Fluid System Disinfection Using Flow-Triggered Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems, particularly water systems, face challenges in achieving uniform disinfection due to difficulties in accessing internal surfaces and the risk of reinfection, requiring laborious manual application of disinfectants.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a disinfectant fluid is retained in a receptacle and selectively released into the fluid system in response to the flow of the primary fluid, utilizing pressure differentials and dynamic pressure to ensure consistent and automated disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application of disinfectants is used, then disinfection can be applied to the system, but the process is laborious and requires repeated intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service disinfection where the fluid system automatically draws disinfectant from the receptacle when fluid flows through it. The pressure differential created by fluid flow automatically activates the disinfectant release mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and repeated application by users or maintenance workers.
2Reliability
If disinfectant is continuously present in the system, then disinfection coverage is maximized, but the disinfectant depletes quickly and requires frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by releasing disinfectant in pulses rather than continuously. The disinfectant is drawn from the receptacle only when fluid flows through the system, creating periodic dosing events. This metered release extends disinfectant longevity while maintaining reliable disinfection coverage at critical moments when fluid is present in the system.
3Reliability
If high concentration of disinfectant is used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but distribution uniformity becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating disinfectant delivery at the point where fluid enters the flow path from the reservoir. The disinfectant is released locally into the flowing fluid, which then distributes it throughout the system. This localized application ensures both high concentration effectiveness at the source and uniform distribution through the fluid's natural flow patterns.
4Extent of automation
If automated disinfectant release is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to achieve automation without complex mechanical or electronic components. The pressure differential created by fluid flow through the system automatically activates the disinfectant release mechanism. This passive hydraulic actuation provides automation while maintaining relatively simple system structure, avoiding the need for pumps, valves, sensors, or control electronics.
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 approach achieves uniform disinfection across the fluid system, reduces manual intervention, and extends the disinfectant's effectiveness by metered release, ensuring consistent disinfection levels and improved distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluid will have a static pressure in the reservoir which prevents significant flow of the second fluid from the receptacle when the first fluid is stationary. In contrast, when the first fluid flows, the pressure differential and dynamic pressure in the system promotes the flow of the second fluid from the receptacle into the fluid system
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method and system for disinfecting a fluid system is herein described. The method includes providing a fluid system having a reservoir containing a first fluid and a flow path in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the fluid system is configured such that the first fluid is selectively releasable from the reservoir to the flow path. A receptacle containing a second fluid, which comprises a disinfectant, is fluidly connected to the fluid system. The fluid system is configured such that the second fluid is substantially retained in the receptacle when the first fluid is not released from the reservoir, and such that the second fluid is drawn into the fluid system from the receptacle when the first fluid is released from the reservoir.