Ozonated Water Disinfection System for Pathogen Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Water intended for potable use often contains pathogenic organisms that are resistant to traditional disinfection methods, and disinfectants like chlorine can form harmful byproducts, posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an ozone generator, water inlet, and venturi that mixes ozone with water to create an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of 600-800 mV, providing a disinfectant solution that is applied to wash-down stations to cleanse and disinfect areas, replacing chlorine and minimizing environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfectants like chlorine are added to water, then disinfection capability is improved, but harmful byproducts are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ozone, a strong oxidant, to generate oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for disinfection. The system uses an ozone generator to produce ozone gas, which is then mixed with water through a venturi device to create ozonated water with high ORP (600-800 mV). This strong oxidation capability effectively inactivates pathogens like E. coli and Cryptosporidium without forming harmful byproducts associated with chlorine disinfection.
2Reliability
If ozone is mixed with water to create high ORP solution, then pathogenic control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: an ozone generator module that produces ozone gas, a venturi mixing device that combines ozone with water, and a distribution system that delivers the ozonated water to wash-down stations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi device serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the mixing of ozone gas with water. The venturi creates a pressure differential that draws ozone into the water stream and promotes thorough mixing, enabling efficient transfer of ozone to water without requiring complex mixing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If wash-down stations are equipped with ORP water, then area disinfection is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of water by adding ozone to create highly reactive oxygen species that provide disinfection capability. This parameter change (adding oxidative capacity to water) allows for effective area disinfection using the same water volume, rather than requiring additional water for rinsing or repeated applications, thus reducing overall water consumption.
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 ozone-based water solution effectively inactivates pathogens such as E. coli and Cryptosporidium within seconds, reducing health risks from disinfection byproducts and environmental harm, while being safe for contact with people and food, and serving as a FDA-approved antimicrobial agent.
Implementation Method 1
The venturi provides mixing of the water and ozone to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP suitable for pathogenic control
Implementation Method 2
an ozone generator, a water inlet, a venturi, and a water outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control are described. The systems and methods generate an oxidation reduction potential that provides pathogenic control of the solution as well as pathogenic control of the surfaces with which the solution comes in immediate contact. The system supplies the solution to one or more wash-down stations.