Liquid System Separation Device with Debubbler and Mesh Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid system separation devices are insufficient in preventing the migration of germs from downstream water distribution systems to upstream potable water supplies, and they face challenges with air leakage and contamination from burst germ growth inhibiting radiation sources.
Innovation Solution
The liquid system separation device incorporates a pressure tank with a debubbler to manage air bubbles, a flow passage to direct liquid flow, and a germ growth inhibiting radiation source enclosed in a radiation transmissive material. Additionally, a first mesh and a first shield are used to prevent light source fragments from entering the flow passage and contaminating the downstream system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a debubbler is installed to reduce air leakage, then air bubble migration is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank volume is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper air gap zone for germ irradiation and a lower water reservoir zone for liquid storage and outlet supply. The debubbler is positioned at the boundary between these zones, creating a segmented flow path that separates air bubble removal from liquid discharge functions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The debubbler acts as an intermediary component between the air gap and the water reservoir. It receives air bubbles rising from the liquid, allows them to escape into the air gap, and simultaneously directs the liquid flow toward the outlet. This intermediary structure mediates the interaction between air and liquid phases, preventing direct contact between outlet liquid and the air gap while maintaining efficient air removal.
2Reliability
If a germ growth inhibiting radiation source is located in the air gap to prevent germ migration, then germ migration is inhibited, but the risk of fragments entering the flow passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage inlet is positioned as an intermediary structure between the air gap (containing the radiation source) and the water reservoir. It receives liquid from the debubbler and directs it toward the outlet, while its positioning and structure prevent direct exposure to the radiation source. This intermediary arrangement protects the flow passage from potential radiation source fragments while maintaining effective germ irradiation in the air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones with the radiation source confined to the air gap region, the debubbler at the boundary, and the flow passage inlet positioned to receive liquid without direct exposure to the radiation source. This spatial segmentation isolates the harmful factor (radiation source) from the liquid flow path while maintaining its germ-inhibiting function in the air gap.
3Productivity
If the flow passage inlet is positioned to receive liquid from the debubbler, then liquid flow is directed properly, but air bubbles may still enter the flow passage
Solution Approach 1:
The debubbler performs preliminary air removal action on the liquid before it enters the flow passage inlet. By positioning the debubbler upstream and allowing air bubbles to rise and escape into the air gap before liquid discharge, the system pre-treats the liquid to remove air bubbles. This preliminary action ensures that liquid entering the flow passage inlet is already debubbled, preventing air bubble contamination downstream.
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 configuration enhances operational safety by reducing air leakage, preventing germ migration, and minimizing the risk of contamination from burst radiation sources, ensuring the integrity of both the upstream and downstream water systems.
Implementation Method 1
A germ growth inhibiting radiation source with an enclosure may be located between the tank cover and the debubbler and may be configured to irradiate at least the tank inlet and/or a ring surface enclosing the tank inlet
Implementation Method 2
Some debubblers reduce the downward component of the flow speed of the water below the speed with which bubbles rise, thereby enabling bubbles to leave the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
Safe operation of a liquid system separation device 1 comprising a tank 10 with a tank inlet 17 and a tank outlet 13 and a debubbler 20 in between of these, wherein a debubbler outlet 241 is in fluid communication via a flow passage 30 with the tank outlet 13 is enhanced if a first mesh 50 is located in the flow passage 30 and/or in front of an inlet 37 of the flow passage 37 and/or between the tank volume 11 and the tank outlet and/or if a first shield 50 is located above the flow passage inlet 37 and extends over debubbler outlet 37 while not blocking a fluid communication between the debubbler 20 and the flow passage inlet 37.