Deformable Water Treatment Containers for Pathogen and Floc Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems are inadequate for large volumes of water, particularly in emergency situations or recreational settings, as they are often expensive, ineffective at removing pathogens and suspended matter, and have limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment system comprising a chemical disinfectant and a flocculating agent, used within a deformable container with a partitionable region, to treat and clarify water by forming a flocculant that settles in a separate compartment, allowing for efficient separation and collection of treated water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used to treat water, then pathogens may be removed, but the systems are expensive, have limited lifespan, and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable chemical disinfectant and flocculating agent tablets that are inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex filtration systems with limited lifespans. These chemical agents provide reliable pathogen removal and suspended matter clarification without requiring replacement of expensive filter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with chemical treatment methods using disinfectant and flocculating agents. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical filters, pumps, and replacement parts, providing a simpler, more cost-effective solution for water treatment.
2Reliability
If boiling is used to destroy pathogens, then pathogen destruction is achieved, but suspended matter is not removed and the process is only suitable for small amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the treatment parameters by using chemical disinfectants and flocculating agents instead of thermal boiling. This allows treatment of large volumes of water (suitable for camping and emergency situations) while achieving both pathogen destruction and suspended matter removal through chemical reactions rather than heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes suspended matter from water through flocculation, separating it from the treated water. This additional removal function is achieved alongside pathogen destruction, unlike boiling which only addresses pathogens.
3Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used, then some pathogen removal may occur, but the systems do not effectively remove suspended matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flocculating agent as an intermediary substance that causes suspended matter to clump together into larger particles (floc) that can settle out of the water. This mediator enables effective removal of suspended matter while the chemical disinfectant simultaneously addresses pathogen removal.
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
The system effectively treats at least 10 liters of water in under an hour, reducing pathogens and suspended matter, producing potable water suitable for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, with a flexible design suitable for various uses.
Implementation Method 1
a flocculating agent; allowing the flocculating agent to form a flocculant and settle in the partitionable region
Implementation Method 2
allowing the flocculating agent to form a flocculant and settle in the partitionable region
Implementation Method 3
a chemical disinfectant and a flocculating agent, to treat water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a water treatment system, methods for treating water, and products for treating water. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a water treatment system, the system comprising: (i) a chemical disinfectant and a flocculating agent, to treat water; and (ii) a deformable container comprising: an opening to receive water for treatment into the container; an internal storage region for holding an amount of water; a partitionable region fluidly partitionable from the internal storage region for separating the flocculating agent upon settling after exposure to water in the container; and an outlet in fluid connection with the internal storage region to remove water from the container.