Modular UV Plate Reactors for Consistent Fluid Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV systems suffer from inefficiencies due to inadequate and inconsistent UV exposure, which hinders effective sterilization of fluids.
Innovation Solution
A reactor system comprising modular UV plate reactors with controlled channel diameters and UV light sources, allowing precise dosage and consistent UV irradiation through a continuous flow process, eliminating the need for batch mode operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the UV exposure is inadequate and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple modular UV plate reactors that can be arranged in series. Each plate reactor contains specific UV light sources positioned at controlled distances from the fluid channel, allowing independent optimization of each module's UV dosing capability while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different UV light source configurations to different locations within the reactor system. Each UV plate reactor has light sources positioned at specific distances (e.g., 0.5-2 inches) from the fluid channel, creating localized high-intensity UV zones that ensure consistent and adequate exposure throughout the fluid path.
2Illumination intensity
If UV light sources are positioned close to the fluid channel, then UV irradiation intensity is high, but shadowing effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point UV sources to linear UV light sources positioned along the entire length of the fluid channel. This dimensional change ensures that UV irradiation is applied uniformly across the entire cross-section of the fluid flow, eliminating shadowing effects while maintaining high irradiation intensity through the distributed source configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If batch mode operation is used, then UV dosing can be controlled, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor system is designed for continuous flow operation where fluid moves through multiple UV plate reactors in series. This continuous configuration maintains precise UV dosing control through controlled residence time and consistent light intensity while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating batch mode interruptions and enabling continuous sterilization processing.
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 provides efficient and consistent UV dosing, enhancing sterilization efficacy by ensuring thorough exposure without shadowing, and allowing easy adaptation to different fluid types and volumes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet light source having a selected radiant flux is coupled to one or more of the plurality of channels
Implementation Method 2
when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, yeasts, and protozoa, are exposed to deep UVC radiation in the spectral wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm, it is absorbed by DNA, RNA, and proteins
Data Source
AI summary
A reactor for sterilizing a stream of fluid comprises of a frame structure having a longitudinal dimension and a plurality of UV plate reactors that are removably insertable into the frame structure in a series extending along the longitudinal dimension of the frame structure, each of the plurality of UV plate reactors including a single channel or a plurality of multiple channels of a selected diameter into which the stream of fluid is transported, and at least one ultraviolet light source having a selected radiant flux is coupled to one or more of the channels. The diameter of the plurality of channels and the radiant flux of the ultraviolet light source are selected so as to provide a precise dosage of ultraviolet radiation to the stream of fluid in a confined space of the plurality of channels so as to obtain sterilization of the stream of fluid.