A process of sterilizing water in a closed loop water distribution system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process 100 of sterilization of water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system The process includes a first phase of ClO2 activation 105 to generate a 1000ppm ClO2 solution, a second ClO2 optimization phase 110 to optimize the dose of ClO2 required for water distribution system, and a third phase of dosing 115 of the water distribution system to control recontamination to generate more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system. The process discloses an efficient and easily reproducible method of sterilization of water. Further, the ClO2 solution prepared by the process 100 prevents recontamination by microorganisms such as viruses, mould, etc., and controls production of biofilms in the said water distribution system.

Description

[0001] “A PROCESS OF STERILIZING WATER IN A CLOSED LOOP WATER

[0002] DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM”

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0004] The present invention relates to a process of sterilizing water in a closed loop water distribution system; and more particularly to a process of sterilizing water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system to control recontamination.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0006] Water stands as the fundamental necessity for sustaining life. However, the escalating population growth, rapid industrialization, and uncontrolled exploitation have led to the widespread contamination of this vital resource. Waterborne pathogens present a significant global concern, leading to contamination in natural water bodies and subsequent health risks.

[0007] Within contaminated and nutrient-rich water environments, various microorganisms — such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, yeast, molds, fungi, algae, and spores — thrive, elevating the prevalence of waterborne diseases. Among the most concerning waterborne zoonotic pathogens are Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Leptospira, Schistosoma, bacterial spores, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus, Clostridioides difficile, Legionella, Tubercle bacteria, and others. The ramifications of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation extend beyond infectious diseases, impacting both animals and humans. Human waterborne diseases encompass cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and more. Similarly, animals face risks of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, anthrax, paratuberculosis, actinomycosis, salmonellosis, yersiniosis, among others. In avian populations, unresolved issues with water quality can lead to enduring negative consequences on flock health, economic viability due to disease, and overall performance.

[0008] Disinfection of water bodies includes destruction of microorganisms that pose a threat to health. The process of disinfection is designed to inactivate pathogenic organisms in water with physical and chemical agents alone or in combination. The chemicals used are chlorine and chlorine compounds such as hypochlorites, trichloroisocyanuric acid, ozone, bromine, iodine, formalin, hydrogen peroxide, various bases etc. Ultraviolet light, Heat and Ultrasonic waves are used as a physical means to disinfect water.

[0009] Most of the disinfection technologies only inactivate limited pathogenic microorganisms. Also, a large amount of toxic and harmful disinfection byproducts is generated; and the disinfectant quantity in actual operation is difficult to determine. Further there are various problems associated with the chemical agents used as disinfectants. For example, iodine has potential serious physiological side effects; bromine is difficult to handle and its direct contact with skin can cause burns; ozone utilization requires high costs and maintenance; hypochlorites combine with organics in drinking water creating halogenated disinfection byproduct; hydrogen peroxide quickly decomposes in water and in the presence of oxygen radicals and has potential side effects such as irritation of eyes, gut, throat, respiratory airway and skin.

[0010] Additionally, relying solely on physical disinfectants proves inadequate for effectively disinfecting large water bodies, necessitating their combined use with chemical agents. However, these disinfection methods employed in prior art bring about side effects such as taste and odor concerns, alongside the potential formation of undesirable disinfection by-products. Consequently, it becomes imperative to implement thorough monitoring measures to ensure the suitable choice and application of disinfectants in water treatment processes.

[0011] The Chinese Patent Application CN109002688A to Hu Hongying and others describe a method for water treatment based on ozone / UV / chlorine disinfection. The invention uses a sequential combination process of physical and chemical disinfection technologies to inactivate pathogenic microorganism species, that is time consuming and tedious.

[0012] The U.S Patent Application US20150291458A1 to Jim Shubat and others teaches a system and method of treating groundwater to provide potable water using stabilized hydrogen peroxide as primary oxidant, and filters to remove particles from the treatment system. However, hydrogen peroxide has potential side effects causing irritation. Further, hydrogen peroxide quickly decomposes in water, therefore significantly reducing the contact time with microorganisms. The existing body of knowledge lacks a straightforward and dependable method for sufficient monitoring and effective sterilization. The prior art does not provide an easy and reliable method of adequate monitoring and appropriate sterilization. There is a need for an efficient and easily reproducible process of sterilizing contaminated water in a water distribution system, to make water safe from recontamination with microorganisms. There is a further need to effectively curb the spread of pathogens through drinking water, for 100% control over water borne diseases.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0014] The present invention describes a process of sterilizing water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system. Further, the process controls recontamination by providing specified residual CIO2 available in the closed loop water distribution system.

[0015] The process 100 of the present invention, also referred to as “Optimas Technology”, includes three phases. The first phase of CIO2 activation 105 includes generating a lOOOppm CIO2 solution. In the second phase of ClChdosc optimization 110, the dose of CIO2 required for the water in that water distribution system is optimized. The third phase of dosing 115 includes a process of dosing of the water system to control recontamination, and to generate more than sterile water in a water distribution system.

[0016] The first phase of CIO2 activation 105 includes CIO2 activation to generate a lOOOppm CIO2 solution. Further, there are various steps included in the first phase of CIO2 activation 105. The first step 205 includes mixing of reagent 1 and reagent 2. In the first step 205, 20ml of a predefined reagent 1, 20 ml of a predefined reagent 2 and 960 ml of distilled water are taken in an opaque plastic bottle and mixed. The second step 210 includes generation of CIO2. In the second step 210, the solution prepared in the first step 205 is kept for 5 hours to generate a lOOOppm CIO2 solution.

[0017] The second phase 110 of CIO2 dose optimization includes a first step of CIO2 addition 305. In this process, 1000 ml of water sample to be sterilized is taken in a sterile plastic bottle. Further, 1 ml of water sample is removed from this bottle and 1 ml of lOOOppm CIO2 solution prepared by the process of the first phase 105 is added. The solution is provided a predefined reaction time of 15 minutes for the biocidal activity.

[0018] The second step of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 includes calculating the dose of CIO2 required to sterilize the 1000 ml of water sample by measuring the residual CIO2 by a residue measuring kit. The dose optimization is carried out based on the residual CIO2 measured. Accordingly, the first scenario includes residual CIO2 being detected. When residual CIO2 is equal to the dosed CIO2, no action is required. Further, when the residual CIO2 is less than the dosed CIO2, no action is required. The second scenario includes residual CIO2 not being detected. When residual CIO2 is not detected, the concentration of CIO2 solution is increased and the procedure is repeated again by dosing 2ppm CIO2, and so on till the actual required dose of CIO2 for making the said water sample sterile is obtained.

[0019] The third phase 115 of additional dosing of the water system to control recontamination by microorganisms includes addition of additional CIO2 in the range of O.lppm to 0.8ppm in the said water sample depending on the requirement of the application. This is performed to generate more than sterile water in the said water distribution system.

[0020] The process of detection of the residual CIO2 in any water sample is performed by known methods. The residual CIO2 is preferably detected by Aquasol residue measuring kit wherein the residual CIO2 is detected by a titration method. Alternatively, the residual CIO2 is detected by measuring the oxidation reduction potential (ORP).

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0022] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,

[0023] FIG.l shows a plurality of phases involved in a process 100 of sterilizing water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the stages involved in the first phase of CIO2 activation in accordance with the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 3 shows the stages involved in the second phase of CIO2 optimization in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0027] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0028] References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

[0029] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0030] Chlorine dioxide is a powerful disinfectant with oxidative and germicidal properties. It is effective against all bacteria, viruses, yeast, mold, fungi, algae, spore formers, etc. CIO2 provides excellent residual disinfection action and biofilm control. In water, CIO2 forms a true dissolved gas in solution, thus being 100% available and maintaining full biocidal efficacy over the wide pH range of 3-10.

[0031] The present invention discloses an efficient and easily reproducible process of sterilization of water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system by calculating the accurate dosing of chlorine dioxide required for treating water in a closed loop water distribution system. The present invention discloses a process of sterilizing water by converting contaminated water into more than sterile water in a closed loop water distribution system 100, hereinafter, referred to as ‘the process 100’, also referred to as “Optimas Technology”. The process 100 is carried out in three phases including an activation phase, an optimization phase, and a dosing phase to generate more than sterile water in the closed loop water distribution system.

[0032] Now referring to FIG. 1, in a first phase of CIO2 activation 105, a lOOOppm CIO2 solution is generated. A second phase of CIO2 dose optimization 110 includes optimizing the dose of CIO2 required for the water distribution system. A third phase of dosing 115 includes a process of dosing of the water system to control recontamination, and to generate more than sterile water in the closed loop water distribution system.

[0033] The phase wise process 100 of sterilizing water provides an optimum dosage required to be added to a known amount of water to generate more than sterile water. The process takes into consideration additional dosing of the water with CIO2 to neutralize the microorganisms if any recontamination occurs. The process provides an easily reproducible method of calculating the accurate dosing of chlorine dioxide required for treating water in a closed loop water distribution system.

[0034] Now, referring to FIG. 2, the steps involved in the CIO2 activation 105 in accordance with the process 100 of the present invention are described. a) Mixing Reagent 1 and Reagent 2: The first phase of CIO2 activation 105 includes a first step 205 of mixing reagent 1 and reagent 2. 20ml of a predefined reagent 1, 20 ml of a predefined reagent 2 and 960 ml of distilled water are taken in an opaque plastic bottle and mixed. b) Generating CIO2 solution: The second step 210 of generating CIO2 solution includes allowing the mixture obtained in the first step 205 to stand for 5 hours to generate a 1000 parts per million (ppm) CIO2 solution.

[0035] In accordance with the first step 205 of the first phase of CIO2 activation 105, the reagent 1 is Sodium Chlorite and the reagent 2 is HC1.

[0036] In order to calculate the dose of CIO2 required for the closed loop water distribution system, first the dose of CIO2 required for 1000 ml of water sample is calculated. The residual CIO2 is measured by a residue measuring kit. Referring to FIG. 3, the second phase of CIO2 optimization 110 preferably includes a first step of CIO2 addition 305 and a second step of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310.

[0037] Now, the first step of CIO2 addition 305 in accordance with the second phase of CIO2 optimization 110 in accordance with the present invention is described. 1000 ml of water sample to be sterilized is taken in a 1 litre sterile opaque plastic bottle. 1 ml of water sample is removed from this bottle and 1 ml of lOOOppm CIO2 solution (prepared in the first phase 105) is added. The resulting water sample is a 1 ppm CIO2 solution. This solution is allowed to reside for a predefined time for the biocidal activity to take place. The predefined time is 15 minutes.

[0038] The second step of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 in accordance with the second phase of CIO2 optimization 110 is described. In order to calculate the dose of CIO2 required for the closed loop water distribution system, first the dose of CIO2 required for 1000 ml of water sample is calculated. The residual CIO2 is measured by a residue measuring kit.

[0039] Now a dose optimization is carried out based on the residual CIO2 measured. Accordingly, the first scenario includes residual CIO2 being detected. Thus, when residual CIO2 is equal to the dosed CIO2, no action is required. Further, when the residual CIO2 is less than the dosed CIO2, no action is required. Now, the second scenario includes residual CIO2 being not detected. When residual CIO2 is not detected, the concentration of CIO2 solution is required to be increased.

[0040] In the first scenario, when residual CIO2 detected is less than the dosed CIO2, no action is required. For example, if we consider the residual CIO2 detected as 0.2ppm. This implies that 0.8ppm of CIO2 (Ippm - 0.2ppm = 0.8ppm) is consumed in killing the microorganisms in the said water sample. Thus, it is concluded that 0.8ppm is the dose required to make the said water sample sterile.

[0041] In the second scenario, when residual CIO2 is not detected, the concentration of CIO2 solution is required to be increased. The procedure is repeated again by dosing 2ppm CIO2, and so on to find the actual required dose of CIO2 to make the said water sample sterile.

[0042] In the first scenario, when the residual CIO2 is equal to the dosed CIO2, this indicates that the 1000 ml said water sample itself is sterile as the dosed CIO2 is not consumed for biocidal activity. Further in the first scenario, when the residual CIO2 is less than the dosed CIO2; indicating that the water sample had microorganisms in it, as the part of the dosed CIO2 got consumed during the biocidal activity for oxidation of the microorganisms. In the second scenario, when residual CIO2 is not detected, indicating that the entire amount of dosed CIO2 was consumed completely for biocidal activity in the water sample, and more dosing is required to make the sample sterile.

[0043] Now, the third phase of dosing CIO2 115 preferably includes additional dosing of CIO2 to the water distribution system for curbing any recontamination by generating more than sterile water in the said closed loop water distribution system.

[0044] In order to generate more than sterile water in the closed loop water distribution system, the process includes addition of an additional dose of 0. Ippm to 0.8ppm depending on the requirement of the application. The process of detection of the residual CIO2 in any water sample is performed by known methods. The residual CIO2 is preferably detected by Aquasol residue measuring kit wherein the residual CIO2 is detected by a titration method. Alternatively, the residual CIO2 is detected by measuring the oxidation reduction potential (ORP).

[0045] As per US FDA norms, the maximum amount of residual CIO2 in drinking water should be 0.8ppm. Thus, the residual CIO2 in drinking water cannot exceed 0.8ppm. Therefore, an amount of residual CIO2 between O.lppm to 0.8ppm is maintained by the process of the present invention depending on the requirement of the application.

[0046] For the efficient sterilization of water in a water distribution system, a prerequisite process of pipe flushing with CIO2 is carried out. This process of pipe flushing ensures complete killing of biofilms so as to further facilitate complete sterilization of the water distribution system. A biofilm is a very sticky material. When microbes land on hard surfaces they attach themselves by producing polysaccharides. This is a very fast process that starts within a few seconds of water flowing through / over a surface. Further, this becomes faster because of the exponential growth of the bacteria. This sticky web even catches nutrients, suspended solids, and other microbes that pass by, providing food and quick growth mechanism for the entrained cells.

[0047] Biofilms are hard to remove and are harmful because they lead to the formation of a habitat for pathogens. In some days itself, these biofilms become quite thick in size and are prone to rupturing because of the water dynamics in the water distribution system and causing sudden increase of pathogens in the water distribution systems. These pathogens, when consumed by birds, manifest into disease, and the mortality of birds starts. Now the complete flock of birds require to be treated. Mortality and treatment costs increase the production cost, and this affects the bottom line of the company negatively. Biofilms lead to increased corrosion rates and fouling of heat exchangers reducing the heat transfer rates and resulting in higher operating costs, lower productivity, and increased maintenance costs.

[0048] CIO2 acts by penetrating the biofilm by molecular diffusion and reacts slowly, allowing time for it to travel to the base of the film where it attacks the microorganisms and destroys the biofilm at its point of attachment. CIO2 controls biofilm better than any other oxidizer because most of the oxidizers react at the surface of the biofilm, creating a charred layer, preventing further penetration into the underlying layer of biofilm from the biocidal agent. EXAMPLES:

[0049] Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described examples and implementations and other implementations can be made based on what is disclosed.

[0050] Examples are set forth herein below and are illustrative of different amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions that can be utilized in practicing the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosure can be practiced with other amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions than those used in the examples, and the resulting devices various different properties and uses in accordance with the disclosure above and as pointed out hereinafter.

[0051] Example 1: Detection of residual CIO2 by Aquasol residue measuring kit.

[0052] The measurement of residual CIO2 in a water sample performed by the Aquasol residue measuring kit is described.

[0053] A) Reagents and apparatus provided in the kit: a. Pretreatment reagent, b. powder (FC 1), c. titration reagent (FC 2), d. two test tubes, e. one spatula for powder sample.

[0054] B) Procedure:

[0055] 1. Pretreatment procedure: i. Preparation of 2 ppm of CIO2 solution: 1000 ml of water sample was taken in an opaque plastic bottle and 2 ml of water sample was removed from the bottle. To the remaining 998 ml water sample, 2 ml of prepared lOOOppm CIO2 solution was added. ii. Addition of pretreatment reagent: 25 ml of 2 ppm water sample was taken in one test tube and 15 drops of pretreatment reagent were added into it. The mixture was shaken for proper mixing of the reagent with the water sample. ocedure for measuring residual CIO2: i. Addition of reagent (FC 1): 10 ml of solution was withdrawn from the mixture prepared by the above steps. This 10 ml solution was added in a second test tube. To this 10 ml of solution, two spoonful of powder reagent (FC 1) were added by a spatula and mixed.

[0056] Observation: The above 10 ml solution turned out to be pink in color. Indication: The mixture turned pink in color.

[0057] Inference: The pink color indicates the presence of CIO2 in the water sample.

[0058] (If the mixture turns pink in color, it indicates the presence of CIO2 in the water sample. If no color change is observed, it indicates absence of CIO2 in the water sample.) ii. Titration: To the above pink colored solution, the titration reagent (FC 2) was added dropwise, and the number of drops required until the pink color disappeared were counted. 3. Calculation: The residual CIO2 in the water sample was calculated by using formula:

[0059] Residual Chlorine Dioxide (ppm) = 0.2 x [Number of drops of titration reagent (FC 2)].

[0060] 4. Result: For 10 ml of 2ppm CIO2 water sample, nine drops of titration reagent (FC 2) were required for the pink color to disappear.

[0061] Residual Chlorine Dioxide (ppm) = 0.2 x 9

[0062] = 1.8ppm

[0063] This indicates that 1.8 ppm of residual CIO2 was present in the water sample and therefore the amount of CIO2 required to make the water sample sterile was 0.2 ppm. To this, 0.6ppm of CIO2 was added compliant to the US FDA norms to make the water sample more than sterile to prevent recontamination of the water sample by microbes.

[0064] Example 2: Process for sterilization of the water distribution system in poultry farms for converting water into more than sterile water.

[0065] The water distribution system in the poultry farms serves as a major source of carrier of disease and leads to the spread of water borne infections in the poultry. The contamination of the water distribution system from shed tank to the nipples and the spread of the infection from one chicken to another though the common nipple lines is a major problem in the poultry industry. The sterilization of the water distribution system for converting water into more than sterile water in the poultry farms was performed. This included the following steps:

[0066] 1. Killing of Biofilms in the water distribution system of poultry farm: a. In the process of killing of biofilm, a high CIO2 dose was kept in contact with the biofilms in the water distribution system. A minimum contact time of 36 hrs. was provided for excellent results. b. For the process of killing of biofilm, an overhead water tank was filled with water and lOOppm CIO2 dose was added to it. c. This CIO2 solution was discharged in the water distribution system. d. All the outlets were kept open, and the outlets were closed one by one as soon as the CIO2 solution started flowing smoothly out of it. CIO2 solution was recognized by its yellow colour and pungent smell.

[0067] 2. Sterilization of water into more than sterile water in a closed loop system such as water supply system in poultry farms:

[0068] The process is used to address microbial contamination in the closed loop water supply system in poultry farms. a) Process: i. 5 liter of water sample was taken from the nipple line of water supply system from the poultry farm. ii. 1 liter of water from this was taken in a sterile 1 liter plastic bottle. From this, 1 ml of water sample was removed. iii. To this, 1ml prepared 1000 ppm CIO2 solution was added, and the solution was kept for 15 minutes. iv. After completion of 15 minutes, the residual CIO2 in the water sample was detected by using Aquasol residue measuring kit. b) Calculation of CIO2 dose required to sterilized water supply system in poultry farm:

[0069] After measuring the residual CIO2 by using Aquasol residue measuring kit, the residual CIO2 was found to be 0.6ppm. This implies that 0.4ppm of CIO2 was consumed in oxidizing of microorganisms in the Ippm CIO2 solution. c) Result and Observation:

[0070] 0.4ppm dose was required to make the 1 liter water sterile. To make the water more than sterile, an extra dose of 0.6ppm was added to it (0.4ppm + 0.6ppm = Ippm dose). This implied that a Ippm CIO2 dose was required to make water more than sterile in the said water supply system. d) Inference:

[0071] For treating 2000 liter of water in the said closed loop water supply system in poultry farm, the dose required to sterilize the water was

[0072] 2000 x 0.4ppm = 800ppm CIO2.

[0073] Total CIO2 required to make the 2000 liter of said closed loop water supply system more than sterile was

[0074] 2000 x Ippm = 2000ppm. Once the dose was finalized, the calculated dose was introduced in the tank of said water supply system and the final residue analysis was performed to check for the desired residue in the nipples.

[0075] The 2000ppm of CIO2 dose for treating 2000 liters of water remains constant till the time the water quality remains the same. In case the water quality changes, the dose is required to be changed. This would be simply detected by performing the residual test procedure at regular intervals as follows:

[0076] 1. First Scenario:

[0077] The residual CIO2 was found to be increased. Therefore, the dose required to make the water sterile was reduced. This implied that the water quality had improved. Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was also reduced.

[0078] Thus, when residual CIO2 was found to be 0.8ppm, then the CIO2 consumed to make the water sterile was = 0.2ppm (1-0.8). Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was 0.8ppm (0.2+0.6).

[0079] Finally, the CIO2 dose required for treating 2000 litre was 2000 X 0.8ppm = 1600ppm.

[0080] 2. Second Scenario:

[0081] The residual CIO2 was found to be decreased. Therefore, the dose required to make the water sterile was increased. This implied that the water quality had deteriorated. Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was also increased.

[0082] Thus, when residual CIO2 was found to be 0.4ppm, then the CIO2 consumed to make the water sterile was 0.6ppm (1-0.4).

[0083] Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was 1.2ppm (0.6+0.6).

[0084] Finally, the CIO2 dose required for treating 2000 liter was 2000 X 1.2ppm = 2400ppm.

[0085] Example 3: Process for sterilization of the water distribution system in a brewing industry for converting water into more than sterile water.

[0086] The sterilization of the water distribution system for converting water in a brewing industry into more than sterile water was performed. This included the following steps:

[0087] 1. Killing of Biofilms in the water distribution system of brewing industry: a. In the process of killing of biofilm, a high CIO2 dose was kept in contact with the biofilms in the water distribution system. A minimum contact time of 36 hrs. was provided for excellent results. b. For the process of killing of biofilm, an overhead water tank was filled with water and lOOppm CIO2 dose was added to it. c. This CIO2 solution was discharged in the water distribution system. d. All the outlets were kept open, and the outlets were closed one by one as soon as the CIO2 solution started flowing smoothly out of it. C102solution was recognized by its yellow colour and pungent smell. Sterilization of water into more than sterile water in a closed loop system such as a brewing industry:

[0088] This process addresses the microbial contamination in the process water in the brewing industry.

[0089] Process: i. 5 liter of water sample was taken from process water tank used in the brewing industry. ii. 1 liter of water was taken in a sterile plastic bottle. From this 1 ml of water sample was removed. iii. To that 1ml 1000 ppm of C1O2solution prepared was added and kept the solution for 15 minutes. iv. After completion of 15 minutes the residual CIO2 in a water sample was detected by using Aquasol residue measuring kit.

[0090] Calculation of CIO2 required to sterilize process water in the brewing industry:

[0091] After measuring by using Aquasol residue measuring kit, the residue was found to be 0.6ppm. This implies that 0.4ppm of CIO2 was consumed in oxidizing of microorganisms in the Ippm CIO2 solution.

[0092] Result and Observation: 0.4ppm dose was required to make that lliter water sterile. To make that water more than sterile, an extra dose of 0.6ppm was added to it (0.4ppm + 0.6ppm = Ippm dose). This implies that alppm CIO2 dose was required to make water more than sterile in the said process water.

[0093] Inference:

[0094] For treating 50,000 liter of water in the said process water, the dose required to sterilize the water was

[0095] 50,000 x 0.4ppm = 20,000ppm CIO2.

[0096] Total CIO2 required to make the 50,000 liter of said water supply system more than sterile was

[0097] 50,000 x Ippm = 50,000ppm.

[0098] Once the dose was finalized, the calculated dose was introduced in the tank of said process water and the final residue analysis was done to check for the desired residue in the process water tanks. Further, in the brewing industry the final processed water required was without CIO2 residue. Therefore, the water was made residue free by passing the processed water through UV light just before the processed water was transferred into the brewing tank.

[0099] The 50,000ppm of CIO2 dose to treat 50,000 liters of water remained constant till the time the water quality remains the same. In case the water quality changed, the dose is also required to be changed. This would be simply detected by performing the residual test procedure at regular intervals as follows:

[0100] 1. First Scenario:

[0101] If the residue increased then the dose required to make the water sterile reduced, this implied that the water quality was improved. Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was also reduced.

[0102] Thus, when residual CIO2 was 0.8ppm then CIO2 consumed to make the water sterile = 0.2ppm (1-0.8).

[0103] Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was 0.8ppm (0.2+0.6).

[0104] Finally, the CIO2 dose required for treating 50,0001tr was 50,000 X 0.8ppm = 40,000ppm.

[0105] 2. Second Scenario:

[0106] If the residue decreased then the dose required to make the water sterile increased, this implied that the water quality had deteriorated. Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was also increased.

[0107] Thus when residual CIO2 was 0.4ppm then CIO2 consumed to make the water sterile was 0.6ppm (1-0.4).

[0108] Therefore, the dose required to make the water more than sterile was 1.2ppm (0.6+0.6).

[0109] Finally, the CIO2 dose required for treating 50,0001tr was 50,000 X 1.2ppm = 60,000ppm.

[0110] Advantageously, the process 100 of present invention provides an efficient and easily reproducible method for sterilization of water in a closed loop water distribution system. The process 100 converts contaminated water into more than sterile water in a water distribution system with the aid of chlorine dioxide to efficiently prevent the recontamination of water with microorganisms.

[0111] Moreover, the process also controls production of biofilms in the water distribution system. One of the greatest concerns in cooling towers, drinking water disinfection, wastewater disinfection, and many other industrial applications is the formation of biofilms. As, CIO2 has a higher oxidizing capacity and lower oxidation potential than other oxidizers such as chlorine, ozone, and bromine etc., the CIO2 solution easily removes and controls biofilm better than any other strong oxidizer.

[0112] As the CIO2 solution is easy to prepare, CIO2 forms a true dissolved gas in water solution, thus is 100% available and maintains full biocidal efficacy over a wide pH range of 3-10. Thus, advantageously there is a very less possibility of the CIO2 gas spreading in the work area, as the permitted exposure is about 0.8ppm.

[0113] Further, chlorine dioxide is an oxidizing agent having 2.5 times the oxidizing power of chlorine. Unlike chlorine, it does not lead to the formation of trihalomethanes or combine with ammonia to form chlorinated organic products. CIO2 does not hydrolyze in water to form hyperchlorous or hydrochloric acids. Furthermore, CIO2 is a potent, fast-acting bactericide that does not form toxic byproducts like that of chlorine. It has a higher oxidizing capacity and lower oxidation potential than most other oxidizers. The by-product of CIO2 is chlorite, that is not mutagenic or carcinogenic to humans and 100% biodegradable with no residual toxicity. CIO2 residue does not last as long as chlorine. CICheven eliminates odors, and rapidly destroys sessile bacteria.

[0114] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0115] It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A process 100 for sterilizing contaminated water in a closed loop water distribution system for converting it into more than sterile water in the said water distribution system comprising: a. a first activation phase 105 including CIO2 activation for generating a lOOOppm CIO2 solution; b. a second optimization phase 110 including CIO2 dose optimization in the water distribution system wherein, the second phase 110 including a first step of CIO2 addition and a second step of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection; and c. a third dosing phase 115 including additional dosing of the water system for controlling recontamination and generating more than sterile water in the said water distribution system.

2. The process 100 for sterilizing contaminated water in the water distribution system into more than sterile water as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first activation phase 105 including a. a first step 205 of CIO2 activation including taking 20ml of a predefined reagent 1, 20 ml of a predefined reagent 2 and 960 ml of distilled water in an opaque plastic bottle and mixing it; and b. a second step 210 of generating CIO2 solution including allowing the mixture obtained in the first step 205 to stand for 5 hours for generating a 1000 parts per million (ppm) CIO2 solution.

3. The process 100 for sterilizing contaminated water in the water distribution system into more than sterile water as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first step of CIO2 addition 305 including taking 1000 ml of water sample to be sterilized in a 1 litre sterile opaque plastic bottle; removing 1 ml of water sample from this bottle; adding 1 ml of lOOOppm CIO2 solution; and allowing the solution to reside for a predefined time of 15 minutes for the biocidal activity to take place.

4. The process 100 for sterilizing contaminated water in the water distribution system into more than sterile water as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second step of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 including calculating the dose of CIO2 required for 1000 ml of water sample; and measuring the residual CIO2 by a residue measuring kit.

5. The process of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 by measuring the residual CIO2, as claimed in claim 4 wherein, when the residual CIO2 being detected, residual CIO2 being equal to the dosed CIO2, no action being required.

6. The process of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 by measuring the residual CIO2, as claimed in claim 4 wherein, when the residual CIO2 being detected, residual CIO2 being less than the dosed CIO2, no action being required.

7. The process of dose optimization based on residual CIO2 detection 310 by measuring the residual CIO2, as claimed in claim 4 wherein, when residual CIO2 being not detected, increasing the concentration of CIO2 solution; and repeating the process again by dosing 2ppm CIO2 and so on for finding the actual required dose of CIO2 for making the said water sample sterile.

8. The process 100 for sterilizing contaminated water in the water distribution system into more than sterile water as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the third phase 115 of additionally dosing the water system for controlling recontamination by microorganisms including adding an additional dose of 0. Ippm to 0.8ppm depending on the requirement of the application in the water sample for generating more than sterile water in the said water distribution system.

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