Silver-Coated Mesh Reactor for Swimming Pool Water Hygienization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water sanitization methods for swimming pools, such as those using chlorine or ozone, face issues with lasting disinfection due to surface coverage by biofilms and the need for frequent chemical dosing, which complicates maintenance and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement utilizing a tubular or box-shaped reactor with a silver-coated mat-like mesh to introduce silver ions into the water, controlling superficial velocity and residence time to achieve a sustained antimicrobial effect without chemical disinfectants, allowing for easy handling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants (chlorine, ozone) are used for water sanitization, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but maintenance complexity and operational effort increase due to frequent dosing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The silver-coated mesh material automatically releases silver ions into the water without requiring external dosing or active control. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent oligodynamic effect of silver to continuously sanitize the water, eliminating the need for operational intervention in disinfectant dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The silver coating is applied to the mesh material in advance during manufacturing, creating a reservoir of silver that gradually releases ions into the water. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for ongoing chemical dosing operations and maintenance interventions.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are continuously dosed to maintain disinfection levels, then hygienization is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The silver-coated mesh autonomously maintains silver ion concentration in the water without requiring external dosing systems, control mechanisms, or monitoring equipment. The material self-regulates the release of silver ions based on water flow and concentration gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The silver-coated mesh is designed as a replaceable component with a defined service life. Once the silver coating is depleted, the entire mesh element can be replaced without complex system modifications, simplifying the overall device architecture compared to continuous chemical dosing systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If silver-coated materials are used for disinfection, then chemical-free sanitization is achieved, but silver ion concentration control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameters for the silver coating including concentration ranges (0.1-10 g silver per m²), mesh geometry, and flow velocity ranges (0.1-10 m/s). These parameter specifications ensure that silver ion release remains within effective and safe ranges without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to monitor silver ion concentration in the water, providing feedback that allows adjustment of flow parameters or replacement timing to maintain optimal disinfection levels. This ensures consistent performance while eliminating chemical residues.
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
Ensures guaranteed hygienization with trace silver concentrations, maintaining effective antimicrobial levels for an extended period without the need for chlorine or ozone, facilitating easy retrofitting and reduced maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a tubular or box-shaped reactor with a silver-coated mat-like mesh to introduce silver ions into the water, controlling superficial velocity and residence time to achieve a sustained antimicrobial effect
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement for sanitizing water in a swimming pool system and a swimming- or bathing area, comprises: a reactor (2) installed in a basin (1) of the swimming pool system, and swimming or bathing area, with a mat-like mesh or knitted fabric (4) coated or containing silver, arranged in the reactor; and a compressed air aerator (3), which connects the water to be sanitized, flowing through the reactor with the mat-like knitted fabric using a compressed air supply.