Reflecting UV LED Chamber for Uniform Fluid Dose Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid disinfection systems face inefficiencies in delivering an optimal dose of UV radiation to fluids, particularly in maintaining uniform disinfection across varying flow rates and volumes, leading to incomplete microbial kill and organic contaminant decomposition.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection apparatus with a reflecting chamber and UV LED radiation source, configured to distribute disinfecting radiation uniformly by reducing fluid velocity and optimizing geometric aspects, such as aspect ratio, to enhance residence time and radiation distribution within the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV irradiance is increased to deliver higher dose, then disinfection effectiveness improves, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the radiation source from conventional UV lamps to UV LEDs, which operate at lower power consumption and generate less heat while delivering the required disinfection dose. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable disinfection with reduced energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of conventional UV lamps with a solid-state UV LED system, which inherently consumes less energy and generates less heat. This substitution maintains disinfection effectiveness while reducing energy consumption and associated thermal management requirements.
2Reliability
If fluid velocity is reduced to increase residence time, then radiation dose delivery improves, but processing throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow distribution within the reflecting chamber to optimize residence time. The chamber geometry and reflective surfaces create controlled fluid dynamics that ensure uniform exposure to UV radiation while maintaining adequate throughput. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve both reliable dose delivery and acceptable processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a three-dimensional reflecting chamber design with reflective surfaces that distribute radiation throughout the fluid volume. This dimensional approach ensures uniform dose delivery across the entire fluid stream without requiring excessive residence time, thereby maintaining processing throughput while achieving reliable disinfection.
3Reliability
If conventional UV lamps are used to provide high irradiance, then disinfection dose is sufficient, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts UV LEDs which have simplified construction and longer operational life compared to conventional UV lamps. The solid-state nature of UV LEDs eliminates complex components such as ballasts, starters, and quartz envelopes, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining sufficient disinfection dose delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electrical systems of conventional UV lamps with solid-state UV LED technology. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage power supplies, ballasts, and other auxiliary components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving disinfection effectiveness.
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
Achieves consistent and efficient disinfection of fluids by ensuring a uniform dose of UV radiation is delivered, effectively reducing microbial and organic contaminant levels, even at varying flow rates and volumes.
Implementation Method 1
the source may be a UV LED
Implementation Method 2
a UV radiation may be output from a point source in a chamber, such a UV LED or similar radiation source
Implementation Method 3
Interior surfaces of the reflecting chamber may include a reflective material
Implementation Method 4
the fluid may be directed into the reflecting chamber by the fluid channel at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus and methods are described. One aspect is a disinfection apparatus comprising a body comprising a reflecting chamber, a fluid channel to direct a fluid into reflecting chamber, and radiation source positioned to output a disinfecting radiation into the chamber. The body may include an inlet and outlet. For example, the inlet may extend through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity; the reflecting chamber may extend along an axis of the body; and the outlet may extend through an end of the reflecting chamber to discharge the fluid from the body. In this example, the fluid channel may direct the fluid from the inlet into the reflecting chamber at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity; and the radiation source may be positioned to output the disinfecting radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outlet.