims 1 to 9 wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter, for example 3-G, 4-G or of the type which operates in accordance with a Bluetooth® wireless protocol.

11. A method for monitoring water quality using at least one device according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising monitoring the water quality from the sensors and transmitting data thereof remotely.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim including an electrically operated flow control valve at the inlet to allow remote control of the water supply.12 08 24

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