Recreational Water Treatment for Cyanuric Acid and Algae Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of cyanuric acid in recreational water bodies reduces the effectiveness of chlorine sanitization, necessitating the use of large amounts of chlorine to maintain safety and control algae and bacterial growth during cyanuric acid reduction processes, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of non-chlorine algaecides, such as metal ions (silver, copper, zinc), followed by chlorine neutralization, and then the addition of a cyanuric acid reducing agent, followed by chlorine reestablishment to safe levels, ensuring effective cyanuric acid removal and algae control without excessive chlorine use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial chlorine sanitizers (dichlor or trichlor) are used to sanitize recreational water, then the water is effectively sanitized, but the level of cyanuric acid increases which reduces chlorine effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes cyanuric acid from the recreational water system using a cyanuric acid reducing agent. This agent converts cyanuric acid into biuret and other byproducts that can be more easily removed from the water, thereby eliminating the substance that is reducing chlorine effectiveness while maintaining the sanitization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the water system by introducing a cyanuric acid reducing agent that alters the cyanuric acid concentration. This parameter change restores the effectiveness of chlorine sanitization by reducing cyanuric acid to levels that no longer interfere with chlorine's sanitizing action
2Quantity of substance
If cyanuric acid reducing agents are added to reduce cyanuric acid levels, then cyanuric acid is reduced, but chlorine levels must be reduced or eliminated which allows algae and bacteria growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding a non-chlorine algaecide before reducing chlorine levels during the cyanuric acid reduction process. This pre-emptive measure prevents algae and bacteria growth that would otherwise occur when chlorine is reduced or eliminated, allowing the cyanuric acid reducing agent to work effectively without compromising water safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-chlorine algaecide as an intermediary substance that performs the algae and bacteria control function during the period when chlorine levels are reduced. This intermediary protects the system from harmful growth while the cyanuric acid is being reduced, after which chlorine can be reestablished
3Reliability
If large amounts of chlorine are used to maintain safety and control algae during cyanuric acid reduction, then water safety is maintained, but the process becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes cyanuric acid from the system using a dedicated reducing agent, which eliminates the root cause of chlorine ineffectiveness. This allows chlorine to be used more efficiently at lower levels once the reduction process is complete, reducing overall chlorine consumption and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding a non-chlorine algaecide before reducing chlorine levels, preventing algae and bacteria growth during the cyanuric acid reduction period. This pre-emptive measure avoids the need to use large amounts of chlorine to control algae, thereby reducing chlorine consumption and cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively reduces cyanuric acid in recreational water while minimizing chlorine requirements and preventing algae growth, maintaining safe chlorine levels for recreational use.
Implementation Method 1
adding a nonchlorine algaecide, for example a source of metal ions including metal ions of silver, copper, or zinc to the body of recreational water to inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria
Implementation Method 2
The cyanuric reducing agent, which may be either a cyanuric acid reducing bacteria or a cyanuric acid reducing enzyme, hydrolyzes the cyanuric acid in the body of recreational water
Implementation Method 3
adds sufficient chlorine to remove any byproducts of the cyanuric reducing agent as well as sufficient chlorine to establish a free chlorine level in the body of recreational water that is safe for recreational use
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing the cyanuric acid in a body of recreational water by adding an algaecide such as metal ions to the body of recreational water before reducing the chlorine content in the body of recreational water followed by adding a cyanuric acid reducing agent to the body of recreational water to generate byproducts where the addition of chlorine can be used to remove the byproducts from the body of recreational water before adding additional chlorine to establish a safe level of chlorine in the body of recreational water.