Electrolytic Halogenation and Backwash Recovery for Pool Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swimming pool water treatment systems waste significant water during backwashing and disposal, leading to environmental pollution and inefficiencies due to high salt and chlorine content, which also render backwash water unsuitable for irrigation, and existing filtration systems harbor microorganisms and degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of an electrolyte solution with soluble magnesium and potassium halide salts for electrolytic halogenation, which is then returned to the pool, and a system for conserving backwash water by directing it to a collection tank for irrigation, using a particulate amorphous silica filter medium and incorporating magnesium chloride for effective chlorine generation and flocculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sand or zeolite filtration systems are used, then filtration is provided, but microorganisms are harbored in crevices and filter effectiveness degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the filter medium by using sintered glass structures with controlled pore sizes, surface treatments, and material composition that prevent microorganism harboring while maintaining filtration effectiveness. The glass matrix structure and pore geometry are specifically designed to eliminate crevices where microbes could shelter.
2Reliability
If backwash water is discharged to storm water drains or sewer lines, then filter contamination is removed, but environmental pollution occurs and water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backwash water recovery system where discharged water is collected, treated through filtration and disinfection, and then reused for pool maintenance operations. This closes the water loop, eliminating environmental discharge while maintaining filter cleanliness through repeated reuse cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system treats and recycles backwash water autonomously through integrated filtration and disinfection units, allowing the pool system to service itself by converting waste water into a reusable resource without external intervention.
3Productivity
If high salt concentration (6000 ppm sodium chloride) is used for electrolytic chlorination, then effective chlorine generation is achieved, but backwash water becomes unsuitable for irrigation due to high salt content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte composition from high-concentration sodium chloride to lower-concentration alternative salts such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or potassium chloride. This parameter change maintains effective chlorine generation through electrolysis while producing backwash water with salt concentrations suitable for irrigation reuse.
4Reliability
If frequent backwashing is performed to maintain filter effectiveness, then filtration performance is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles backwash water through treatment and reuse, allowing multiple backwashing cycles without proportional increases in fresh water consumption. The recovered water is reused for subsequent backwashing operations, pool topping off, and maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous filtration performance by implementing automated backwashing schedules and immediate water recovery, ensuring that filtration effectiveness is sustained without interruption while minimizing overall water loss through continuous recycling operations.
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 reduces water waste, minimizes environmental impact by treating microorganisms, and allows safe disposal or reuse of backwash water as fertilizer, maintaining pool hygiene and plant health while extending filtration system lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
treating said electrolyte solution in an electrolytic halogenation cell to form an aqueous solution of hypohalous acid
Implementation Method 2
incorporating magnesium chloride for effective chlorine generation and flocculation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for sanitization of water in a swimming pool or the like comprises the steps of forming, in the pool water, an electrolyte solution containing from 1500 ppm to 9000 ppm of a soluble magnesium halide salt, treating the electrolyte solution in an electrolytic halogenation cell to form an aqueous solution of hypohalous acid and then returning the water so treated back to a swimming pool. A mixture of magnesium and potassium chlorides with small quantities of soluble alkaline earth metal bromide is particularly effective in the sanitization process.