A decontamination apparatus

Abstract

A decontamination apparatus comprising a housing (14), an electricity generator (20), a rotary drive input (18) to operate the electricity generator 20, an ozone-resistant tube (48) extending outside the housing 14, an ozone generator (12) inside the tube 48, an ozone outlet (32) associated with the tube 48 and exterior to the housing 14, and an urging element (22) comprising an air pump (44) which is associated with the tube 48 and operable by the drive input 18 to urge ozone out of the outlet 32. A method of using the decontamination apparatus comprising inserting the outlet 32 into a water source or directing it towards an object, moving the rotary input 18 to operate the electricity generator 20 and urging element 22, powering the ozone generator 12 using the generated electricity, and generating ozone which is released at the outlet 32 via the urging element 22 is also included. The drive input 18 may be a hand-operable crank. The apparatus may further comprise an air inlet (56) comprising a one-way valve and a filter (162 – figure 3) or dehumidifier (164 – figure 3). The ozone may be generated via a high voltage power supply.

Description

The present invention relates to a water decontamination apparatus and a method of decontaminating water using the said water decontamination apparatus. Access to clean drinking water is one of the world’s biggest problems. This is particularly challenging in disaster areas and in underdeveloped rural areas without electrical power. Up to now, purification systems that are used to remove pathogens are generally large and complex and tend to be installed at fixed locations and purified water is then shipped in containers to a location. This requires large logistical co-ordination and millions of, usually discarded, water containers. Ozone (O3) is one of the most effective disinfectants and can be diffused through water to sterilise it. Ozone systems are commonly used by municipal water treatment centres and bottled water manufacturers. Ozone is colourless and has a pungent odour that is easily detected by humans. In nature it occurs after lightning strikes and near large bodies of moving water such as waterfalls. It is composed of three oxygen atoms, instead of the normal two in atmospheric oxygen and has a chemical formula of O3. It is unstable, in that it decomposes into oxygen after a few minutes, and so it cannot be stored, or delivered, and it is generally made where it is needed. The use of ozone is not just limited to cleaning liquids, it can also be used to clean solids, such as food preparation surfaces, foodstuffs, like fruit or meat, medical supplies, such as surgical instruments or bandages, for removing smells and fungal colonies, such as mold, in the treatment of wounds, such as burns or deep cuts and to help to protect against tissue damage caused by nuclear radiation. Ozone generators, such as dielectric barrier discharge plasma devices, generally require a mains electricity source to power an ozone generating element, as a high voltage is required. It is therefore difficult to provide ozone generators to rural communities with no access to a mains electricity source. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems and provide a decontamination apparatus which is suitable for use in disaster conditions without easy access to electricity. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a decontamination apparatus comprising: a housing; an electricity generator in the housing; a drive input arranged to operate the electricity generator, the drive input having a rotary input; an ozone resistant tube which extends from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing; an ozone generator located inside the ozone resistant tube; an ozone outlet associated with the ozone resistant tube and which is positioned exterior to the housing; and an urging element comprising an air pump which is associated with the ozone resistant tube and operable by the drive input to urge ozone from the ozone generator out of the ozone outlet. Such a decontamination apparatus is advantageously simple to run, low cost, rugged and reliable and can provide clean drinking water anywhere due to the direct release of ozone into contaminated water. The advantage of this arrangement is that the operation of the apparatus drives both an electricity generator for the purpose of generating ozone, as well as the urging means for forcing the ozone into the water to be decontaminated. As such, no mains electricity connection is required and thus the apparatus can be used in a rural environment. Ozone can be created where it is needed by using one of a variety of reactions such as ultraviolet, nuclear (such as 210Po alpha-particle radiation), electrolysis and corona discharge on air or pure oxygen. Because of the difficulties in transporting ozone and its relatively short life before converting back to oxygen it is usually produced where it is needed. This usually involves an electrically powered, relatively large, fixed installation; moreover, the ozone stream is configured for insertion into or onto the unsterilized medium via a specific outlet that is difficult to reconfigure when alternative uses are required. Of all of the generation methods, corona discharge can produce far more ozone, in terms of parts per million, than other methods; however, it requires certain parameters to be fulfilled to produce the maximum amount of ozone and without impurities or harmful by-products. These parameters include an adequate and controlled, in terms of air pressure, supply of clean, dry air or pure oxygen as the feedstock, cooling of the ozone generator, as heat degrades ozone production, and, optimally, modulation of the high voltage power supply to the corona discharge reactor in order to prevent the degradation of newly formed ozone by the corona discharge itself or by excessive heat buildup in the reactor itself. In order to ensure that the required amount of ozone is supplied to undertake a thorough sterilization then a human interface module is optimally required, which can be used to input the required value, based on the perceived or measured level of the contaminants, and some form of feedback to signal to the operator that the required amount has been delivered. Ozone can degrade organic structures such living tissue and can therefore pose a substantial health risk when breathed in by the operator or when it is accidentally applied to animals or plants. Therefore, optimally, there should be some type of mechanism incorporated for use where the operator or other living things may be subject to contact with the ozone. This optional mechanism would mainly be required when the system is used in an enclosed area, such as inside a building, and may be omitted in areas where an external airflow will diffuse the ozone to safe levels, such as when it is used outdoors. In order for the system to be used in the field, such as at the site of a disaster, then it must be robust, capable of being easily transported, be easy to set up and used without a need for training and would be capable of being used away from a source of electrical power. Moreover, it should be capable of being used without the need for a container to hold the contaminated target. As stated above, the drive input is a crank operable by a user. This is advantageous as the apparatus can be driven manually by the user turning the crank. The decontamination apparatus is also easy to maintain, even in the field, and can derive its power from a number of alternative energy sources being attached to the crank such as pedals, clockwork, bicycles, solar panels, windmills, waterwheels or batteries. Optionally, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a gear transmission linking the drive input to the electricity generator. The rotational frequency is therefore stepped-up or increased in frequency so that every turn of the drive input generates the high voltage. Thus, the user can produce a suitable amount of electricity within their own physical capability. Advantageously, the ozone generator may comprise an ozone generating element Generation of ozone is required for the decontamination of water, and thus the ozone generating element provides the decontamination apparatus with a means of generating ozone. The apparatus may further comprise a high voltage power supply operable by the electricity generator. Optionally, the ozone generating element may comprise a dielectric barrier discharge plasma device powered by the high voltage power supply. Preferably, the ozone generating element is connected to the high voltage power supply, and wherein the ozone generating element generates ozone on application of a high voltage from the said high voltage power supply. Such a device is a low-cost ozone generator, whilst also being durable and easy to repair. The dielectric barrier discharge plasma device requires a high voltage to generate ozone and thus it is advantageous if the ozone generator comprises a high voltage power supply and that subsequently the ozone generating element may be connected to the high voltage power supply. It is advantageous that the high voltage power supply is operable by the electric generator, which is powered by the movement of the crank. Optionally, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a voltage indicator output to indicate that suitable input is being applied from the drive input to generate the high voltage via the high voltage power supply. The voltage indicator output indicates that the correct voltage is being supplied and thus that the contaminated water is being supplied with a suitable amount of ozone. Preferably, the high voltage power supply may be configured to generate an output of 1-20kV, more preferably 10-20kV pulses. This voltage is suitable to produce ozone from the oxygen in the air which is urged through the ozone generating element. The application of pulses to the ozone generating element is to create a corona discharge required to produce the ozone. Optionally, the decontamination apparatus may preferably further comprise a controller for the high voltage power supply to control a timing sequence of the application of the high voltage. The controller may have an input from additional sensors to accurately respond to the external environment and thus increase or decrease the consistency of the application of the high voltage, for example through the use of pulse width modulation, to produce ozone. In alternative embodiments, the ozone generating element may comprise a microwave emitting element, or, the ozone generating element may comprise an ultraviolet emitting element. Different types of ozone generating elements may have specific advantages. For example, avoidance of a high-voltage power supply may be preferred where conditions are wet, and water may seep into the housing. Optionally, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a control module for controlling the ozone generator. There may additionally be a human interface device associated with the control module for enabling user feedback. Providing control means for the apparatus allows the user to input the necessary information to allow for decontamination to a pre-determined level, allowing them to select the amount of decontamination required based on the object or volume of water to be sterilized. Preferably, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise an air inlet to the ozone resistant tube from an exterior of the apparatus and wherein the air inlet may further comprise a one-way valve. The air inlet supplies oxygen to the ozone generating element and thus promotes the production of ozone. When the urging element is pushed further into the ozone resistant tube, the air inlet closes which generates sufficient pressure to urge the ozone out of the ozone outlet. Advantageously, the air inlet preferably comprises a dehumidifying element. A dehumidifying element removes moisture from the air entering the apparatus which might otherwise short the electrical components of the ozone generator and may otherwise prevent or severely hamper the production of ozone. Advantageously, the air inlet may comprise a filter. The filter prevents particulates such as sand, dirt and grit from the air entering the apparatus and damaging the apparatus. Furthermore, the filter prevents the particulates from hindering and / or preventing the working of the apparatus. Preferably, the air pump comprises a piston and a connecting rod, the connecting rod being associated with the drive input. The piston urges air containing oxygen through the ozone generating element and thus promotes the production of ozone. The piston is also advantageously easy to assemble and is preferably manually driven as it is associated with the drive input rather than utilising an electric fan which requires further electrical input. Advantageously, the ozone outlet may comprise a selectably engagable outlet port, which may be any of a diffuser; a venturi; a nozzle; or a combination of one or more thereof. The diffuser promotes the even distribution of ozone as it is released into the contaminated water. The diffuser also breaks up the ozone into a plurality of bubbles. Venturis and nozzles may allow for different substances to be sterilized, and for different purposes. Preferably, the ozone outlet may comprise a one-way outlet valve to prevent the contaminated water from entering the ozone generator. This is advantageous because water entering the apparatus may hinder and / or prevent the production of ozone as the water may damage the ozone generating element. Optionally, the drive input may comprise an electric motor. An electric motor could advantageously supplement the electricity produced by the crank, allowing the decontamination apparatus to be pre-charged where mains electricity is available. This may be particularly useful for tourists in areas where the water supply is poor quality. Advantageously, the drive input may further comprise a hand-operable crank. A hand-operable crank allows the user to operate the decontamination apparatus manually and without the need of other external factors. Preferably, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a charge storage device in electrical communication with the electricity generator. The charge storage device can be charged by the movement of the drive input and thus the charge storage device can store the energy generated for use when the user requires and to help smooth out the generator input voltage. Optionally, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a supplementary charge input for charging the internal battery. The supplementary charge input advantageously provides the internal battery with supplementary charge via an external electricity source rather than relying solely on the manual movement of the crank. Preferably, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise an output indicator indicative of a volume of ozone generated by the apparatus. Advantageously, the output indicator is indicative of a volume of water purified by said volume of ozone. The output indicator thus gives an indication of when the volume of water is purified. Optionally, the output indicator may comprise an audio output. Preferably, the output indicator may comprise a light emitting element. This is advantageous as the user has an indication of when the water is purified in dark and / or noisy environments. The output indicator may further comprise a timing element. Advantageously, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a sensor for sensing at least one environmental factor. For example, the sensor could therefore sense whether the user must drive the drive input for a longer amount of time in response to the environmental factors. For example, if the atmospheric pressure is low due to high altitude, there are less oxygen molecules present in the air and thus the user will have to drive the drive input for a longer amount of time to generate the required volume of ozone. Preferably, the decontamination apparatus may further comprise a, preferably flexible, ozoneresistant hood. The flexible ozone-resistant hood may further comprise a mesh for inhibiting liquid ingress back into the apparatus. Such a hood prevents undesirable escape of ozone from the apparatus during the ozone generation process, instead, allowing it to be redirected back to the air inlet for recycling. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using the decontamination apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] inserting the ozone outlet of the decontamination apparatus into the water sourceor directing the ozone outlet towards an object to be sterilized; b] moving the rotary input of the drive input which operates both the electricity generator and the urging element; c] powering the ozone generator using the generated electricity; and d] generating ozone which is released at the ozone outlet, the ozone being urged out of the ozone outlet via the urging element. The manual operation of the apparatus drives both the electricity generator for the purpose of generating ozone, as well as the urging means for forcing the ozone into the water to be decontaminated. As such, no mains electricity connection is required. The ease of use of the decontamination apparatus is advantageous as the water decontamination apparatus can be used by a child or an elderly person and can be used in conjunction with any container instead of a specified container; for example, reusing old water bottles. The manual cranking can be slow whilst still being sufficient to generate the necessary high voltage pulses or other ozone generating means to correctly decontaminate the water supply. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a first embodiment of the decontamination apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional in use representation of a second embodiment in accordance with the aspect of the invention with some features omitted for clarity, wherein sub-figure 2(a) shows the urging element being pulled away from the ozone generator and wherein sub-figure 2(b) shows the urging element being pushed towards from the ozone generator; and Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of a third embodiment of a decontamination apparatus in accordance with the invention. Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a decontamination apparatus, here in the form of a water decontamination apparatus, referenced globally at 10, and which is suitable for generating ozone via an ozone generator 12 to purify contaminated water. The water decontamination apparatus 10 is preferably handheld and thus easily portable by a user. The position of a housing 14 is shown by a dashed line so that the internal features of the water decontamination apparatus 10 are shown in Figure 1. In a traditional water decontamination device for generating ozone, the device requires a mains electricity supply to power the ozone generator 12 and, for example, a fan to push the air into the reactor and push the resultant ozone out of the device. The present water decontamination apparatus 10 comprises a drive input 16, comprising a crank 18, which preferably operates both an electricity generator 20 and an urging element 22 at the same time. The user need only turn the crank 18 to generate electricity and power the ozone generator 12. The electricity generator 20 in the depicted embodiment operates a high voltage power supply 24 and thus a high voltage is generated by the movement of the crank 18 which in turn allows an ozone generating element 26 to generate ozone. The drive input 16 is preferably operable by a user and is locatable at an end portion 28 of the water decontamination apparatus 10. The user can grip the crank 18 at a grip portion 30 and move the crank 18 in a rotational motion. It is also feasible that the drive input 16 could be any type of rotational movement member which may not require the input from a user, for example a pedal element, windmill, or waterwheel. The housing 14 surrounds the majority of the features of the water decontamination apparatus 10 to prevent the features from coming into contact with the water, the position of which is shown in dashed lines so as not to obscure the internal components. The crank 18 is preferably connected to the electricity generator 20 within the housing 14, the crank 18 being able to rotate relative to the housing 14. An ozone outlet 32 extends from the housing 14 at a water contact portion 34 distal to the end portion 28 at which the crank 18 is positioned. The housing 14 is preferably a plastic cover which is water and / or ozone resistant. Other water and / or ozone resistant covers could be used. The housing 14 is sealed to limit external factors affecting the internal features and thus inhibit damage to the ozone generator 12. The crank 18 is preferably in communication with the electricity generator 20 and the urging element 22 so that when the crank 18 is moved both the urging element 22 is moved and the electricity generator 20 generates electricity. The crank 18 preferably comprises the grip portion 30, a first elongate portion 36 and a second elongate portion 38. The grip portion 30 and the first elongate portion 36 are perpendicular to one another, and the second elongate portion 38 is preferably perpendicular to the first elongate portion 36 and parallel to the grip portion 30. The arrangement of the crank 18 allows the generation of a torque force and thus the user can easily move the crank 18. A gear transmission (not shown) is preferably attachable to the drive input 16, the gear transmission linking the drive input 16 to the electricity generator 20. The input provided by the user via the drive input 16 is increased, or ‘stepped-up’, by the gear transmission. The gear transmission preferably comprises a major gear which has a plurality of gear teeth and a minor gear which is preferably associated with the major gear, the minor gear being smaller and having less gear teeth than the major gear. The gear ratio, a known term, of the gear transmission is preferably 50:1 to provide for this increase in input and thus for every one turn of the major gear provided by the crank 18, the minor gear will spin 50 times, producing the high voltage. Other gear ratios may be used, for example the gear ratio may be in the range of 100:1 to 40:1 to provide the increase in input to generate a high voltage. Whilst not described as such, it is apparent that the gear transmission could be formed with, or part of, the drive input 16. The electricity generator 20 is preferably a rotary generator, for example a magneto generator, a DC generator or an AC generator. The urging element 22 preferably comprises an air pump 40, the air pump 40 preferably comprising a connecting rod 42 and a piston 44. The connecting rod 42 is preferably associated with the second elongate portion 38 of the drive input 16, as explained above. The second elongate portion 38 comprises a crank shaft 46. The connecting rod 42 is attachable to the crank shaft 46 and thus as the crank shaft 46 rotates, the connecting rod 42 pushes the piston 44 in and out of an ozone resistant tube 48 surrounding the ozone generating element 26. Instead of an air pump, however, it will be appreciated that another urging means could be provided, such as a fan, blower, or turbine, for instance. The crank shaft 46 preferably has a C-shaped portion 50, the connecting rod 42 being attachable to the crank shaft 46 at this said C-shaped portion 50 to promote the pushing movement of the piston 44 as the C-shaped portion 50 rotates. Associated with the piston 44 is preferably a washer for maintaining a seal between the piston 44 and the ozone resistant tube 48 as the piston 44 moves. The movement of the piston 44 pulls air into the ozone resistant tube 48 and urges air towards the ozone generating element 26 within the ozone resistant tube 48. The piston 44 also pushes ozone out of the ozone outlet 32 and into the contaminated water. The movement of the air pump 40 may be supplemented by the electric motor or may be solely powered by the electric motor. The high voltage power supply 24 is contained within the housing 14 to prevent the high voltage power supply 24 from coming into contact with the contaminated water and causing injury. Additionally, the high voltage power supply 24 is preferably electrically communicable with the electricity generator 20 via, for example, a wire 52. The high voltage power supply 24 is configured to generate an output of up to 20kV pulses to power the ozone generator 12. The pulses are preferably in the form of alternating current (AC). The application of an alternating current is required to power the ozone generating element 26. A voltage indicator output preferably monitors the output of high voltage pulses to ensure that the appropriate high voltage is applied to the ozone generating element 26. The ozone generator 12 preferably comprises the ozone generating element 26 and the ozone generator 12 preferably comprises the high voltage power supply 24 operable by the electricity generator 20. The ozone generating element 26 is preferably a dielectric barrier discharge plasma device (DBDP device) so that when the high voltage is applied to the DBDP device ozone is generated. The ozone generating element 26 is preferably connectable to the high voltage power supply 24. The said ozone generating element 26 generates ozone on application of the high voltage from the high voltage power supply 24. The DBDP device preferably comprises a dielectric tube (not shown), surrounding which is preferably a conductive sheet which acts as a first electrode. The dielectric tube is proximal to the ozone outlet 32. The dielectric tube is preferably made from a material with strong dielectric properties such as borosilicate glass (aka Pyrex (RTM)) or a ceramic as it can resist the localized heat spots and ozone. Any other material with high dielectric strength, such as ceramic, or titanium, can preferably be used. A second electrode is preferably a mesh, wire or punched foil which is situated within the dielectric tube and is preferably in contact with an inner wall of the dielectric tube. Optionally, the second electrode may be on the outside or inside of the dielectric tube, and optionally there may be mesh on the outside and foil on the inside or vice versa. The second electrode preferably comprises holes with a diameter of less than 2mm. The first electrode is preferably connected to the ground and the second electrode may be electrically communicable with the high voltage power supply 24 via a further wire 54. The second electrode may be a ceramic flat plate or a flat glass sheet, the flat glass sheet having a conductive material on each face where the ozone is produced around the edges of the said glass sheet. Preferably surrounding the ozone generating element 26 is the ozone resistant tube 48. The ozone resistant tube 48 prevents the ozone produced from being expelled into an external environment without first entering the contaminated water. The ozone resistant tube 48 is preferably plastic, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and therefore resistant to the ozone generated by the ozone generating element 26. The water decontamination apparatus 10 preferably has an air inlet 56 to the ozone resistant tube 48 from an exterior of the apparatus. The air inlet 56 is required to provide the ozone generator 12 with oxygen which is converted into ozone when oxygen is passed through the ozone generating element 26. The air inlet 56 preferably comprises a one-way valve. Moist air containing particulates or other pollutant vapours may affect the ozone generating element 26 and also contaminate the water further. Thus, the air inlet 56 preferably comprises a dehumidifying element and / or a filter (not shown). The dehumidifying element may be a Hesiccant such as silica gel to absorb the moisture. The filter may further comprise an activated carbon filter to remove pollutant vapours from the air. The filter may also incorporate filter paper to prevent, for example, dust and sand entering the ozone generator 12. The ozone outlet 32 is associated with the ozone generator 12 and therefore ozone produced by the ozone generator 12 is released at the ozone outlet 32, as shown in Figure 2. The ozone outlet 32 preferably comprises a diffuser 58 which breaks up the ozonated air into bubbles. The ozone outlet 32 also preferably comprises a one-way outlet valve 60 which prevents water being sucked back into the ozone generator 12 and damaging the apparatus. The one-way outlet valve 60 is preferably located between the diffuser 58 and the ozone generator 12. The diffuser 58 may comprise a venturi tube 62. The venturi tube 62 preferably forces ozone into the contaminated water and also preferably provides turbulence to the water. There may preferably be a plurality of venturi tubes, wherein each said venturi tube is at an angle to agitate, and thus stir, the contaminated water. The angle of the venturi tubes may therefore urge the ozone further into the contaminated water. Equally, the venturi tubes could be replaced with a nozzle for sterilization. Alternatively, a diffuser block or stone may be used. The water decontamination apparatus 10 may comprise a charge storage device such as an internal battery and / or one or more capacitors connected into one unit (not shown) which is preferably charged by the movement of the drive input 16 or via a supplementary charge input (not shown). The charge storage device may also be charged via the charge input via a mains energy source (not shown). The charge storage device is preferably in communication with the electricity generator 20 as the charge storage device powers the electricity generator 20. It is also feasible that the internal battery may be charged via a further electrical source such as a car alternator, a portable generator or a turbine driven by wind and / or water. Figure 2 shows the water decontamination apparatus 10 in use. The electricity generator 20 and the high voltage power supply 24 have been omitted from Figure 2 for clarity. The water decontamination apparatus 10 is inserted into contaminated water, the water contact portion 34 preferably being the only portion of the apparatus which is in contact with the water and thus the housing 14, indicated by a dashed box, protects the features within the housing 14. Additionally, the high voltage power supply 24 does not come into contact with the water. The user then moves the drive input 16 thereby driving the gear transmission. Electricity is generated in the electricity generator 20, which is supplied to the high voltage power supply 24 via the wire 52. The high voltage is then subsequently provided to the second electrode of the ozone generating element 26 via the further wire 54. The high voltage powers the ozone generating element 26, and when the oxygen molecules are forced through the second electrode, the ozone is formed. The movement of the crank shaft 46 of the drive input 16 also pulls the piston 44 further away from the ozone generating element 26, as shown by Figure 2(a) and pushes the piston 44 closer to the ozone generating element 26, as shown by Figure 2(b). The movement of the piston 44 further away from the ozone generating element 26 pulls air into the ozone resistant tube 48 and thus opening the one-way valve of the air inlet 56. The air inlet 56 is preferably openable via the generation of negative air pressure as the piston 44 is pulled further away from the ozone generating element 26. It is also feasible that the opening and closing of the air inlet 56 is operable by, and therefore connectable to, the electricity generator 20. Another alternative is that the air inlet 56 is operable solely by the electric motor. The pull of the air into the ozone resistant tube 48 promotes the one-way outlet valve 60 located at the ozone outlet 32 to close due to the negative pressure created. This one-way outlet valve 60 prevents the piston 44 from pulling water into the apparatus. As with the air inlet 56, it is feasible that the opening and closing of the one-way outlet valve 60 is operable by, and therefore connectable to, the electricity generator 20. Another alternative is that the one-way outlet valve 60 is operable solely by the electric motor. In Figure 2(b), the movement of the drive input 16 pushes the piston 44 further into the ozone resistant tube 48 and subsequently compresses the air within the ozone resistant tube 48. As the piston 44 is pushed further into the ozone resistant tube 48, positive air pressure is generated. Thus, the air inlet 56 is closed and the air within the tube is be pushed through the ozone generating element 26 via the piston 44. The oxygen in the air is pushed through the ozone generating element 26 and ozone is produced. As the air is under positive pressure within the ozone resistant tube 48, the oneway outlet valve 60 is forced open to release the ozone through the diffuser 58 and into the contaminated water. The diffuser 58 breaks the ozone rich air into bubbles which are distributed throughout the contaminated water, decontaminating it. The air inlet 56 and the one-way outlet valve 60 are preferably communicable with one another so that when the air inlet 56 is open, the one-way outlet valve 60 is closed and when the air inlet 56 is closed, the one-way outlet valve 60 is open. Both the air inlet 56 and the one-way outlet valve 60 may be communicable with one another by being in electrical communication with the electrical generator and / or the electric motor. It is feasible that the ozone generating element 26 comprises a microwave emitting element or a UV emitting element instead of the DBDP device. The microwave emitting element produces microwaves to form ozone from oxygen in the air. The UV emitting element emits a light with a wavelength within the range of preferably 160nm to 240nm which can split the oxygen in the air to reform as ozone molecules. It is also feasible that the ozone generating element 26 is a corona discharge device with the ability to form ozone from the oxygen in the air. The drive input 16 may comprise an electric motor which preferably supplements the electricity generated by the user’s manual movement applied to the crank 18. It is also feasible that the electric motor is the sole drive input which produces electricity, and thus the high voltage, for the ozone generating element 26. The air pump 40 may comprise an electric fan instead of the connecting rod 42 and piston 44. The electric fan may be in electrical communication with the electricity generator 20 so that the electric fan can be operable. The water decontamination apparatus 10 may also comprise an output indicator (not shown). The output indicator preferably indicates a volume of ozone which is generated by the water decontamination apparatus 10 and thus the amount of water purifiable by the said volume of ozone. The output indicator, or preferably a secondary output indicator, may also be used to indicate that a suitable and / or appropriate drive force is being applied to the crank so that a sufficient electricity output is generated. It is preferable that the output indicator comprises an audio output and / or a light emitting element for use in a dark and / or noisy environment. Preferably, the amount of water purifiable may be determined using the output indicator so that the output indicator may indicate when the suitable volume of ozone has been produced applicable to the size of the container used to house the contaminated water. Preferably, the amount of water purifiable may alternatively be determined using a plurality of indicators or a human readable display. The water decontamination apparatus 10 may further comprise a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be able to sense at least one environmental factor which may affect the ozone generating ability of the apparatus. The sensor may be able to sense environmental parameters, for example, atmospheric pressure, temperature, ozone output and volume of pathogens in the contaminated water. There may be one sensor capable of sensing multiple parameters or there may be more than one sensor so that each sensor is able to sense a single parameter. A controller may also be present. The controller may be in communication with the high voltage power supply 24 to control a timing sequence of the application of the high voltage. The controller may also be in communication with the sensor so that the controller can accurately respond to the environmental factors to alter the application of the high voltage and thus alter the volume of ozone produced. The controller and the output whichndicator may preferably be located on a control portion of the housing 14. The water decontamination apparatus 10 preferably further comprises the voltage indicator output (not shown). The voltage indicator output is preferably visible by the user and may be an audio output and / or a light emitting device. The said voltage indicator output may indicate that suitable input is applied to the drive input 16 to generate the high voltage via the high voltage power supply 24. The voltage indicator output may be communicable with the drive input 16. The presence of a voltage indicator output preferably indicates to the user that the frequency of the user’s turns is significant enough to generate a suitable volume of ozone. A timing element may also be provided which provides feedback to the userwhichch indicates how long a user should crank for, or should continue to crank for, to produce a desired amount of ozone. There is a relationship between the crank speed and the amount of power generated, and thus the amount of ozone generated. A further embodiment of a decontamination apparatus is shown in Figure 3, referenced globally at 110. Identical or similar components of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. Air, or pure oxygen, is drawn into the apparatus 110 via an air inlet 156, and preferably into a filter module 162 designed to remove contaminants such as airborne solids or dust, and hydrocarbons, vapours, or odours. The filtered air is then preferably drawn into a dehumidifying chamber 164, which may use active dehumidification via an electrically driven system, or may have replaceable desiccants such as silica gel. To drive the air through the apparatus 110, there is then an air pump 140, such as a blower, downstream of the dehumidifying chamber 162, though the air pump 140 could be anywhere on the flow path through the apparatus 110. The air pump 140 could be a component part of the electricity generator 120 and / or high voltage power supply, indicated here as a combined unit, or may be part of a gearbox 166 associated with the crank 118 or similar rotary input. A control module 168 is also provided, which may be an integral part of the decontamination device 170, or may be a separate unit which wirelessly communicates therewith. The control module 168 controls the power from the generator 120 and provides functions including but not limited to: providing modulated power to the ozone generator 112; providing pressure feedback via a pressure sensor onboard the decontamination device 170, to thereby provide a reliable amount of feedstock air to the ozone generator 112, irrespective of atmospheric pressure, or may be free-running; measure and control the temperature of the ozone generator 112; or calculate the optimum characteristics to ensure thorough sterilization. In order to set the parameters of the sterilization process, and to provide operator feedback upon successful completion of the sterilization process, there is an optional human interface device 172 which is in communication with the control module 168. This allows the user to set sterilization parameters via, for instance, buttons or an electronic input, such as a measurement taken directly from a contamination sensor device. The human interface device 172 may not be necessary if the level of decontamination required is pre-determined, for instance by application of the International Bottled Water Association standard of 1-2mg ozone per litre of water for 4-10 minutes. This could be powered by a timed rotary input, for instance, similar to a clockwork mechanism. The human interface device 172 would then provide feedback to the operator via a suitable mechanism, such as a visual or audio output, to indicate that the sterilization cycle is complete. This may provide automatic shut-down of the ozone generator 112 in this scenario. In order to provide a known electrical power input to the control module 168, an optional charge storage device 174 may be provided. This may be in the form of a battery, capacitor, inductor, or any other appropriate form of charge storage unit. The charge storage device 174 may be used to supply a constant power level irrespective of the speed of the input rotation at the crank 118, thereby compensating for, for instance, slow rotation. This may be used to power the entire decontamination apparatus HOwhere rotary power is unavailable, or via an external charging port. In emergency use situations, such as in the aftermath of disasters, any excess power from the charge storage device 174 and / or the generator 120, such as when ozone generator 112 is deactivated, may optionally be used to charge external devices such as mobile phones, radios or flashlights via a suitable output port, such as an integrated USB port. Any appropriate form of ozone generator 112 may be used. The control module 168 provides suitable power, such as a high voltage when using a corona discharge device or voltage level control and / or current limiting when driving devices such as UV ozone generators, nuclear or electrolytic based modules. Optionally, the temperature of the ozone generator 112 may be monitored via a device connected directly to the ozone generator 112 and fed back to the control module 168 in order to minimize ozone generation losses due to localized heating. In such an instance, the control module 168 may control the temperature by way of pulsing the power supply using techniques such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and / or turning the ozone generation off completely for variable time periods. In addition, the ozone generator 112 may incorporate an ozone measuring device, the output of which is fed back to the control module 168 in order to adjust the ozone generator 112 for the maximum or desired output. The ozone generator 112 is optionally fitted into an ozone resistant tube 148 that is physically connected to a main housing 114 of the device. This allows the ozone to be forced into a liquid container, by inserting the tube into the container, or pointed towards the solid contaminated target and will assist in the cooling of the ozone generator 112 via conduction and / or radiation. It also ensures that the ozone generation is as close to the target as possible in order to maximalize the ozone output to be applied to the contaminated medium. In order to urge the clean air produced by the air pump 140 through the ozone generator 112 an air pumping device, such as a rotary or linear pump mechanism such as a piston as discussed above. This urging device may be directly driven from the rotary power input shaft 146 or electrically from the system electrical supply derived from the generator 120 and / or from the charge storage device 174 and may, optionally, be fitted with a one-way valve in line with the air stream. This mechanism forces clean, dry air or pure oxygen through the ozone generator 112. The newly ozonated air is then fed through an ozone resistant one-way valve 160 to ensure that liquids or other contaminants cannot be drawn back into the system. This valve 160 will open only when the pressure within the ozone resistant tube 148 is higher than the air or water pressure surrounding it. The ozone stream is then fed through a preferably detachable and replaceable port 176 which includes the ozone outlet 132. The port type may be chosen based on the medium that is to be sterilized. For example, a simple nozzle, as illustrated, may be fitted when the ozone is to fed to a remote target via a tube, such as when dealing with wounds; a single venturi when dealing with high viscosity liquids or spot contamination, such as mold colonies; and diffusers, such as a diffuser stone or multiple venturis, when dealing with low viscosity liquids such as water. In the latter case the venturis may be angled in order to agitate the liquid to ensure thorough mixing. Because the decontamination apparatus 110 does not rely on a sealed container to constrain the target, a hazard exists in that excess ozone may be vented in the proximity of the operator. This may take the form of outgassing from liquids or reflected from solid targets, particularly when the device is not used in a well-ventilated area. The system therefore incorporates an optional hood 178. This hood 178 is made from ozone resistant flexible material, such as silicone. The hood 178 is designed to encompass the ozone resistant tube 148 and make contact with the target solid around the ozone stream or the top rim / shoulder of the liquid container. It is collapsible so, say, a bottle may have the tube inserted at varying depths into it, yet still maintain its ability to draw off the excess ozone. Any excess ozone is drawn up through the hood 178 and directed to the air inlet 156 on the air filter 162 and is then recycled through the decontamination apparatus 110 instead of venting directly to air thereby putting the operator at risk. An optional mesh may be incorporated into the hood 178, preferably at the air inlet 156 to ensure that liquid droplets are not drawn back into the decontamination apparatus 110. In summary, it is possible to provide a decontamination apparatus which is handheld, simple to run, low cost, rugged and reliable and can provide clean drinking water anywhere, even from raw sewage. It also becomes possible to sterilize objects using the decontamination apparatus. It is also possible to provide a decontamination apparatus with a means of driving both the generation of electricity and the urging of ozone directly into the contaminated water. It is also easy to make and maintain, even in the field, and can derive its power from a number of alternative energy sources such as pedals, clockwork, bicycles, solar panels, windmills, waterwheels or batteries. Finally, it can also be used to sterilize objects such as surgical instruments and hospital attire, clear pathogens from work surfaces, decontaminate food, kill mould and algae, killing airborne bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19, assisting in wound healing and in removing smells. It leaves no residue or aftertaste in water; in fact, it will even remove existing bad tastes present in the water leaving it tasting clean and fresh. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The embodiments described above are provided byway of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A decontamination apparatus comprising:a housing;an electricity generator in the housing;a drive input arranged to operate the electricity generator, the drive input having a rotary input;an ozone resistant tube which extends from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing;an ozone generator located inside the ozone resistant tube;an ozone outlet associated with the ozone resistant tube and which is positioned exterior to the housing; andan urging element comprising an air pump which is associated with the ozone resistant tube and operable by the drive input to urge ozone from the ozone generator out of the ozone outlet.

2. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a gear transmission linking the drive input to the electricity generator.

3. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a high voltage power supply operable by the electricity generator.

4. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ozone generating element is connected to the high voltage power supply, and wherein the ozone generating element generates ozone on application of a high voltage from the said high voltage power supply.

5. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising a voltage indicator output to indicate that suitable input is being applied from the drive input to generate the high voltage via the high voltage power supply.

6. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the high voltage power supply is configured to generate an output of 1-20kV pulses.

7. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ozone generator comprises a microwave emitting element or comprises an ultraviolet emitting element or comprises a dielectric barrier discharge plasma device.

8. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control module for controlling the ozone generator.

9. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a human interface device associated with the control module for enabling user feedback.

10. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air inlet to the ozone resistant tube from an exterior of the apparatus and wherein the air inlet further comprises a one-way valve.

11. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the air inlet comprises a dehumidifying element and / or wherein the air inlet comprises a filter.

12. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pump comprises a piston and a connecting rod, the connecting rod being associated with the drive input.

13. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ozone outlet comprises selectably engagable outlet port.

14. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outlet port is any one of: a diffuser; a venturi; a nozzle; or a combination of one or more thereof.

15. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ozone outlet comprises a one-way outlet valve to prevent the contaminated water from entering the ozone generator.

16. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive input further comprises a hand-operable crank.

17. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a charge storage device in electrical communication with the electricity generator.

18. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an output indicator indicative of a volume of ozone generated by the apparatus.

19. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the output indicator is indicative of a volume of water purified by said volume of ozone.

20. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the output indicator comprises an audio output and / or a light emitting element.

21. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the output indicator further comprising a timing element.

22. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor for sensing at least one environmental factor.

23. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible ozone-resistant hood.

24. A decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the flexible ozoneresistant hood further comprises a mesh for inhibiting liquid ingress back into the apparatus.

25. A method of using the decontamination apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:a] inserting the ozone outlet of the decontamination apparatus into the water source or directing the ozone outlet towards an object to be sterilized;b] moving the rotary input of the drive input which operates both the electricity generator and the urging element;c] powering the ozone generator using the generated electricity; andd] generating ozone which is released at the ozone outlet, the ozone being urged out of the ozone outlet via the urging element.

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