Swimming Pool AOP System Using Parallel UV Lamps for DBP Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool water treatment methods using chlorine-based disinfectants lead to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs), which pose health risks and user discomfort, and existing advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are inefficient in effectively reducing these by-products.
Innovation Solution
An AOP system combining an air dryer, a UV-based ozone generator with parallel UV lamps, and a treatment conduit, along with a control unit, to treat swimming pool water, enhancing ozone production and reducing DBPs to safe levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine-based disinfectants are used to maintain water hygiene, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed causing health risks and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the water treatment process by introducing ozone (O3) and hydroxyl radicals (OH•) through UV-based ozone generation, replacing traditional chlorine-based disinfection. This parameter change eliminates DBP formation while maintaining disinfection effectiveness, as ozone decomposes into oxygen without forming harmful by-products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical disinfection mechanism (chlorine) with a physical-chemical process (UV irradiation of oxygen to generate ozone). The UV-based ozone generator uses ultraviolet light at 185nm to photolyze oxygen molecules, producing atomic oxygen that combines with molecular oxygen to form ozone, thereby substituting chemical disinfection with a more advanced oxidation process
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional AOP methods are used to reduce DBPs, then some DBP reduction is achieved, but the process is inefficient and cannot effectively reduce DBPs to safe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strong oxidants including ozone and hydroxyl radicals generated through UV irradiation. The combination of ozone and UV light creates hydroxyl radicals, which are among the strongest oxidants known, enabling rapid and efficient degradation of DBPs to levels below 0.3 ppm, far exceeding conventional AOP methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (ozone) that acts as a precursor to hydroxyl radicals. The UV-based ozone generator produces ozone, which then serves as an intermediary that decomposes to form hydroxyl radicals in the water, creating a two-stage oxidation process that significantly enhances DBP removal efficiency
3Device complexity
If UV lamps are arranged in series configuration, then space is saved, but ozone production capacity is limited due to restricted air volume exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by positioning multiple UV lamps in parallel around the treatment conduit. This dimensional change allows air to be exposed to UV light from multiple directions simultaneously, maximizing ozone generation volume while maintaining a compact vertical footprint
4Device complexity
If air dryer is not used in the system, then device complexity is reduced, but moisture in air reduces ozone production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by drying the air before it enters the UV-based ozone generator. The air dryer removes moisture from ambient air, ensuring that the oxygen-rich air fed to the UV lamps is dry, which maximizes ozone generation efficiency by preventing water vapor from absorbing UV energy and interfering with the photolysis of oxygen molecules
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 efficiently reduces DBPs to below 0.3 ppm, improving water quality, swimmer safety, and comfort, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with modular design for adaptability to various pool sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an air dryer for removing moisture from ambient air
Implementation Method 2
The air dryer may be a refrigerant dryer, a desiccant dryer, or a membrane dryer
Implementation Method 3
The UV-based ozone generator includes UV lamps, preferably low-pressure mercury lamps, that emit light to produce ozone and hydroxyl radicals
Implementation Method 4
The treatment conduit receives filtered pool water, treats it with the generated ozone to reduce DBPs below 0.3 ppm
Implementation Method 5
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as a promising solution to reduce DBPs in swimming pool water
Data Source
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AI summary
An advanced oxidation process (AOP) system for reducing disinfection by-products (DBPs) in swimming pool water. The system comprises an air dryer for removing moisture from ambient air, a feed gas line for transferring the dried air to an UV-based ozone generator, and a treatment conduit with a UV-based ozone generator for treating the swimming pool water. The UV-based ozone generator includes UV lamps emitting UV light to produce ozone and hydroxyl radicals. The treatment conduit receives filtered pool water, treats it with the generated ozone as well as hydroxyl radicals to reduce DBPs below 0.3 ppm, and returns the treated water to the pool. The parallel arrangement of UV lamps in the UV-based ozone generator maximizes ozone production. Flow control valves optimize water flow rate through the treatment conduit. The system efficiently reduces DBPs, improves water quality, and enhances swimmer safety and comfort.