Ozonated Water System for Surface Tension Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling pathogens in water are inadequate, particularly in disinfecting hard surfaces and equipment, as they often rely on chlorine, which is corrosive and can form harmful byproducts, and fail to effectively reduce surface tension for effective cleansing and degreasing.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates ozone and mixes it with water using a venturi to create a water and ozone solution with a reduced surface tension, achieving an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) suitable for pathogenic control, capable of cleansing and degreasing hard surfaces and equipment without the use of chlorine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine is used for disinfection, then pathogenic control is achieved, but harmful byproducts are formed and surfaces are corroded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ozone, a strong oxidant, to disinfect water and surfaces. The ozone generator produces ozone gas that is injected into the water stream, creating ozonated water with high oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) for effective pathogen control without the harmful byproducts associated with chlorine disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the disinfectant from chlorine to ozone. By controlling the ozone injection rate and contact time, the system achieves effective disinfection while avoiding the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts that occur with chlorine.
2Ease of operation
If traditional water is used for cleansing, then basic cleaning is achieved, but surface tension remains high preventing effective degreasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameter of surface tension by introducing ozone into water. The ozonated water exhibits reduced surface tension (from 72 to 48-58 Millinewtons per meter), which enhances its ability to wet surfaces and remove grease and biofilms effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solution of water and ozone that combines the properties of both substances. This composite ozonated water solution possesses both the disinfection capabilities of ozone and the enhanced cleansing properties of reduced surface tension, making it effective for both pathogen control and degreasing.
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 effectively reduces water surface tension from 72 to 48-58 Millinewtons per meter, enhancing the ability to remove biofilms and pathogens from surfaces, while being safe for contact and FDA-approved for use with food, thus providing a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disinfection methods.
Implementation Method 1
A system is provided which includes an ozone generator, a venturi, and a water inlet and outlet. The venturi is positioned to receive ozone generated by the ozone generator and to receive water from the water inlet and provide mixing of the water and ozone
Implementation Method 2
provide mixing of the water and ozone to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP suitable for pathogenic control
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water and for reducing the surface tension of the water for the pathogenic cleansing and/or degreasing of hard surfaces and equipment. The hard surfaces to be cleansed and/or degreased may be plastic, glass, ceramic, porcelain and stainless steel. The equipment to be cleansed and/or degreased may be food service equipment such as ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steam cookers, refrigerators, coolers, holding cabinets, cold food tables, work tables, beverage dispensing equipment, beer dispensers, shelving, food displays, dish washing equipment and grease traps.