Microbiological Liquid Purification System with Infrared Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water treatment systems face inefficiencies in heating and recirculating water for on-demand use, leading to energy inefficiencies and potential contamination risks, especially in providing a consistent supply of safe drinking water across various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microbiological liquid purification system utilizing a high-efficiency plate heat exchanger connected to a coil recirculation chamber via an infrared electric liquid-heater, monitored by sensors and controlled by an electronic controller, which heats and cools water as needed to maintain microbial safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is heated and stored in large vessels for on-demand use, then a consistent supply of heated water is available, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic heating cycles with temperature sensors to detect when water reaches the target temperature, then stops heating. The water is reheated only when the temperature drops below the threshold, avoiding continuous energy consumption while maintaining reliable hot water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a reservoir of pre-heated water that can be dispensed continuously without reheating. The plate heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat to maintain water temperature, ensuring continuous useful action without excessive energy input.
2Temperature
If water is recirculated through heating systems, then water temperature is maintained, but contamination risks increase from prolonged stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic recirculation rather than continuous circulation. The pump operates intermittently to refresh the water in the lines, preventing stagnation and bacterial growth while maintaining temperature. Temperature sensors trigger recirculation cycles to refresh water without prolonged stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards water that has been in the system too long by flushing it through the heat exchanger and back to the source, recovering heat in the process. This prevents contamination while maintaining energy efficiency through heat recovery.
3Reliability
If traditional heating systems are used for water purification, then microbial safety is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the water's own heat content and simple thermal exchange to achieve purification. The plate heat exchanger allows hot water to heat cold incoming water, and the temperature differential itself provides the microbial safety without complex sterilization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves microbial safety by changing the temperature parameter of the water through simple heating and cooling cycles. By controlling temperature parameters with sensors and heat exchangers, the system purifies water without complex chemical or mechanical sterilization systems.
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 system provides a continuous, efficient supply of microbiologically safe water, meeting EPA standards, while minimizing energy consumption and ensuring water is available at the desired temperature, addressing both energy efficiency and contamination concerns.
Implementation Method 1
high-efficiency infrared electric liquid-heater
Implementation Method 2
infrared electric liquid-heater
Implementation Method 3
high-efficiency plate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
plate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
plate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 6
recirculation by a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the microbiological purification of a liquid. The system includes a high-efficiency plate heat exchanger connected to a coil recirculation chamber via a high-efficiency infrared electric liquid-heater. The liquid enters the system at an ambient temperature, the temperature is raised by the heater and maintained in the chamber via recirculation by a pump. An electronic controller redirects the liquid through the exchanger to cool it and supply to a plumbed outlet. In combination, the system can be used to monitor and control various temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and heat exchanges in order to purify the liquid. The method includes steps to produce, install, implement, and use the liquid purification system to eliminate, neutralize, kill, or otherwise exclude/minimize biological organisms and contamination from the liquid.