Micro-Engineered Electrodes for Point-of-Use Water Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for disinfecting drinking water, such as residual disinfectants and UV treatment, are ineffective in controlling microbial growth in distribution systems, leading to persistence of pathogens and biofilm formation, and often produce harmful byproducts, while existing PEF systems are unsuitable for point-of-use disinfection due to high voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device using micro-engineered electrodes with a low-voltage pulsed electric field generator circuit to create a pulsed electric field effective for disinfecting microorganisms in drinking water, reducing microbial populations by increasing cell permeability and causing irreversible damage without the need for excessive chemical disinfectants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional residual disinfectants are used in drinking water distribution systems, then microbial growth control is attempted, but they are ineffective in controlling microbial growth and produce harmful byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection systems with a physical pulsed electric field system. The PEF generator applies high-voltage pulses through electrodes to inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes, eliminating the need for chemical disinfectants and their harmful byproducts while maintaining effective microbial control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the disinfection mechanism from chemical concentration-based to physical field-based parameters. By controlling pulse voltage, pulse duration, and pulse frequency of the electric field, the system achieves effective microbial inactivation without producing harmful chemical byproducts
2Reliability
If UV treatment is used for point-of-use disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but cost significantly increases and turbidity from gas bubbles reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces UV light-based disinfection with an electrical field-based system. The PEF generator uses electrical pulses to inactivate microorganisms, providing a more cost-effective and operationally simpler solution that is not affected by water turbidity or gas bubble interference
3Reliability
If existing PEF systems are used for water disinfection, then microbial inactivation is achieved, but high voltage requirements make them unsuitable for point-of-use disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into multiple closely-spaced electrodes that can be integrated into a compact point-of-use device. This segmentation allows the system to generate the necessary electric field intensity for microbial inactivation while reducing the overall voltage requirements and enabling practical point-of-use installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a macro-scale PEF system to a micro-scale point-of-use system by reducing electrode spacing and optimizing the electrical circuit design. This dimensional change enables effective disinfection at lower voltages suitable for domestic and public use
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
Achieves at least 90% reduction in microorganisms, such as E. coli, in tap water, providing effective point-of-use disinfection while avoiding chemical disinfectant resistance and taste alteration, suitable for domestic and public use.
Implementation Method 1
generate a pulsed electric field strength across the micro-gap of the micro-engineered electrodes, thereby providing the pulsed electric field strength at a level effective to increase cell permeability and/or cause an irreversible damage to cells of microorganisms present in the water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a micro-mini pulsed electric field (PEF) device for point-of-use disinfection of drinking water. The pulsed electric field device comprises micro-engineered electrodes and a low-voltage pulsed electric field generator circuit. A pulsed electric field is generated across a micro-gap between the electrodes to achieve disinfection of drinking water.