UV Treatment Chamber Reflective Liner Photon Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light treatment systems for fluids are limited in their ability to deliver effective doses due to low reflectivity and incomplete enclosure, leading to inefficient deactivation of microorganisms and chemical treatment.
Innovation Solution
A chamber with highly reflective surfaces (>80% reflectivity) and a UV-transmissive tube enclosed within it, minimizing light loss and maximizing photon deposition, allowing for increased and uniform UV irradiation of liquids or gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional UV treatment systems with low reflectivity surfaces are used, then the system structure is simple, but the UV dose delivery efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful loss of UV photons through reflective surfaces into a beneficial effect by using highly reflective materials (>80% reflectivity) to redirect photons back into the fluid path. This transforms photon loss into enhanced UV dose delivery, allowing the system to achieve higher treatment efficiency without proportionally increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the UV photon path length by utilizing the third dimension through reflective surfaces positioned at strategic angles. Instead of relying solely on direct line-of-sight irradiation, the reflective surfaces create multiple reflection paths, effectively increasing the interaction volume between UV light and fluid without expanding the linear dimensions of the chamber significantly
2Productivity
If highly reflective surfaces are used to maximize UV dose, then UV treatment efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable reflective coatings or liners within the chamber that can be applied to standard chamber structures. These reflective surfaces can be manufactured separately and installed without requiring custom-machined high-reflectivity chamber bodies, thereby maintaining ease of chamber manufacturing while achieving high UV dose delivery through the reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction where a standard chamber body is combined with highly reflective surface treatments or coatings. This allows the structural integrity and ease of manufacture of conventional chambers to be preserved while the reflective surfaces provide enhanced UV photon redirection. The composite approach separates the structural function from the optical function, enabling independent optimization of each
3Loss of energy
If the chamber is fully enclosed with reflective surfaces, then UV photon utilization is maximized, but heat dissipation and access for maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chamber into modular sections with selective enclosure. Rather than fully enclosing the entire chamber, reflective surfaces are strategically positioned in specific zones where photon redirection is most beneficial, while leaving other areas open for heat dissipation and maintenance access. This segmented approach allows optimization of UV photon utilization in treatment zones without compromising operational accessibility in other zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces removable intermediate components such as access panels, removable lamp holders, or modular reflective surface sections that facilitate lamp replacement and maintenance. These intermediary elements allow the chamber to maintain its enclosed reflective structure during operation while providing controlled access points for maintenance activities without requiring complete disassembly of the reflective enclosure
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 system achieves a higher effective UV dose with reduced power input, ensuring efficient deactivation of microorganisms and treatment of chemicals, while maintaining uniformity and reducing the need for chemical preservatives.
Implementation Method 1
a UV lamp and the UV lamp is disposed within the UV-transmissive tube
Implementation Method 2
a reflective material interposed between the chamber and the transmissive tube, and the reflective material is adapted so as to reflect at least a portion of light emitted by the UV lamp
Implementation Method 3
an UV-transmissive tube which is disposed within the chamber and is adapted for the passage of the liquid therethrough
Implementation Method 4
the treatment of fluids using ultraviolet light for deactivating microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the treatment of a liquid that includes a chamber having at least one inner surface, the chamber adapted for passage of a fluid therethrough. The chamber is at least 80 percent enclosed. The apparatus also includes an optional ultraviolet-transmissive tube disposed within the chamber and also adapted for the passage of the liquid therethrough. The apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the chamber and, optionally, within the ultraviolet-transmissive tube. A reflective material is interposed between the chamber and the transmissive tube. The reflective material is adapted so as to reflect at least a portion of light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp, wherein the reflective material is at least 80 percent reflective.