UV-C Conduit Disinfection with Curved Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV-C disinfection systems are ineffective for high flow-rate fluid flows, such as those in ventilation conduits, due to the need for high-power sources and long residence times to achieve sufficient disinfection dosage, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A device with curved profile walls and a UV-C radiation source, combined with a parabolic reflector, concentrates radiation within the device, enhancing sterilization efficiency for larger fluid flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-power UV-C sources and long residence times are used to achieve sufficient disinfection dosage, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces (parabolic and spherical reflectors) to concentrate UV-C radiation onto the fluid flow path. The parabolic reflector directs radiation from the source along the conduit walls, while spherical reflectors at intervals further concentrate the radiation, achieving higher dosage without increasing source power or residence time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflective surfaces that operate in multiple dimensions to redirect and concentrate radiation. By using parabolic and spherical geometries, the system adds spatial dimensions to radiation distribution, creating concentrated zones along the fluid path without extending the linear residence time or increasing source power linearly.
2Reliability
If high-power UV-C sources are used to achieve sufficient disinfection dosage, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflective surfaces (parabolic and spherical) concentrate UV-C radiation onto the fluid flow, increasing the effective dosage delivered to the fluid without requiring proportionally higher source power. This geometric concentration reduces the energy input needed from the source while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflective surfaces to redirect and concentrate radiation that would otherwise be dispersed or lost. By strategically placing parabolic and spherical reflectors, the system converts potentially wasted radiation into concentrated effective dosage along the fluid path, improving energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If long residence time is used to achieve sufficient disinfection dosage, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The parabolic and spherical reflective surfaces concentrate UV-C radiation along the fluid flow path, increasing the effective dosage received by the fluid without requiring extended residence time. This allows the system to maintain high fluid flow rates while achieving sufficient disinfection dosage through enhanced radiation concentration rather than prolonged exposure.
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 device achieves a substantial doubling of average power density and improved radiation concentration, effectively disinfecting higher flow rates with reduced power loss and increased efficiency compared to systems with constant cross-sections.
Implementation Method 1
disinfecting a fluid flow in a conduit by means of UV-C radiation
Implementation Method 2
combined with a parabolic reflector, concentrates radiation within the device
Data Source
AI summary
Device for disinfecting a fluid in a conduit comprising an outer casing adapted to be connected to at least a portion of said conduit and having a longitudinal axis and a source of UV-C radiation housed in the casing, wherein the casing includes at least one side wall having a longitudinal section with a curved profile with the concavity facing the interior of the casing.