Ozone Water Treatment System for Pathogen Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment methods face challenges in effectively controlling pathogens and minimizing health risks from disinfection byproducts, as certain microbial pathogens are resistant to traditional disinfection practices, and disinfectants can react with water to form harmful byproducts.
Innovation Solution
A system that creates an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water using an ozone generator, venturi, and water inlet/output, generating an ORP of 600-800 mV to effectively control pathogens by mixing ozone with water, providing a more efficient and safer disinfection method compared to traditional chlorine-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfectants such as chlorine are added to water, then pathogenic control is achieved, but health risks from disinfection byproducts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameter of the disinfectant from chlorine-based compounds to ozone (O3), which provides effective pathogenic control without forming harmful disinfection byproducts. The ozone generator produces ozone gas that is then mixed with water to achieve the desired oxidation reduction potential (ORP) for disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical disinfection mechanism of chlorine with a physical/chemical ozone generation system. The ozone generator creates ozone through electrical discharge or chemical reactions, and the venturi mixes this ozone with water, substituting the traditional chlorine addition process with an ozone-based system that eliminates byproduct formation.
2Measurement precision
If certain microbial pathogens are used as indicators, then pathogenic control effectiveness is measured, but resistance to traditional disinfection practices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses oxidation reduction potential (ORP) as a measurement parameter to assess disinfection effectiveness. By measuring the ORP of the water-ozone mixture, the system can determine the antimicrobial potential without being influenced by pathogen resistance to traditional disinfectants. This provides a reliable measure of actual disinfection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ORP as an intermediary measurement that indirectly assesses pathogenic control effectiveness. Instead of directly testing pathogen survival (which is affected by resistance), the ORP measurement serves as a mediator that reflects the actual disinfection potential of the water treatment system.
3Reliability
If ozone is mixed with water using traditional methods, then pathogenic control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a venturi, which is a pneumatic-hydraulic device, to mix ozone gas with water. The venturi utilizes pressure differential and fluid dynamics to automatically mix the ozone and water without requiring complex mechanical mixing equipment. This simplifies the system while maintaining effective pathogenic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi mixture device is designed to automatically mix ozone and water based on the flow dynamics and pressure differential, without requiring external control systems or complex mechanical components. The system self-regulates the mixing process, reducing overall system complexity while achieving reliable disinfection.
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 inactivates pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium within seconds, reduces disinfection byproduct formation, and enhances water quality by maintaining a stable ORP, ensuring pathogenic control and health safety without harsh chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
The venturi is positioned to receive ozone generated by the ozone generator and to receive water from the water inlet, where 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 example embodiment includes 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.