Apparatus for sterilizing a liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV sterilization systems face challenges in achieving high throughput with minimal installation space, particularly in turbid liquids, due to significant attenuation of UV radiation and inefficiencies in energy use, especially when using LEDs, and require bulky constructions that hinder miniaturization and efficient flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A compact UV-C reactor design featuring a container with a rotatable arrangement having a three-dimensional structured surface that moves liquid portions or films from a lower section to an upper section for irradiation, minimizing liquid thickness and utilizing energy-efficient UV LEDs, which allows for complete sterilization with reduced energy consumption and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV radiation power is increased to achieve sufficient sterilization in turbid liquids, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy efficiency is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow path is segmented into multiple passes through the irradiation zone using baffles and flow distributors. This allows the liquid to be exposed to UV radiation in multiple smaller segments rather than requiring a single high-power exposure, achieving cumulative sterilization effect with lower energy consumption per pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear flow-through reactors to a three-dimensional circulation system with multiple irradiation zones arranged vertically and horizontally. Liquid is circulated through multiple levels of irradiation chambers, increasing the effective irradiation volume and surface area without requiring proportionally higher radiation power.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED UV sources are used to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but maximum UV radiation output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED UV sources are combined and distributed throughout the reactor volume rather than relying on a single high-power source. The patent employs arrays of LEDs positioned at multiple locations to collectively deliver sufficient UV radiation dose while maintaining individual LED operation at efficient power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation of liquid through the irradiation zones, ensuring that all liquid receives cumulative UV exposure over time. This continuous action allows lower instantaneous radiation power to achieve the same cumulative sterilization effect that would require higher peak power in a single-pass system.
3Reliability
If traditional bulky UV reactor constructions are used, then sufficient radiation coverage is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor design employs nested irradiation chambers where smaller irradiation zones are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones. Baffles and flow distributors are integrated within the reactor vessel structure rather than requiring separate external components, achieving comprehensive radiation coverage through nested spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of irradiation chambers and multi-level flow distribution to achieve three-dimensional utilization of available space. This vertical and horizontal layering of irradiation zones provides comprehensive radiation coverage without requiring proportional increases in horizontal footprint.
4Use of energy by moving object
If liquid layer thickness is reduced to improve UV transmission, then radiation penetration is improved, but throughput per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system continuously recirculates liquid through multiple irradiation passes, maintaining thin liquid layers during each pass for optimal UV transmission. The continuous circulation ensures that throughput is not limited by the thin layer configuration, as liquid is constantly moved through the system rather than requiring large batch volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The total liquid volume is processed in multiple sequential passes through the irradiation zones rather than requiring all liquid to be treated simultaneously. This segmentation allows thin liquid layers to be maintained during each pass while the cumulative effect of multiple passes treats the entire volume, preserving both transmission efficiency and overall throughput.
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 design achieves high throughput and efficient sterilization of liquids with minimal installation space, effectively inactivating germs by directing UV radiation onto regions with increased germ density, while maintaining energy efficiency and preventing contamination, suitable for use in dishwashers and wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation source which is configured to emit radiation with wavelengths in the range of UV radiation, in particular UV-C radiation
Implementation Method 2
DNA absorbs radiation particularly at a maximum which lies between about 260 and 270 nm
Implementation Method 3
A rotatable arrangement with a three-dimensional structured surface is provided in the container. The rotatable arrangement is configured to move, during a rotation, liquid portions or films from the lower section to the upper section
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sterilizing a liquid comprises a container having an inlet, an outlet and an interior with an outer wall which defines a first section and a second section, the first section being configured to receive the liquid. A rotatable arrangement set up in the interior with a surface is furthermore provided, the rotatable arrangement being configured in such a way that during a rotation the surface moves from the first section into the second section and from there back into the first section. The apparatus furthermore comprises at least one radiation source which is adapted to emit radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength range.