Flow Reactor Disinfection with Hybrid LED and Lamp Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-through disinfection systems face challenges in ensuring sufficient disinfection at higher flow rates and contamination levels, particularly due to the limitations of LED-based systems in terms of emission intensity and the over-supply of UV intensity from lamp-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A flow reactor system that combines LED- and lamp-based emitters, with a control unit that adjusts emission intensity based on real-time measurements of state variables such as flow rate, contamination level, and turbidity, ensuring optimal disinfection while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED-based emitters are used for disinfection, then power consumption is reduced and system flexibility is improved, but emission intensity is insufficient for high flow rates and contamination levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LED-based emitters and lamp-based emitters in a single flow reactor system. The LED modules provide energy-efficient operation for normal conditions, while lamp modules (mercury vapor or metal halide lamps) provide high emission intensity when needed. Both emitter types are integrated into the same reaction zone, allowing the system to leverage the advantages of both technologies simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between LED and lamp-based emitters based on real-time flow rate measurements and contamination levels. The control unit activates lamp modules only when high emission intensity is required, rather than operating continuously. This dynamic operation optimizes power consumption while ensuring sufficient disinfection capacity is available when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If lamp-based systems are used to provide high UV intensity for high flow rates, then sufficient disinfection is achieved, but UV intensity is over-supplied and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow sensors and contamination detection devices that continuously monitor operating conditions. The control unit receives this feedback and adjusts emitter operation accordingly. Lamp-based emitters are activated only when flow rates exceed a threshold or contamination levels indicate high microbial loads, preventing unnecessary energy consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which emitters are active) based on measured flow rates and contamination levels. At low flow rates, only energy-efficient LED modules operate. When flow rates increase or contamination levels rise, the system transitions to using high-intensity lamp modules to maintain effective disinfection dosage.
3Reliability
If lamp-based systems are operated in continuous mode to ensure maximum UV intensity, then sufficient disinfection is provided for all scenarios, but energy consumption increases and switchability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which emitter type is active based on real-time conditions rather than operating in a fixed continuous mode. LED modules provide baseline disinfection for normal operation, while lamp modules are dynamically activated only when high intensity is required. This dynamic operation maintains reliability across varying conditions while significantly reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow reactor system is designed to perform multiple functions using different emitter types. LED modules handle routine disinfection and low-flow conditions, while lamp modules provide high-intensity treatment for high-flow or high-contamination scenarios. This multi-functional design allows a single system to adapt to diverse operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems.
4Volume of moving object
If LED-based systems are used for tight spaces and integration, then system compactness is improved, but emission intensity is insufficient for high contamination levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges compact LED modules with high-intensity lamp modules within the same flow reactor housing. The LED modules can be positioned close to the flow channel for compact integration, while lamp modules are arranged to provide high UV intensity in the reaction zone. This combination allows the system to maintain a compact form factor suitable for tight spaces while achieving the emission intensity required for high contamination levels.
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 achieves flexible and efficient disinfection by tailoring the emission intensity to specific conditions, effectively reducing microbial loads across varying flow rates and contamination levels while optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
The first radiation source comprises at least one emitter unit comprising a light emitting diode, which emits light in a visible and/or ultraviolet wavelength range during operation
Implementation Method 2
The second radiation source comprises at least one emitter unit comprising a lamp, which emits light in an ultraviolet wavelength range during operation
Implementation Method 3
a fluid (e.g., air or liquids such as water, milk, blood, etc.) is guided through a reaction zone (e.g., a chamber or a pipe) in which the fluid is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, in particular ultraviolet radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A flow reactor system for disinfecting a fluid includes a measuring system for determining at least one state variable, a first irradiation zone and a second irradiation zone in which the fluid is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The flow reactor system also includes a first radiation source in the first irradiation zone and a second radiation source in the second irradiation zone. The first radiation source includes at least one emitter unit having a light-emitting diode which emits light in a visible and/or ultraviolet wavelength range. The second radiation source includes at least one emitter unit having a lamp which emits light in an ultraviolet wavelength range. The flow reactor system additionally includes a control unit configured to control the emission intensity of the first radiation source and/or the second radiation source depending on the at least one state variable determined by the measuring system.