Plug-In Disinfection Using Pressure-Driven Metered Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems for fluid systems, particularly water systems, face challenges in achieving uniform disinfection due to inconsistent disinfectant release, complexity, and potential electrical faults, making them laborious and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a receptacle containing a disinfectant is fluidly connected to a fluid system, with the disinfectant being selectively released into the system in response to the flow of the primary fluid, utilizing pressure differentials to ensure consistent and automated disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a solenoid valve operated and regulated electronically is used for prolonged release of chlorine ions, then the disinfection can be maintained over time, but the device complexity and cost increase and electrical faults may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electronic control components (solenoid valve, electronics) from the disinfection system. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical passive valve that operates automatically based on pressure differentials between the water reservoir and disinfectant reservoir, eliminating electrical faults and complexity while maintaining prolonged disinfection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The passive valve system is self-regulating and automatically controls disinfectant release based on water pressure variations without requiring external electronic control. The system uses the natural pressure differentials created during water dispensing to open and close the valve, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for electronic components
2Productivity
If disinfectant is gradually added by channeling flowing fluid into a container, then intermittent disinfection is achieved, but the disinfectant concentration drops due to dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges the passive valve with disinfectant under pressure in the sealed reservoir before use. This preliminary action ensures that when the valve opens during water dispensing, the disinfectant is immediately available at full concentration without dilution, as it has been stored under pressure and is simply released rather than gradually mixed
3Extent of automation
If disinfectant release is based on pressure drop between static and running water, then automated release is achieved, but the release is highly sensitive to pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic passive valve design that automatically adapts to varying pressure conditions. The valve responds to the instantaneous pressure differential between the water reservoir and discharge during any phase of water dispensing, whether static or flowing, making the system reliable across different operating conditions without being overly sensitive to pressure variations
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
This approach achieves uniform disinfection across the fluid system, reduces manual intervention, and extends the lifespan of the disinfectant by metered release, ensuring consistent disinfection levels and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pressure differentials to ensure consistent and automated disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for disinfecting a fluid system is herein described. The method includes providing a fluid system having a reservoir containing a first fluid and a flow path in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the fluid system is configured such that the first fluid is selectively releasable from the reservoir to the flow path. A receptacle containing a second fluid, which comprises a disinfectant, is fluidly connected to the fluid system. The fluid system is configured such that the second fluid is substantially retained in the receptacle when the first fluid is not released from the reservoir, and such that the second fluid is drawn into the fluid system from the receptacle when the first fluid is released from the reservoir.